Jets TakeOff! Week 17 Preview: New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

Dec 23, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) sits on the bench during the first half at MetLIfe Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Week 17 is just about here, and the Jets take the team up to Buffalo to play out the string. The battle for a higher draft pick begins as the Jets take on the Buffalo Bills. Mark Sanchez is back as the starting quarterback as the Jets finish out one of the strangest seasons in team history. Both teams are coming off a loss, the Jets 27-17 at the hands of the Chargers, and the Bills 24-10 to the Dolphins. Let’s look at the history between these two teams.

The Bills lead the overall series 53-50, but it has been all Jets of late, winning the last 6 and 8 of the last nine. The last time these two teams met was week one, the day we got a false sense of security about our offense, as we took down the Bills 48-28. Mark Sanchez threw for 266 yards and 3 TDs that day, two to Stephen Hill. Last time they played in Buffalo the Jets won, 27-11, after the Jets scored 17 third quarter points. Here are a couple of keys to the game:

STOP CJ SPILLER

Here is a guy that made a strong case for the Pro Bowl, with over 1100 yards rushing in not even 200 carries. 6.5 yards per carry is clearly a tough guy to bring down, and the Jets saw all they needed to in week 1, when CJ ran 14 times for 169 yards. This is the type of guy that gives the Jets fits with his speed. The Jets need to set the edge and stop this guy to have any chance of winning tomorrow.

STEVIE JOHNSON VS ANTONIO CROMARTIE

Antonio Cromartie has earned that Pro Bowl appearance, and then some. Last time, when Darrelle was still healthy, Stevie had a decent day, with 4 catches for 55 yards and 1 TD. Antonio is going to have to shut down Mr. Johnson. This is the marquee matchup on the afternoon, and will do a lot to determine the outcome.

PRESSURE ON THE QUARTERBACK

In a season that has wasted away in the end, one thing that has improved of late has been the pressure on the quarterback. Mo Wilkerson has 5 sacks, and rookie Quinton Coples is looking for his 4th straight game with a sack. They will need to continue to get in Ryan Fitzpatrick’s face, forcing bad throws. They can do it, and it will be an important factor in determining the winner tomorrow afternoon.

And finally, RUN THAT FOOTBALL. Last time these two met, Shonn Greene recorded 94 yards and 1 TD. We all know the scoring wows of this offense, they are plenty. The Jets have to run the ball and control the clock. They must keep the score in the teens, and win a slug fest.

There are your keys to the game. Thanks for reading.