Game-day details
Sun., 4:15 p.m. ET, Ralph Wilson Stadium
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Partly sunny. High: 64. Low: 48.
Why To Watch
The Battle of the Backups has become the Savior Bowl as both Kelly Holcomb and Vinny Testaverde led their respective teams to much-needed Week 5 victories.
Testaverde led the Jets on two touchdown drives, their first such points scored since Chad Pennington was injured in Week 3. Testaverde helps running back Curtis Martin, who didn't have many yards in Week 5 but ran for both scores. Testaverde can still make all the throws to his talented receivers, so look for the Jets to find more balance as Testaverde becomes more comfortable with offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger's system.
Holcomb showed poise under fire and racked up points in the Bills' first three drives against a tough Dolphins defense last week. Running back Willis McGahee is formidable, and if Holcomb can lead a consistent passing game, he may provide the team a chance to win every week.
Both offenses must improve, but they now at least offer their defenses an opportunity to play with purpose. If the Jets can beat the Bills, they will be 2-0 in the division. Their last four division games are after Dec. 1, at which point it's feasible that Jay Fiedler could be back from his dislocated right shoulder injury.
Jets Keys For Success
1. Run to the left. The Bills have not been able to stop the run. Tackle Ron Edwards is injured, so they must start Justin Bannan or Tim Anderson in his place. Bannan is the more complete player, but he must spell mammoth tackle Sam Adams during long drives. In addition, linebacker Angelo Crowell must take over for Takeo Spikes. Look for the Jets to run to their left to challenge backups and the depth of Buffalo's front seven.
2. Use spread formations. Testaverde always has problems reading defenses, and the Bills do well at using different looks aimed at creating confusion. Spreading the field will force the Bills out of their two-deep scheme, making Testaverde's reads easier.
3. Throw to the perimeter. Testaverde still can to hit sideline routes from the opposite hashmark. Bills cornerbacks like to play with a big cushion, so expect quick passes to wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, setting up stop-and-go route when the cornerbacks cheat up.
Bills Keys For Success
1. Run to the weak side. End John Abraham, who plays the weak side, is undersized for an every-down defensive player and has problems getting off blocks on running plays to his side. Look for offset fullback Damien Shelton to block Abraham to the inside as Abraham crosses the line of scrimmage, thus opening the outside run.
2. Stunt through right tackle Jason Fabini. Offensive tackles rely on their inside knee to allow them to change direction against a redirected pass rush. Usually a left tackle, Fabini injured his right knee and has been moved to the right side to compensate for his injury. Expect the Bills to run stunts and twists at Fabini to test his ability to drive off his banged-up leg.
3. Use the shotgun formation. Facing Abraham and fellow end Shaun Ellis, Holcomb in his second start will need as much time as possible to find receivers while adjusting to the pass rush. The Bills allowed 11 sacks in their first four games but only one when Holcomb was in the shotgun last week.
Injuries at a glance
Jets injuries
10/10/05 Derrick Blaylock RB Foot surgery Out till at least Week 12
10/10/05 Chad Pennington QB Shoulder Should be ready for 2006 season
10/9/05 Eric Barton LB Sprained ankle Could return Week 7
9/29/05 Jason Fabini T MCL sprain Out until mid-October
9/30/05 Jay Fiedler QB Shoulder Could be out for the season
Bills injuries
10/10/05 Tim Euhus TE Shoulder/pectoral Could return Week 6
10/8/05 Ron Edwards DT Shoulder surgery Likely lost for season
10/3/05 Roscoe Parrish WR Wrist Week 7 return at earliest
The Bottom Line
Buffalo had five takeaways and Miami committed a franchise-record 18 penalties last week, but the Bills had to hang on to win. The Jets have the fewest penalties and turnovers in the NFL since 2001. Both offenses will continue to play within their limits, but the Jets' defense is far better and will be the difference.
Both teams need a win badly. If we can run on them we should be able to pull one out.
__________________
My message is universal: It doesn't matter who you are, or how you got in the room, you're all in the room. Now what are you going to do with this opportunity?
Coach Mangini
Winner of this has a decent shot at the POs, loser doesn't. Simple as that.
__________________
Props to Megatron ^^^
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Artist formerly known as wmcgahee69 big foot causes all train derailings.
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills
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