Jets-Cardinals Preview

The Arizona Cardinals are 2-15 since 2003 when playing in the Eastern Time Zone.  New York hopes that time is indeed on Jets’ side.

Gang Green, at 1-2, stands on the precipice of a season defining game this week.  The Cardinals, while possessing a good offense that’s operating on all cylinders right now, are not considered one of the league’s elite.  They are the type of team that the Jets, with all their expensive pre-season acquisitions, ought to be able to beat, especially at home.

This game is crucial for two reasons: 

1.  With all the problems New England has had recently, Buffalo, at 3-0, has become the new AFC East team to beat.  Should the Jets fall to 1-3, they will find themselves in a hole that will be very difficult to crawl out of.

2.   The Jets are suffering from a lack of confidence right now.  If they can’t beat a “tweener” team like Arizona at home, that inferiority complex is going to spread like a cancer, something they can ill afford to have happen.

The Cardinals, in an attempt to shed their East Coast woes, have been in the time zone since last Sunday when they played Washington.  The Jets are hoping their efforts are in vain.

Keys to winning the game:

1.  Get the ground game going- Arizona’s passing prowess is legendary and, the way they are playing now, you can’t count them out of any game.  Therefore, it’s crucial that the Jets control the clock with a strong running game.  Arizona can be run upon…they give up an average of 105 yards per game.

2.  Protect Favre- While this is important every game, it’s even more imperative now because Favre will be playing on a gimpy ankle.  He will not be able to evade the rush with his normal aplomb. 

Defense:

1.  Get to Warner- The Jets were supposed to have improved their pass rush.  Now is the time to show it.  Arizona QB Kurt Warner has the necessary skill and experience to pick apart any defense if he’s given the time.  The Jets must harass him all day long if they’re going to interrupt his rhythm.

2.  Roll the Coverage- Arizona has two amazing wide receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.  It seems like Warner is always able to find whichever one is free.  CB Darrelle Revis (the only member of the defensive backfield capable of such a feat) needs to blanket Fitzgerald like he did Randy Moss and the Jets will have to roll the safeties towards Boldin in an attempt to shut them both down.

Final Analysis- We’re going to find out this week what type of team we have this year: True Contenders or Same Ol’ Jets.    Coach Eric Mangini must prove his mettle by properly motivating Gang Green to squeeze out a victory.

Jets 24, Arizona 21

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Last post (s) by Frank Mazzola

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