Jets Takeoff! Week 7 Game Preview Jets vs Chargers

Coming off of a 24-6 win on Monday night against the hapless Miami Dolphins, the Jets take on the San Diego Chargers Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium.  We know that the handshake post game might be interesting, after the war of words initiated by head coach Rex Ryan.  The Chargers will be rested coming off the bye week, and it’s looking more and more like Antonio Gates will be active for the game on Sunday.  Let’s take a look at the series between these two teams:

The Chargers lead the overall series 19-11-1, and have won 3 out of the last five games between the two, and 3 out of the last 4 in East Rutherford.  San Diego is seeking it’s fourth straight win, while dating back to 1/2/11, the Jets are seeking their fifth consecutive home win.  Here are some things to watch for:

CHARGERS OFFENSE VS JETS DEFENSE

This will be a big week for Mike Pettine and the Jets defense.  This will be a tough test for the team, to see if they are really back on track.  The Chargers offense has been great at controlling the football, leading the league in time of possession, averaging 35:17 per game.  The Jets will need to get off the field in this game.  Tough task against Phillip Rivers, who has led the AFC in passing yards since 2010 with 6,246.  The last time these two teams faced off in the regular season, Rivers was 19-25 passing, for 250 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT.  He will be seeking his 60th career win as a starting quarterback on Sunday.  The Jets pass defense will be put to the test.

As will the run defense.  As prolific as the Chargers’ passing attack is, the running attack has faired well of late.  Ryan Matthews is playing the best ball of his young career, averaging 101.3 yards rushing over the last 3 games.  We all know how the Jets rushing defense has faired lately, so this will be a big test as well.

VINCENT JACKSON VS DARRELLE REVIS

Another week, another marquee matchup to take place on Revis Island.  And it should be a good one.

Vincent Jackson has started well , with 23 catches for 408 yards and 3 TD over the young season.  He has played well against the Jets, with 7 receptions and 111 yards in the divisional playoff game in 2010.  We know how Revis is playing, coming off his 2 INT game last week, including the 100 yard pick six.  This will be a good one, and a pivotal one.

WELCOME BACK ANTONIO GATES

According to twitter, it is coming out that Antonio Gates may be active on Sunday.  If he is, and he’s healthy, watch out.  The Jets, as we know, have well documented problems with the hybrid, pass catching tight end, and Gates is the best.  Last time the Chargers were in East Rutherford, Gates recorded 8 catches for 132 yards, and he needs 5 receptions to pass Hall of Famer, and the original hybrid tight end Kellen Winslow.  If he’s healthy look for him to play well on Sunday.

JETS OFFENSE VS CHARGERS DEFENSE

Mark Sanchez was setting a goal of 60% completion in 2011, and so far has achieved that goal at home.  So far, Mark has gone 57-93 for 718 yards, 5 TDs and 3 INTs.  He will have a tough test against the Chargers’ pass defense, which so far has been second best in the NFL agains the pass, allowing only 179.6 yards per game.  Santonio Holmes will be looking for his 3rd straight game with a TD, and including the playoffs, leading receiver Dustin Keller will be looking for his 3rd straight game with a TD catch vs San Diego.  There’s been much talk this week about how although the start has been slow, Plaxico Burress still feels he can dominate.  We will see how these guys look on Sunday.

Shonn Greene has shown signs of life over the last couple of weeks as well, and had his breakout game against the Chargers in the 2010 playoffs, rushing 23 times for 128 yards and 1 TD.  We’ll see if “ground and pound”, comes to life.

There you have it, your week 7 game preview.  Enjoy the game, see you on the other side.