JFTD Sunday Match Up – New Olreans Saints
Today’s game should be highly entertaining on both sides of the ball, but where do we have the edge? Here is how I feel both teams match up…
QB’s – SAINTS
Obviously Drew Brees is playing as good, if not better than all QB’s in the NFL, gotta give them the edge here. Keep in mind that Sanchez is bound to make some mistakes this year, but he has shown the uncanny ability to make the big play.
RBs – TIE
I put Leon Washington up there with any running back in the NFL not named Peterson. The key is if the Jets can finally get him the 20+ touches he deserves, I say today is the day – big game for #29. That being said, Thomas Jones could be the key to the game today, if the Jets can pound the rock, control the clock – they will be putting themselves in a position to win. Pierre Thomas looked pretty good last week coming back from the injury, and Reggie Bush’s ability as a receiver makes him scary.
WRs – SAINTS
The Jets inexplicably did not draft Marques Colston out of Hofstra as the Saints snatched him up in the 7th round. Colston, Hendersen and the always dangerous Lance Moore (10TD’s in 2008) give the Saints a dynamic passing game. Jerricho Cotchery has become Sanchez’s go to guy, but look for him to spread the ball around and don’t be surprised to see David Clowney go from the “Twitter Dog House” to “Take it to the House” which would be a be a new wrinkle for Schottenheimer.
TE’s – JETS
This could be a break out week for Dustin Keller as he causes match-up nightmares for opposing defenses. I would love to see him on the field with Clowney and Leon to give the Jets a more dynamic offense this week. Shockey has caught some TD’s but he isn’t what he used to be.
O-Line – JETS
This could be the key to the game. The Saints have their 3rd String LT in the game and look for Rex to blitz the crap out of that side. The O-Line has been criticized heavily last week, they will be playing with a chip on their shoulder for sure. If the Jets O-Line outplays the Saints significantly, the Jets should win this game.
Defense – JETS
The Jets attacking style has yet to be burned and this could be the first week. The key is if Rex Ryan is able to protect Dwight Lowery and Drew Coleman in the secondary. Otherwise you will be seeing Hendersen and Moore have big, big games. Last year a huge problem for us was the 3rd WR, if we can’t solve it today, it could be a long day. The Saints run game has been averaging 5 yards per carry, look for Kris Jenkins and company to shut it down and make them one dimensional. The problem is one dimensional includes Drew Brees, the Jets need to get to him and force turnovers in order to win this game.
KEY TO THE GAME
This game will rest on the Jets Running Game. If they can run the ball effectively, control the clock and keep the defense rested and ready to attack Brees, they could be sitting at 4-0 come Monday morning.
