The New York Jets look for their fourth home victory of the year in as many tries when they host the San Diego Chargers Sunday for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
New York (3-3) defeated the Miami Dolphins, 24-6, on Monday Night Football to get back on the winning track after a three-game skid on the road. San Diego (4-1), on the other hand, is coming off a bye after winning three straight.
Is either team legit?
Whoever wins this game Sunday will be considered “for real”… Maybe. The other, well, they’ll still be questionable. A win is a win in the NFL, but San Diego has defeated teams that combine for a 4-17 record, and the Jets’ victories were over teams with a combined record of 3-13.
We know. You can only play who is on your schedule.
Will the Chargers lean on the run?
The Jets’ pass defense has been really good, Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers hasn’t been great, and New York’s run defense has been bad. The Jets are giving up 132 yards a game on the ground, and San Diego has been picking up 122.8 rushing yards per game.
Rivers has thrown for a bunch of yards but has more picks than touchdowns. Still, he might have Antonio Gates back at tight end, and it’s almost impossible to ignore the big wideouts in Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd. The Chargers should attack the Jets’ weakness, but they know they have better-than-average stuff through the air.
Can Mark Sanchez please anyone?
Sanchez isn’t putting up huge yards but has been steady as of late, as he’s thrown for three touchdowns and no interceptions the last two games. He also took one in on a draw last weekend. Still, many are questioning whether or not the third-year signal caller is truly a good quarterback.
Even though it’s not the Jets’ game, a huge play over the top of the defense for a score could be what it takes to silence the doubters. Maybe we see a few downfield shots.
Will LaDainian Tomlinson see more carries?
Tomlinson, one of the most popular former Chargers in the organization’s history, was named the starting running back Sunday. While it’s obviously a ceremonial thing, the Jets may keep him out there for a few extra snaps if he’s making some good gains.
Running back Shonn Greene has proven in the past that he excels coming in fresh to wear down the opponent and go for the home-run hit after another back has taken more of the early carries.
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Tweet
