New York Jets Opening Night Game Preview: Keys to Success

The wait is almost over.  Kickoff of the new year is 2 days away.  The Jets and the Cowboys.  Brother vs. Brother.  The tenth anniversary of September 11th.  Coach Rex Ryan has stated earlier in the week that this is the most pressure he has felt to win a game.  Here are some keys to success on Sunday night:

REVIS AND CRO VS AUSTIN AND BRYANT

Tony Romo is a terrific quarterback, bordering on being a top tier quarterback.  Unfortunately for him, he is most remembered for botching that snap in the playoffs when Bill Parcells was the coach.  People forget that for his career he has passed for a 64.1% completion rate, as well as 118 TDs against only 62 INTs.  If ever he is going to make stride to being an elite QB, this is going to be the year, and he has the weapons to do it.  Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are terric weapons on the outside, and don’t forget about Jason Witten, and Felix Jones on the ground.  These are great weapons, and will be a tough challenge for Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.  Dallas will be game planning for quick passes to neutralize the blitz schemes of the Jets, and the coverage will be a key matchup on Sunday.

DEMARCUS WARE VS THE JETS OFFENSIVE LINE

This one is pretty obvious.  Coach Ryan has stated that Demarcus Ware will be a focus of the offensive line on every play.  Good idea.  With 80 sacks over his first 6 years in the league, and being only 29 years old, in the prime of his career, he can reak havoc if given the opportunity.  Dear Nick Mangold, and crew, don’t give him that opportunity.

RED ZONE OFFENSE

This has been a problem for the Jets in the past, and has continued into this preseason.  The Jets were not efficient in the red zone, other than a TD to Santonio Holmes in the Giants game, the offense was not great in the red zone.  This is where the influence of Plaxico Burress needs to come in.  He is a big target, and Bryan Schottenheimer needs to use him, and Mark Sanchez needs to find him.  This is an area that will take the Jets from a good offense to a terrific offense.

ESTABLISH SHONN GREENE EARLY AND OFTEN

Here is a great chance to establish our ground and pound lifestyle.  Last season, the Cowboys allowed 4.3 yards per carry on the ground, and even the preseason, although still learning a new defense, allowed 4.4 yards per carry.  Shonn Greene is going to get his first chance to be the every down back again on Sunday night, and with his power running style, he can have a big impact.  With all of the weapons on the outside, Rex always talks about how the Jets are going to be “ground and pound” first.  Here is a prime chance to show it.

These are just some keys to the game on Sunday night.  Enjoy the game.