Enemy Exchange: New York Jets Edition
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(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
1) How is the offensive line holding up with its injuries?
Offensive line should be fine. We got a little nervous with Mangold getting a stinger in practice, but he’s back, and along with D’Brick, Brandon Moore, Matt Slauson and Wayne Hunter, it should resemble last years line.
2) How good is it to have a 6’6″ receiver like Plaxico Burress on the squad? What is Plax adding to the team, have you noticed differences, and is there any chance he taking something away from the offense?
A healthy Plaxico makes such a difference to the Jets success on offense. His size alone allows Mark Sanchez to get more creative in the red zone, an area the Jets really struggled in last season. Big upgrade over Braylon Edwards, but there is a fear about his ability to stay healthy.
3) over 100 yards on the ground last week without your starting RB must feel good, what can we expect to see from the Jets running game this season?
The running game will really define this team this season. And by running game, I mean Shonn Greene. When healthy, Greene is one of the top running backs in the NFL. (ok, maybe not the top, but he’s dominant). If he can finally stay healthy, the Jets are really setting themselves up for another great season. Greene opens up the passing game so much. With Santonio Holmes, Burress, Derrick Mason, Dustin Keller and LaDainian Tomlinson, all it takes is a good play-action and that starts with a good RB.
4) What does Sanchez have to do this season differently to get over the hump and get to a Superbowl?
Mark Sanchez has been in the league for 2 years and has 4 playoff road victories. Sanchez is not the problem. 2 seasons ago, the Jets secondary got destroyed by Peyton Manning; last season, the front 7 got ripped apart by the Steelers running game. Throughout those games, and playoff runs, Sanchez was amazing. Who cares about the regular season if Sanchez performs like he did the past 2 years.
5) Prediction for the game, and the rest of the season
My prediction for the game is more like a prayer. I pray that nobody gets hurt. There really is nothing more frustrating than injuries during the preseason. I see the Jets winning a tight one however. As for the season, I think we will see the Jets visit Foxboro again in the playoffs with the winner trying to get to the superbowl. The rest is up to Gang Green.