Gang Green's defense has been stout as of late, and their run game has been just as good. Their passing attack, however, is still stagnant thanks to quarterback Mark Sanchez's shaky play and a injury-depleted receiving corps. The Jets hope recently-aqcuired wideout Braylon Edwards can help turn it around before it's too late. (photo: Al Guel, Flickr)
DECIDING FACTORS:
Away-field advantage. If I were the Jets, I'd be happy to be on the road. The Jets encounter much more animosity at home than on the road, with fans voicing their displeasure via a sea of boos following every single three and out or turnover, no matter what the circumstance is. The Jets are 3-3 on the road and 3-4 at home, and they'll finish the season with two more away games in three contests.
Braylon's role. Edwards will make his return debut in a Jets uniform Monday night, but how big of a role he plays remains to be seen. Edwards has been nursing a hamstring ailment the last few weeks and was very limited throughout the week. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that Edwards could start depending on which formation the Jets opt to go with on their opening series. Edwards might already be the Jets' best receiver, and he has a good history with Sanchez, so expect Sanchez to take plenty chances in his direction like he did in the pair's 2009 debut on an early-season Monday night, given Edwards is full-go.
Mo, Coples factor. Jets second-year defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson and first-year defensive lineman Quinton Coples had big-time games last week. Wilkerson has been one of the best D-linemen in the NFL all season, constantly drawing blocks from the opposition's running backs on passing downs and being equally stout against the run. Coples has been explosive off the line in limited action, and the two will look to smother a Chris Johnson-led rushing attack while harassing young signal-caller Jake Locker.
Greene light. The Titans have been very susceptible to the run as of late, which plays right into the hands of a Jets offense that have rediscovered its identity as a ground-and-pound unit. Gang Green will feed the rock to Shonn Greene as much as possible as long as the score is within a touchdown. Greene had been sharing carries with Bilal Powell, but Powell is currently nursing a toe injury and may be somewhat limited.
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A week in Jets posts at AFCEastDaily.com:Week 15 AFC East game picks: Jets at Titans
Making sense of Rex's backup quarterback quandary
Sanchez, Jets see 'comfort level' with Edwards
Around-the-Web AFC East power rankings: Week 15
Braylon says 'it feels great to be going home' to Jets
Jets' young D-linemen provide sign of things to come
Jets ride ideal 1-2 punch at tailback to beat Jaguars
