Jets TakeOff! Week 1 Preview Bills vs. Jets

Nov 27, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson (13) bobbles the bal as New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) defends during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

It’s finally here, approximately 30 hours away. The week one opener against the Buffalo Bills from MetLife Stadium. The Jets will have a tough test opening against a much improved Bills defensive front. Let’s take a look at the series between these two teams.

Overall, the Bills lead with a record of 53-49. It has been a much different story in recent years, with the Jets winning the last six games, and seven of the last eight. Rex Ryan has a 5-1 record against Bills coach Chan Gailey. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is looking to take the next step in his development after throwing for career highs in passing yards(3,832), and TDs (24). Here are some keys to victory for the Jets: Aug 25, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) on the sideline during the second half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Steelers beat the Bills 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

AUSTIN HOWARD VS MARIO WILLIAMS The offensive line, once a strength of the New York Jets, became an achilles heel last season. A big part of it was the guy that Austin Howard is replacing, Wayne Hunter. The Jets are thrilled to have Austin in the lineup, as he looked quite good when given the opportunity this preseason. However, he will have as tough a test as possible to start the year, going against Mario Williams. With 53 sacks for his career to date, he is a tough go for any lineman. This will be a key matchup that will aid in determination of the game outcome.

Aug 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) during warmups prior to playing the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

GROUND AND POUND GETS GOING

The Jets are not going to dominate anybody with a barrage of down the field passes. Despite Tony Sparano’s talk about the importance of it, that is not how the Jets are going to win. They are going to win with methodical drives on offense, grounding out the yards and limiting mistakes. That will start with an effective running attack. The offensive line must win the battle up front, and get Shonn Greene and company going. They weren’t effective during the preseason, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. That is not going to cut it. The Jets need to control the clock with a consistent average of over 4 yards per carry. That will make the rest of this offense happen.

WILL STEVE JOHNSON PLAY?

Steve Johnson has had as much success as anybody in the NFL against Darrelle Revis, and last season became the first Bills wide receiver to post back to back 1,000 yard seasons. He has been questionable all week. It will be a big blow to the Bills offense if he does not play. If he does play, and can play effectively, Darrelle will have all he can handle keeping him down. This is another key matchup in determining the outcome tomorrow.

Aug 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott (57) during warmups prior to playing the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

IS THE JETS DEFENSE FOR REAL?

Bart Scott is ready, willing and able to make 2011 a distant memory. He has slimmed down, and has been fired up this preseason, and the defense took his lead, not giving up an offensive touchdown as a first team. The pass rush, with Quinton Coples and Aaron Mayben, has looked much improved. The run defense has been great. But that is the preseason. It’s time to show it in the regular season. They will have a tough test going up against Fred Jackson, who averaged over 137 yards per game from scrimmage before injury ended his 2011 campaign.

These are some keys to the game tomorrow. Enjoy.