New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keys to Victory

Aug 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) and teammates work out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Are you ready for some football? I know I am. Jets and the Bucs, tomorrow afternoon from MetLife stadium. It has been far too long since the Jets played a game that counted. It’s that time again, FINALLY! Now, can the Jets come out of the gate 1-0? Sure they can. Here are some keys to victory.

STOP DOUG MARTIN

We have discussed this all week long, the need to keep Martin contained. Josh Freeman is not going to win this on his own, he needs an effective running game to be effective. Martin is just that guy that gives the Jets’ fits. They had better set the edges and keep this guy under wraps. Otherwise, it will be a long afternoon at MetLife.

VINCENT JACKSON VS ANTONIO CROMARTIE

This should be a fun one to watch. Jackson quickly became Josh Freeman’s favorite target last year with 72 receptions for over 1,300 yards to go along with 8 TDs. We know what Antonio Cromartie can do as the number one cornerback. Freeman will look for Vincent tomorrow, the matchup will most definitely be a key to victory.

HOW TO ATTACK DARRELLE REVIS

So, what are the Jets going to do here? Are they going to be like their previous opponents? Are they going to stay away from Revis Island? That would be the conventional wisdom, if he had not been hurt.

But, coming off the injury, do you test his knee? A lot of people are talking about trying double moves on him early, to see if he can tangled up in his own feet. If the knee isn’t really ready to go, this will make Darrelle quite uncomfortable out there.

This is how I would handle it. I would test Darrelle early. Despite all of the work that he has done to get back to health, he hasn’t played a down yet. There is no way to truly know how good his mobility is until that happens. We don’t know if he is truly back until he is out on that field. You can test him, and then back off if he is his old self. But if he’s not, he is an area to start attacking.

GENO SMITH

It’s debut time for Geno Smith. His first regular season NFL game and we know he will have some jitters. But, his playing well is going to do a lot to determine if the Jets win this one. The offense is based in the passing game, so Smith is going to have to be efficient for the Jets to have any chance.

What are some of YOUR keys to the game?