Scouting the Jets
1 Mark Sanchez gets a lot of blame for their offensive struggles » It might not always be deserved. The fourth-year quarterback managed only 180 passing yards in last week’s win over Buffalo, but he also was 7-for-9 during the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter and threw for a career-high four touchdowns. Sanchez plays well in clutch situations, but struggles within the Jets’ offensive line continue to take him out of his comfort zone. That leads to bad decisions for a passer who never has been described as super accurate.
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2 The running game could be poised to turn the corner » The Jets enter the weekend ranked 24th in rushing (100.4 yards a game) and average 3.8 yards a carry, tied for fifth worst in the NFL. But the absence of center Nick Mangold with a high ankle sprain hurt early in the year, and the Jets have had to get accustomed to fullback John Connor, who played sparingly last year, and promising-but-inconsistent right tackle Wayne Hunter.
3 Lapses have hurt their passing defense » The Jets rank fourth in opposing completion percentage (.557) and seventh in passing yards allowed (204.6 a game), but they have given up three touchdown passes in two of their last three games. Cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie both were victimized by Buffalo and were lucky that the Bills’ receivers dropped some balls late. They also haven’t gotten any help from a front seven that has struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
4 Plaxico Burress has delivered » He has nearly matched Braylon Edwards’ production last year thus far. With his potential unclear when he rejoined the NFL after two years in prison, Burress has 30 catches for 489 yards and seven touchdowns through 11 games. At the same point last year, Edwards had 35 receptions for 618 yards and six touchdowns. Burress has settled in as the season has progressed, and he’s beginning to make the big plays for which he is known. Meanwhile, Edwards has 14 catches and zero touchdowns this season with San Francisco.
