New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan, the former defensive coordinator of the Ravens, should be very familiar with their play calling. The National Football League’s number one defense will be ready. Cornerback Darrelle Revis (#24) has recently signed a multimillion dollar four year contract with the Jets. Revis is a physically aggressive cover man and should give the Ravens Wide Receivers much difficulty. Cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie (#31) and Kyle Wilson (#20) will also be headhunting. The NY Jets Cover-2 (Zone) Defense in a 46 formation with Middle Linebacker Jamal Westerman (#55) and Linebackers Kenwin Cummings (#54) and Lance Laury (#56) has established Pain Incorporated. Defensive Ends Jason Taylor (#99) and Shaun Ellis (#92) along with Defensive Tackles Matt Kroul (#93) and Vernon Gholston (#50) are also active contributors to the affliction of opposing teams. I have no doubt that Jim Flacco and the Ravens will be leaving the Meadowlands with bumps and bruises.
The Jets have lassoed some great players during the off season. They picked up Wide Receiver Santonio Holmes (#10) from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Holmes scored a 57 yard touchdown in the final preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Even though the Jets offense was lack luster during the preseason, they managed to pull out a 21-17 win against the Eagles. Unfortunately, the Jets will have to wait four weeks for Holmes to complete his suspension. Wide Receiver Braylon Edwards (#17) is healthy and ready to go.
Quarterback Mark Sanchez (#6) had plenty of protection last year. This year he has plenty of outlets when the defenders turn up the pressure. They’ve also acquired Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson (#21) from the San Diego Chargers this season. The offensive Linemen, Left Tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson (#60), Left Guard Matt Slauson (#68), Center Nick Mangold (#74), Right Guard Brandon Moore (#65) and Right Tackle Damien Woody (#67) have a way of wearing down opposing defenses. The Jets Running Backs averaged 125 yards per game last year. They were the number one rushing offense in the NFL. Sanchez, with the help of third year Running Back Shonn Greene (#23), should be able to find the End Zone often this year. The only weak spot on the New York Jets team is Kicker, Nick Folk (#2). I expect the Jets usual gritty play and suspect the Jets will have a few surprises for the Ravens on Monday night.
Ravens Quarterback Jim Flacco might be cause for concern for the New York Jets. He is throwing better than ever. Baltimore is utilizing a no-huddle five minute offense that is very effective. Running Backs Willis McGahee from Miami and Ray Rice from Rutgers continue to gobble up big patches of Real Estate each game. The Ravens offensive line has created openings which enable these backs to run through the defensive line. In addition, Jim Flacco occasionally scrambles for yards also.
Ravens Wide Receiver Donte’ Stallworth and Demetrius Williams were cut by Baltimore. After being cut by the Seattle Seahawks, Wide Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has been signed by the Ravens. Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin was also acquired, from the St. Louis Cardinals, by Baltimore. Veteran Marcus Smith and Rookie David Reed may also see action at the Wide Receiver position. Baltimore Kicker Billy Cundiff will be accurate.
I’m expecting some hard knocks football from the New York Jets. The Jets will manage the clock with the running game and keep Flacco on the sidelines. The Jets will have to put up some points; and I believe they can. Their defense must be alert and pay attention to Ravens Flacco, Boldin and Ray Rice. They must deny Baltimore first downs. I do not expect the cornerbacks to give up a big gainer. Looks like Pain Incorporated 27 and those visitors 20.
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