Jets-Chargers Preview

It’s been said that “desperation” is the world’s worst cologne.  If so, the Jets and the Chargers reek right now.

Both of these teams have been quoted as calling Monday night’s tilt a “must win game”.  The Jets, having squeaked past a developing Dolphins squad and then falling short against a Brady-less Patriots team, are eager to live up to the instant credibility that acquiring a legend like Brett Favre gave them.  However, the Chargers, who were considered by many to be the favorites to become AFC champions, are furious with their 0-2 start (thanks in a large part to referee Ed Hochuli’s blown call, which will almost certainly not land him on Norv Turner’s Christmas card list) and are looking to take out their frustrations on someone.

This game has all the ingredients to make it one heck of a battle.

Keys to winning the game:

Offense:

1.  Prime Time= Favre Time- Brett Favre has made his bones by performing well on huge stages.  Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer need to take the shackles off the playbook and let Favre do what he does best:  Fling the ball with his “damn the torpedoes” attitude and let the chips fall where they may.

2.   Use the TE’s- Dustin Keller was drafted to be Gang Green’s version of Dallas Clark.  The Chargers have suffered some injuries to their linebacking corps and the Jets must take advantage by hitting Keller and Chris Baker over the middle and on fade routes in the red zone.

Defense: 

1.  Close the gaps- Ladainian Tomlinson will possibly be a game time decision for the Chargers, but if he plays, there’s still nobody better in the league at finding the holes in a line and exploiting them.  NT Kris Jenkins will need to occupy as much space as possible to clog up the running lanes and everyone else needs to wrap up their tackles to ensure LT doesn’t break a long one.

2.  Special Teams Menace- Darren Sproles is quicker than a hiccup and could burn New York on his kick returns.  The Jets will need to break the San Diego blocking wedge as fast as possible to allow them their best shot at taking this little roadrunner down.

Final Analysis- As mentioned before, this game has the makings of being a truly entertaining contest.  The Chargers, playing at home and facing 0-3, will want it just a little bit more and will prevail in the end.

Chargers 31, Jets 20

Like this post? Share it »

Last post (s) by Frank Mazzola

• On the Island: Oilers edge Isles 3-2 - January 6th, 2009
• Plenty of Shame to go around - January 5th, 2009
• On the Island: Sharks edge Isles 5-3 - January 4th, 2009
• Fantasy Hockey Roundup - January 3rd, 2009
• On the Island: Coyotes top Isles 5-4 - January 3rd, 2009