Why Titan-ic battle won't go Jets' way
November 22, 2008
Welcome to Armageddon, Part II: The Jets’ second season-defining game in a 10-day span.
It hasn’t generated as much juice as Jets-Patriots, but Jets-Titans, in some ways, is every bit as significant as last week’s epic showdown in Foxborough.
The Jets match up pretty well against the undefeated Titans, so I think there’s very little chance of them bombing as much as, say, Jane McManus’ choice of Indian food for the press corps on “Catered Thursday.” (Rookie mistake by the Journal News beat writer, I suppose.) On the other hand, I don’t think the Jets will have enough to beat the Titans.
Five reasons why the Titans will win:
1. Albert Haynesworth. The Jets won’t be able to block the 6-6, 320-monster in the middle of the Titans’ defensive line. There will be no inside running game, and the Jets will be faced with too many third-and-longs.
2. The Tennessee Pick Police. Neither team will be able to run effectively, which will put the pressure on the passing games. The Titans lead the league with 15 interceptions, which doesn’t bode well for Brett Favre.
3. Bo Knows How to Get Open. The Titans’ leading receiver is the under-rated TE Bo Scaife, and the Jets are having coverage issues with the tight end. Here’s a suggestion: Instead of using S Kerry Rhodes to help the No. 2 CB (probably Ty Law), why not put him on Scaife? Rhodes has the athleticism to cover the tight end.
4. Noise and Sacks. The Titans’ formidable pass rush is very formidable at LP Field, where things can turn rather chaotic for the visiting team. The Titans have 18 sacks in five home games, 10 in five road games. When the crowd gets going, it’s very difficult for the offense to call audibles and change blocking schemes.
5. Agony of Da Feet. I wish I could give a good explanation for this, but opposing kickers always seem to have a tough time against the Titans. Opponents are only 9-for-16 in field goals while the Titans are 18-for-21. This is going to be a close, low-scoring game, and a field goal could mean the difference. And I have a bad feeling about Jay Feely this week.

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