Saturday, November 5, 2011

What to watch for: Bills offense/Jets defense

Three things to watch for Sunday when the Bills' offense takes the field against the Jets' defense:

Johnson vs. Revis

Earlier this week, Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson said Buffalo will have the advantage over the Jets' entire defense Sunday. Johnson said the Jets' front-seven makes things easy for New York's secondary because the secondary doesn't have to cover for very long.

That's not entirely true, however, as cornerback Darrelle Revis's superb lockdown skills and opposite corner Antonio Cromartie's solid play in fact give the front guys more time to get to the quarterback. Also, Revis and Cromartie combine for seven of the team's 11 interceptions.

Regardless, Johnson will get his fair dose of Revis, so we'll see how Johnson fares. If Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is as "smart" as advertised, he'll probably avoid Revis for the most part.

Maybin's return to Buffalo

The Bills (5-2) took Aaron Maybin in the first round of the 2009 draft only to see him underachieve so much that he was waived after two seasons.

The Jets (4-3), however, gave the defensive end a shot this year, and the price was right. New York picked him up (for the second time) on waivers at the end of September, and he has produced. Maybin has three strip sacks in the last three games.

He'll certainly be after a fourth straight against the team that let him go after making him their top priority in April two years before. Jets coach Rex Ryan is playing right into it, making him a captain for the game.

Jackson the X-factor

Ryan said Bills running back Fred Jackson would have to be the team's MVP if it could name one through seven games, and he's absolutely right.

Jackson makes the Bills' offense go -- whether it's making huge gains on the ground, sneaking between coverages for first-down receptions or hanging in the pocket to pick up blocks.

New York will certainly make Jackson a focal point, as its rush defense hasn't been up to par this season. Great, not just good, tackling will be a must for the Jets, as Jackson will be getting matchups with safeties and linebackers all game long.

What to watch for: Jets offense/Bills defense

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