Back to Work for the Jets, Tough Game Upcoming

Oct 14, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Quinton Coples (98) grabs the face mask of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aristide Economopoulos/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

The Jets got back to work yesterday at Florham Park, NJ, getting ready for the second half of the season. The Jets are hitting a stretch that will determine the rest of this season, as it is an easier schedule that could yield some wins for the Jets. But, it is also a stretch that could go the opposite way, and take the Jets down the very opposite path. It’s starts this Sunday as the Jets travel to the left coast to face Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and the rest of the Seattle Seahawks.

We will have our usual preview on Saturday, but I had some initial thoughts about the game this morning.

The Jets have been installed as a 6.5 point underdog. It’s an interesting line, because like I said earlier, this game really has the potential to go either way. Let me tell you what I mean.

The first thing that comes to mind when looking at this game is the rookie quarterback, Russell Wilson. He is an improving young quarterback, but the fact is, he is a rookie. The Jets, under Rex Ryan, have been historically good against rookie QBs, never losing a game to them. Typically, the Jets are able to bring so many different looks to a young quarterback, that they don’t know which end is up. So on it’s face, you would think this is going to be a win in the bank for the Jets.

Nov 4, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota, 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

For one, the guy to the left is going to make the game that much harder. The Jets have been putrid and slow against the run. Marshawn Lynch has been well worth his “beast” nickname, rushing for 881 yards through 9 games, which is almost an average of 100 yards PER GAME. He is almost averaging 5 yards per carry as well, which doesn’t bode well for the way the Jets have played defense to date in 2012. They actually have been better against the pass than they have against the run. The Jets cannot let this guy beat them if they have any chance of winning on Sunday.

And, factor in the trip to the West Coast, and that makes it even tougher. The Jets have never been successful, at least not consistently, when making trips to the West. The time change makes it tough for any team, but the Jets always seem to have it even tougher. Add to that, the noise in that stadium, thanks to the 12th man, and you make a tough situation even tougher for the Jets.

They can get it tone, but it is going to take hard work this week.