Keys to Victory: Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets
The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills travel up to the Great White North tonight to square off in a not-so-key AFC East divisional battle. It's a home game for the Bills, but the atmosphere isn't expected to resemble that of Ralph Wilson Stadium in any way. Both teams are coming off of strong defensive performances and look to continue their success in the Rogers Centre.
Mark Sanchez is battling a minor knee injury, but is expected to play, while the Bills will be going with Ryan Fitzpatrick's hot hand again. In the teams' first meeting, Thomas Jones ran for 210 yards, while Sanchez threw an absurd five interceptions. Fitzpatrick came off the bench for a concussed Trent Edwards and connected with Lee Evans for the game-tying touchdown; Rian Lindell hit a 47-yard field goal in overtime to win it. It was an ugly game, and the good people of Toronto are hoping for a more explosive affair this time around.
What do the Bills need to do to give their pseudo-home fans reason to celebrate? We've got six key factors for you after the jump that, if met, will make Buffalo's job infinitely easier this evening.
Ride Fred Jackson: With Jackson getting the start last week against Miami and picking up the majority of the touches out of the backfield, the Bills' offense looked better than it has since very early in the season (coincidentally with Jackson as the starter then). It's pretty evident that behind this patchwork offensive line, Jackson's talents are better suited to picking up chunks of yards than those of Marshawn Lynch. Perry Fewell seems more comfortable with Jackson, and that needs to continue this week. With Jackson netting 73 yards rushing on 15 carries, the Bills finished with 129 total yards on the ground. In the first matchup, the team rushed for 142 yards against the Jets. With an emphasis on Jackson, establishing the run and going against a Jets run defense without their best player in Kris Jenkins, the Bills could very well have one of their better rushing games of the season. Jackson was also more involved in the passing game last week (five receptions for 43 yards), so look for more of that this week. The Bills will probably go as Jackson goes in this one.
Hit some big plays: The vaunted Fitzpatrick-to-Terrell Owens connection has combined for 14 receptions, 293 yards and two touchdowns the past two weeks. Under Fewell, there has been a strong push to get the ball into T.O.'s mitts. It has worked as the Bills had hoped it would when Owens was signed earlier this year. Look for the Bills to try hitting some deep balls with Owens again this week, especially if the running game is keeping the Jets' safeties honest.
Take advantage of Lito Sheppard: Darrelle Revis might be the best cornerback in football right now. He has shut down some of the best receivers in the NFL all season, including Andre Johnson, Randy Moss (twice), Marques Colston, Steve Smith and that T.O. guy. Those five big-time receivers combined for just 19 receptions, 144 yards and one touchdown in six games against Revis. He's as good as it gets. Opposite Revis, however, is the mediocre Sheppard, a guy the Bills really need to target in the passing game this week. Evans beat him for the touchdown in the first game. Expect the Bills to work Sheppard's side with both Owens and Evans this week. If they can take advantage of the opportunities, those big plays could be there.
Pressure Sanchez: We all saw first hand how bad Sanchez can be when he feels some pressure and is forced to make plays down the field. With Jerricho Cotchery playing this week and the controlled indoor conditions, it won't be as easy to force Sanchez into mistakes. Therefore, he needs to feel the pressure. Buffalo's defense seemed to get after Chad Henne a lot better in the fourth quarter last week, leading to three poorly thrown interceptions. Sanchez is obviously mistake prone; it's up to the defense to force him to make them again this time around.
Key on Thomas Jones: Jones had the two longest runs of his career in the first game... on consecutive carries. The Bills' rush defense was terrible that day, allowing well over 300 yards on the ground. Jones will be the centerpiece again this week, and he's having a terrific season. After witnessing Sanchez implode against the Bills in the Meadowlands, don't expect the Jets to rely on him too much if they don't have to. The Bills will need to keep Jones under wraps and prevent him from moving the chains. Do that, and we might get to see some Sanchez turnovers again.
Keep up the intensity and confidence: The Bills have looked like a different team under Fewell. His energy and controlling presence on the sidelines have really given a spark to his players. In what is expected to be a sterile environment in Toronto, Bills players will again need to dig deep and continue playing tough, confident ball. If they come out flat and play without any passion, this could be one boring game.
*******
It's kind of cool getting a Bills game in prime time on a Thursday, isn't it? The Bills could move to 3-2 in the division with a sweep of the Jets in front of a "nation television audience." My advice to you all is to get through the work day as soon as possible, grab some Labatt's and plant yourself on the couch to root for the Bills on foreign soil. Go Bills, eh?
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61 comments
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Comments
All I want
for my Birthday is a SWEEP of the J E T S tonight…
Brian, being that it’s my birthday today, I’m ALL for your your last sentence. I’m already going to be leaving work early today for a smi-head start. The fridge is already stocked w/ my Labatt’s just waiting on me. The DVR is all set and ready to go as well.
But, what are we going to do on Sunday now? LOL. Oh – I know, pull for the Phish to put one up on the Pats and making the AFC East NOT an automatic Pats Div champion. May the “spoiling” officially begin!!!
Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"
by Pocono Bob on Dec 3, 2009 8:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Happy Birthday! And it was Kurupt’s last sentence that you’re all for. :)
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 3, 2009 8:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ooooooooops!
WoW, I didn’t even realize that. Sorry to Kurupt for that one.
And thanks. I just hope my wish comes true.
Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"
by Pocono Bob on Dec 3, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Happy B day man!
Happy un-birthday to the rest of you!
Never put salt in your eyes
by J2 on Dec 3, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
All I want now is the “perfect” gift. A HUGE WIN!!!
Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"
by Pocono Bob on Dec 3, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
my bday was last sunday
and i wished for a bills win…..obv it came true.
by Dime on Dec 3, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Have to work tonight unfortunately
The good news, I work in a sports bar.
by mob16151 on Dec 3, 2009 8:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
haha. Thats a nice problem to have tonight
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Dec 3, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hard to forget the Int's and Penalties
happy birthday bob.
The Cotchery element wasn’t there and Edwards first game as a Jet. I remember that as well. Thomas Jones career day won’t happen twice to us. Our D was in shambles that day. Line Backers were not ready and DT were banged up.
WE are starting the same five OL for this game. I agree, ride Freddy for as long as we dare, you got to love his attitude. Last week Nelson and Stupar had great plays, one each, need more of this to free up Lee and Terrell, but still focus on Freddy.
My biggest key for tonight is our DL. “K” mentioned pressure Sanchez. Schobel and Kelsay need big days. Fewell will mix the allignent up on the DL this should confuse Sanchez and open the door for some big plays. Hell maybe Maybin could get his first sack. A little worried about McGee starting, not having his game legs under him and Cotchery and Edwards are formidable enough to create fits.
If I can’t watch the game, I will definately have the blue with me.
Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!
by VanScottM on Dec 3, 2009 9:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It was actually Braylon’s second game as a Jet. He debuted in a MNF loss to Miami.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 3, 2009 9:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I too will be looking for the DL mixing it up w/ 3 man fronts, 94 rushing in from the standing position in the middle, and yes, Maybin could finally get in on the act a bit more as well.
I also agree that Nelson SHOULD get more involved on the Offensive scheme a bit more. He’s a true weapon, but under-utilized IMO. It’s gonna be fun to watch the T.O. Revis mathcup. “Maybe” tonight it’ll be Lee’s turn w/ Sheppard out there. I’ll expect to see T.O. going over the middle more, since all of the NFL has seen what has happened in the last 2 games w/ the bombs we’ve been throwing out there. They’ll be looking for it, but if they get the 1 on 1’s, I expect also see them trying to take advantage anyway.
Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"
by Pocono Bob on Dec 3, 2009 9:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My biggest key tonight is the linebackers
Hey guys…….try to stay disciplined ok? They were pretty horrible last time we played the Jets.
by mob16151 on Dec 3, 2009 9:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
More specifically
Our linebackers were god awful against the run.
by mob16151 on Dec 3, 2009 9:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully Draft
can continue the pace he’s set in the past couple of games. We will need for the LBer’s to help our DL in the running game for sure. We HAVE to stop Jones tonight. If we can make them one dimentional, the game will be ours once Sanchez starts throwing them up to our DB’s.
Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"
by Pocono Bob on Dec 3, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Buffalo’s defense seemed to get after Chad Henne a lot better in the fourth quarter last week,
is it me or does our defense seem more aggressive? it seemed like we blitzed more often last week…..
Never put salt in your eyes
by J2 on Dec 3, 2009 9:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nope!
It’s not just you! Perry’s showing his confidence in his players & it’s showing on the field now w/ a NEW attitude. Hopefully they can keep it up & stop the running game tonight.
Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"
by Pocono Bob on Dec 3, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if we don't BLITZ tonight
we will be in for a long night
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
by billsoferie on Dec 3, 2009 9:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I hope we pound the Mets today.
I am a little worried though. The networks should be thankful – pretty much every time buffalo plays in primetime (except that sunday night flex game against the pats in 07) we are involved in a great game.
I just hope we win one for once.
by quantumuprising on Dec 3, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Believe me, the Mets took all the pounding they could take this year. The Jets on the other hand, I could watch getting punched in the face for an entire month and not grow weary.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
by WhyBillsWhy on Dec 3, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Prediction.........
An utter bore-fest. Both teams will run-run-run and then run some more due to the inability to get anything going through the air. Miami stupidly gave up running the ball on more than one drive, and look what happened.
I hope I’m wrong.
I also hope Perry gets our Defense fired up to shut down Thomas Jones and Co.
"A failure becomes just one time at bat if you refuse to let it defeat you." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 3, 2009 10:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Great Advice!
Is 11:15 too early?
by shouldbeworking on Dec 3, 2009 11:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
unfortunately, not so great advice for me. I live in ohio now and the labatts just doesn’t taste the same here. I think the best i can do is some genny cream ale.
by quantumuprising on Dec 3, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The best you have is genny crean ale? Sorry dude. I live by the Genesse Brewery so I see cream ale all the time. I will go for beast ice before cream ale.
by fearloathing13 on Dec 3, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i went to the university of dayton, famous for abusing the beast. I don’t need to go there.
I didn’t mean the best i could do in terms of beer, i just meant the best i could do in terms of a ‘taste of home.’ labatt and molson both taste like crap out here; i can’t get yuengling; sooooo genny cream ale it is.
by quantumuprising on Dec 3, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd have to say
that Cream ale is actually tasty crappy beer.
by ballinbills1315 on Dec 3, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i agree – i’ve gotten everyone out here to love it. Its hard to hate a decent tasting beer that costs 11 bucks for a 30 rack.
by quantumuprising on Dec 3, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am pretty pumped
for tonight. I just want to see the offense be competent and get the ball to our playmakers. An early 7-0 lead would go a long way to the Bills winning this game. Make the Jets throw the ball in the second half. Hopefully the Bills under Coach Fewell can just at least impress the nation tonight and play some inspired football
MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens
by MARVelous on Dec 3, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
bills defense
hello im new here and have enjoyed all the posts and responses, ok Im looking for a big game from the bills defense because they were embaressed the last time we played the jets against the run,not the same defense playing with more heart and fired up, i think they did a pretty good job holding ricky williams to what i believe was no run over 10 yards,our run support from the secondary good.plus the offense did a pretty good job staying on the field keeping the D fresh,as for the offense i do see a big day for Jackson running and catching the ball out of the backfield especially since the bills have been setting up the screen play more effectly,Lee Evans gets his big day Fitz looks his way early and often as for T.O. in T.O as its billed he loves this attention no way he gets shut down.Bills 31 Jets 14
by sbfcoach85 on Dec 3, 2009 11:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Welcome to the blog.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 4, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kurupt, I love ...
the reference to the “pseudo -home fans”. In no way can the Rogers Centre ever show the same tenacity as the Ralph does.
What do the Bills need to do to give their pseudo-home fans reason to celebrate?
by Byrdeputt on Dec 3, 2009 11:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
the canadian fans will be apologizing to anyone that gets hit during the game, then offering them donuts.
by quantumuprising on Dec 3, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
GO Bills!.P.S. I’m from Rochester, stick with the Labatt’s,Genny"s not really beer, they just put empty cans in the river and let them fill up;)
"This is what happens Larry!, This is what happens! "-Walter Sobchak
by BigEasyBillsKrewe on Dec 3, 2009 12:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hey, given the photo chemicals from Kodak in that water, it’ll definitely get you lit, just not from alcohol.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
by WhyBillsWhy on Dec 3, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't wait for the half-time show
I hear they are going to send Trent Edwards over the Falls in a barrel…..from the Canadian side of course :-)
Keys to victory…..recovering mentally from the body cavity search they got at customs after crossing the border. Gives a whole new meaning to sliding your protection!!!
My prediction…..The Bills win 27 – 24 on a 65 yard field goal try.
"Jets crash and burn as Fewell's Bills expode offensively " - So let it be written...so let it be done.
by Joe P. on Dec 3, 2009 1:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wow. To all of it.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 3, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bills and Sabres both on a Thursday night
I guess I’ll DVR the sabres game. Hopefully the Buffalo teams will go 2-0 tonight.
"always thinking one step ahead, like a carpenter...who makes stairs..."
by dragonwag0n on Dec 3, 2009 1:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Yeah – I’m glad the Magic and ’Cuse bball has the night off.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 3, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What made you get into the Magic?
just curious, i dont watch too many nba games.
"always thinking one step ahead, like a carpenter...who makes stairs..."
by dragonwag0n on Dec 3, 2009 3:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
When I was an impressionable youth, I loved watching the Shaq/Penny teams. As I’m a loyalist, I’ve stuck with them. Now, they have the second-best record in the NBA.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 3, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Penny was one of my favorites too. I got a poster from a Honeycomb box when I was little and he was my favorite until I actually got into basketball in general. Nice to see those “throwbacks” they wore recently.
"always thinking one step ahead, like a carpenter...who makes stairs..."
by dragonwag0n on Dec 3, 2009 3:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Ha! I had that same poster!
Yeah those throwbacks are sick. Not as sick as ours, but sick nonetheless.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 3, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"throwbacks"
Do teams that are roughly 20 years old get throwbacks?
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Dec 3, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously yes!
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 4, 2009 6:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha only reason I like the Magic was because the first edition of SI for Kids I got had Penny Hardaway on the front so I figured I would be their fan. Not too much of a fan of the NBA but I love the striped throwbacks they wore last night.
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Dec 3, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
which was a long time ago haha
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Dec 3, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I still have some of those tear-out “trading cards” from SI for Kids. I recall precisely the issue you mention.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Dec 3, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha.
Yeah back then I kept all those cards… thinking they were worth something back then haha. And yeah it was the issue where I believe he was on an actually penny.
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Dec 4, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
will probably be able to watch the first two periods of the sabres before the bills come on.
by quantumuprising on Dec 3, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was at the bar watching them side by side.
"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.
by MattRichWarren on Dec 4, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
PRIMETIME! Getcha popcorn ready!
I’ll excited for the Bills finally on National TV again. I need to get some Labatt’s to pour into my Bills 50th anniversary glass that somehow found it’s way into my shirt at the bar last week when I was home in NY.
They are hard to play but not hard to beat.
- Mike Lombardi on the Buffalo Bills
by Sluss88 on Dec 3, 2009 1:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
I hate how sometimes those nice glasses find there way back to my place after a night out ;-)
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Dec 3, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hate it? i haven’t bought glasses/cups/shotglasses in years
by quantumuprising on Dec 3, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha
i was being sarcastic but yeah I bring something home with me pretty much every night I go out. Tons of bud light, labatt, bills, coors glasses. The new coors cold activated glasses are pretty sweet.
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Dec 3, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wish I had some Bills glasses
from Labatt or Coors or whoever. The only one I have is some odd shaped one from Coca Cola that I found in my parent’s cupboard over the summer.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Dec 3, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Revis?
anyone else feel that revis is getting a ridiculous amount of press time? Yeah, he is a great DB, but I don’t think hes this shut out every receiver player. If my memory serves me right he didnt shut down TO at all when we played them. TO just dropped a lot of passes he should have caught. Don’t get me wrong I still think Revis is one of the best at his position but just not as good as ESPN says he is.
by billsstein on Dec 3, 2009 2:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
agreed
Revis is good but they are making him out to be Champ Bailey from a few years back… He is getting alot of press. Hopefully TO ends up inviting him to his bday party. I thought that was pretty funny what he said.
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Dec 3, 2009 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and thats the problem with ESPN.
They make whoever they want to make look great, look great. Revis, Romo, Bruski, Terrance Newman… the list goes on and on. If ESPN thinks youre great, theyll try and trick the rest of the viewers into thinking it as well. Its just a shame that people cant think for themselves and then they end up using… “But but but ESPN said they were good” to back up most of their points when defending players like that.
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Dec 3, 2009 4:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They do that with lots of players...........
Examples: Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco.
They are average.
But according to ESPN, they are the 2nd coming of Peyton.
"A failure becomes just one time at bat if you refuse to let it defeat you." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Dec 3, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
by bflo on Dec 3, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think T.O is going to have fun with him tonight
he kills him in size……it is all up to Fitz
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
by billsoferie on Dec 3, 2009 5:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Revis has backed it up this year
I listed some of the WR’s he’s helped shut down. He’s physical, athletic and excellent in man coverage. He is that good.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Dec 3, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

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