New York Jets at Buffalo Bills Preview

By Jonathan Solomon | Saturday, October 15, 2005 | ( 0 )

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Even through all the troubles the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills have faced early in this 2005 season, both are only a game behind the AFC East division leading New England Patriots. The all-important division game will be played on Sunday afternoon just after 4 PM eastern. Both franchises hoped that this season would be a turning point and a stepping stone as far as quarterback play is concerned for Chad Pennington and J.P. Losman, respectively. Instead, both franchises have had to delve into the past to find healthy and effective players. Vinny Testaverde will start for the Jets, a week after leading them to defeat the then-undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kelly Holcomb is expected to start for the Bills a week after defeating the Miami Dolphins.

Testaverde's arm strength will be a key for the Jets to succeed in Orchard Park. Should the stringent Buffalo Bills defense feel the Jets lack any deep passing game, all they would have to do is stuff eight in the box. Curtis Martin has averaged just 57 yards rushing per game, which hasn't helped matters for the Jets 29th ranked offense. Still, with some stability now at the quarterback position, the offense is slowly expected to open up. Receivers Laveranues Coles and Justin McCareins are very capable of turning in big plays at the helm of offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger. The New York Jets will be playing without back-up running back Derrick Blaylock who broke his foot last week. Either Jerald Sowell or Cedric Houston would spell Curtis Martin on Sunday.

The Bills offense turned a corner last week when they switched quarterbacks to the cagey veteran, Holcomb. The run game is as sound as can be with Willis McGahee running the rock. The passing game has suffered, even though the receiving group is as talented as any. Between Eric Moulds, Lee Evans and Josh Reed, they have a combined total of one receiving touchdown (Moulds). Expect the Bills to try and go up field against the Jets.

Both teams feature quality defenses that can cause turnovers and shut down opposing offenses. Field goals will be a plenty on Sunday, which may not bode well for the Jets. Kicker Mike Nugent is 4-7 on attempted field goals this season and fans of Gang Green are beginning to get a little restless. Head Coach Herm Edwards is standing by his man though so don't expect to see any changes unless something drastic takes place.

If you're a fan of a low scoring, defensively challenging football game, you'll enjoy this match-up. Both teams are 2-3 and are looking to get to the important .500 record. With the game in Buffalo, the advantage must go to the Bills.

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