New York Jets Talking About the 49ers

Sept 23, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

The first Jets test in the 2012 Post-Revis period comes this Sunday, when the Jets host the San Francisco 49ers. This will be a tough test for the Jets, as they go up against a physical team, that plays with a style of play that is similar to their own. Some of the Jets were talking about facing their opponent this week. First, Antonio Cromartie on the 49ers offense:

They have a great running attack with Frank Gore. I think the young guy is (Kendall) Hunter. They have a one-two (running) back combination. They throw the ball down the field. Most people call it conservative, but for them it’s really not conservative. They stay safe with the football. (Alex Smith) threw his first interception last week, his first interception in 250-something attempts. He’s doing a great job of taking care of the football and he would rather take a sack than throw an interception.

Santonio Holmes talked about how opportunistic the 49ers defense is:

These guys are greedy man. They led the league last year in turnovers. I don’t know how many turnovers they have this year so far, but based on what they did last year, we know that this is a takeaway team. They like to get the ball in their defense’s hands (and) give it to the offense. The offense basically has very few turnovers from last year and I think they’re continuing to do the same thing this year. As far as the cornerbacks go, (I’m) really excited about these guys. (They are) playing a lot of press man-to-man. We have to be aware of the different coverages that they run, having guys pressed up, but they can be in different types (of) looks, so we really have to study hard this week and be prepared for it.

Mark Sanchez talked about his counterpart, Alex Smith:

Talk about resiliency, that’s a guy who has seen it all. I think he had five different offenses his first five years. I was with the same offense for three years and now I’m going through that first transition (this) season. I don’t know how he did that, but that’s a guy who has stayed positive and he looks like he has really learned the last few years, how to take care of the football (and) how to lead a team. When (they are) in those big time situations, he really played well. He played like a veteran quarterback, who has seen it all. I have a lot of respect for him. I think he’s a hell of a player.

Turn the page, where Mark Sanchez talks about San Francisco as a team.

Sept 23, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Mark has a lot of respect for this opponent, especially their coach, Jim Harbaugh:

This is one of the toughest teams we’ll play all year, defensively, offensively, special teams-wise. They are, in all three phases one of the best teams. They’re sharp. They know their assignments. It’s clear they play with a purpose. They have to practice really well. It just shows on film that they’re rarely out of position and they play tough, they play physical. I have a lot of respect for both Harbaugh coaches (Jim & John), so we have one coming to town and we have to play our best.

Finally, Rex Ryan talked about matching the physical style of the 49ers:

It definitely is a physical challenge and things. But (they’re) smart, they give you a lot of different things, a lot of different formations, personnel groups, so you have to be on top of it. Mentally, you have to be sharp and then physically, a physical challenge, going up against that kind of talent over there, obviously, is going to be a tough match up as well.

Playing against a team that does similar things to what you do is always difficult. When a team plays a contrasting style, it’s easier to figure out what to attack, as you can see where your teams differ, and what elements of your game will fair better against the opponent. When you play a team that is a mirror of yourself, it’s difficult to handicap the game. Similar styles lend towards an evenly matched game. It should certainly be a good one, that’s for sure.