If the Jets can keep it going with their strong run game and stout defense, they’ll have an excellent chance to make it 2–0 in the postseason.
San Diego certainly won’t be an easy opponent at home. Winners of 11 straight games, the Chargers enter Sunday’s game as the NFL’s hottest team led by one of the hottest quarterbacks in Philip Rivers.
Behind Rivers, the Chargers have one of the league’s most potent passing offenses generating 271.1 yards per game. Rivers is also at the top of his game, ranking third in the NFL with a 65.2 completion percentage, 4,254 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and a 104.4 passer rating.
He is also 28–7 at Qualcomm Stadium.
On offense, Rivers is paired up with three of the game’s top threats in wide receivers Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd, and tight end Antonio Gates.
But it doesn’t stop there.
The Chargers’ ground game features veteran All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson and the elusive and speedy Darren Sproles. Both running backs combined for 15 touchdowns during the regular season and have big-play capability.
But for all the attention paid to the Chargers’ high-powered offense, it will be no walk in the park for them when they square up against the Jets.
New York has the league’s top ranked defense in total yards, allowing only 252.3 yards per game. They also allowed a league low 14.8 points per game, boasting one of the game’s top red-zone defenses.
Over the last seven games, including last week’s win over the Bengals, the Jets have allowed opposing offenses in the red zone only 12 times. And once inside, teams have scored only a third of the time.
According to www.newyorkjets.com, Chargers head coach Norv Turner spoke about the challenge that lies ahead for his offense, “As most great defenses do, they stand out with their speed and their aggressiveness, the way they attack. It will be a challenge for us and we’re looking forward to it.”
In last week’s AFC wildcard victory, the Jets pass defense proved to be too much for Cincinnati. Anchored by shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis, the Jets held the Bengals to only 146 receiving yards and limited their star receiver Chad Ochocinco to two receptions for 28 yards.
And as if facing the league’s best defense weren’t enough of a headache for the Bolts, they will have to contend with the NFL’s most potent rushing attack.
Running back Thomas Jones (1,402 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns) and rookie running back Shonn Greene make up a deadly duo.
While Jones was limited during last week’s win due to a bruised knee, the running game suffered little as Greene stepped in and rushed for 135 yards and one touchdown. Against a very strong Bengals run defense, the Jets churned out 171 total rushing yards.
Green sounded confident heading into this week’s matchup. He said, “Just as long as we control what we can do—take care of the football, run the football and have safe completions—I think we’ll be fine.”
Not good news if you’re San Diego. The Chargers have a relatively weak defense against the run, allowing 117.8 yards per game.
Sanchez Factor
If the Jets have any worries heading into this game, it would probably be the inexperience of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. During the regular season, Sanchez was tied for second most interceptions in the league with 20.
However, in last week’s wildcard game against the Bengals, Sanchez was extremely effective, completing 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards with a touchdown. If he can avoid turnovers again this week and allow the running game to do its thing, San Diego will have to do it all themselves against the Jets defense.
The last time these two teams met in the postseason was during the AFC wildcard in 2005. The Jets won that game 20–17 in overtime.
Jets head coach Rex Ryan summed it up best, “If we just play our style, we’ll have a great chance.”
Game time: Sunday, Jan. 17 4:40 p.m. EST.
