The Jets, who many figured would miss the playoffs after their last second loss to the Falcons in Week 15, found new life after the Colts rolled over and died in their Week 16 match-up.

Since then, they blew out the Bengals 37-0 in Week 17, and then headed into Cincinnati and manhandled them 24-14 in the Wild Card Round.

The Chargers finished the season 13-3, on an 11-game winning streak, and as the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

In the process of their 11 game winning streak, which came after an embarrassing loss to the Steelers, they shored up their run defense and swept the NFC East.

They enter this game playing well in all three phases (offense/defense/special teams) and are looking to advance to the AFC Title Game.

Onto the analysis of this game:

When the Jets have the ball, expect OC Schottenheimer to continue running the ball with Thomas Jones and rookie Shonne Greene. While the Chargers have vastly improved their run defense over the course of the season, they can still be run on.

The Jets will use a lot of misdirection and counter run plays to take full advantage of their backfield’s ability.

Once the running game finds a little rhythm, they’ll begin attacking through the air with high percentage passes.

The one thing New York wants to avoid is putting Mark Sanchez in a lot of 3rd and longs. So slants and quick outs to Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards and Dustin Keller will be incorporated throughout.

If they find success here, Sanchez will take at least one, maybe two shots down the field to “no-hands” Edwards.

Regardless of whether he catches it or not, the effect will be positive: in the first instance, it could be a TD; in the second, it’ll keep San Diego from bringing their Safetys up to stop the run.

Also keep an eye on Brad Smith in the Wild Cat.

San Diego hasn’t seen the Wild Cat much this season and this could cause confusion defensively.

When San Diego has the ball, look for Rivers to direct the attack through the air.

The Chargers running game has been non-existent in 2009, outside of the 2 yard TD runs LdT consistently gets, and they’ll find little success going against the league’s No. 8 ranked run defense.

The Jets Linebackers and Defensive Lineman plug holes quickly (outside of last week vs. Benson) and will keep Tomlinson and Sproles from finding success.

To combat this, Rivers will throw early and often. The most dangerous weapon for the Chargers will be TE Antonio Gates. The Jets don’t have anyone who matches up well with him, so expect No. 85 to be targeted over 10 times on Sunday.

Vincent Jackson will be limited by Darrelle Revis but Malcom Floyd and Legedu Nanee should have success against the N0 2. and Nickel CB.

Also keep an eye on Darren Sproles out of the backfield who could be a big part of the short passing game.

Screens are the perfect antidote against blitzing teams and the Jets love to bring pressure.

When the clock winds down to 0:00, look for the Chargers, currently favored by 7.5 points, to advance to the AFC Championship with a 20-13 win.

If the Jets can jump on them early, they have a real shot of stealing this game. But if it’s close throughout, which is how we see it shaping up, then expect Rivers and Co. to be too much in the 4th quarter and pull out the close win at home.

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