Monday, October 8, 2012

Gameday Deciding Factors: Texans at Jets

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets got blown out last week by arguably the best team in the NFC in the San Francisco 49ers, so naturally, Gang Green takes on maybe the best team in the AFC in the undefeated Houston Texans. The Texans (4-0) boast the NFL's best defense in yards and points allowed while scoring the second most points.

To make matters worse for the Jets (2-2), New York lost its best offensive player in Santonio Holmes for the season to a foot injury last week, and No. 2 receiver Stephen Hill and tight end Dustin Keller are doubtful against Houston. Oh, and Darrelle Revis isn't coming back, either. Release the hounds.

DECIDING FACTORS:

Defensive front. The Jets will likely be without their best interior defensive lineman in Sione Pouha, so it will take even more of a team effort for the Jets to reverse their poor fortunes against the run. The 31st-ranked run defense will have its hands full trying to stop Houston's running back duo of Arian Foster and Ben Tate.

Reserve receivers. Quarterback Mark Sanchez will be without his top receiver Holmes and likely his No. 2 wideout Hill, in addition to missing his favorite target in Keller. That's trouble, as Chaz Schilens and Jeremy Kerley will be the starters at wideout with backup tight end Jeff Cumberland at the end of the line.

Cro vs. Johnson. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie will try to do his best Revis impression going up against star receiver Andre Johnson. Gang Green will likely need to provide some safety help in covering Johnson while still giving opposite cornerback Kyle Wilson, who hasn't been good at all, enough help, as well. (Photo: TheBrit_2, Flickr)

Special teams. The Jets' always solid special teams group needs to be at its best Monday night. That means no costly fumbles, consistently good field position and probably a couple long field goals. Mike Westhoff's squad might be the Jets' only hope at staying in the game.
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A week in Jets posts on AFCEastDaily.com:

Week 5 AFC East game picks: Texans at Jets

Around-the-Web AFC East power rankings - Week 5

Texans expect Jets to use Cromartie same as Revis

Jets' usually stout run defense arguably worst in NFL

Rex on Sunday debacle: "We got our asses kicked"