In an effort to get closer to the truth about what will happen this weekend during the NFL Divisional Round Playoffs, we talked to bloggers representing all eight teams still left in the chase. For each participant, we asked the same batch of questions. This is the preview for the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers.
4:40 PM ET, January 17, 2010
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
CBS
Give us a couple of reasons the Jets will win on Sunday.
San Diego has a one dimensional offense that relies on the passing game. The Jets have the league's best pass defense, led by the best cover corner in the league, Darrelle Revis, who single-handedly takes the other team's top receiver out of the game and allows his team to roll coverage elsewhere. The Jets have the top rushing attack in the league. San Diego gives up 4.5 yards per carry on the ground. While quarterback play was an issue during the regular season, Mark Sanchez seemed to come of age in the Wild Card round, with perhaps the best playoff performance ever by a rookie. He's played three games without a turnover.
One guy from the opposition you would add to the Jets.
The Jets have the number one defense in the NFL. They have the number one rushing attack in the NFL. The passing game has been largely grounded due to the ups and downs of a rookie quarterback. The only guy I can choose to add is the quarterback with 28 touchdown passes, 4,254 yards, and a 104.4 quarterback rating. I pick Philip Rivers.
Who is the Jets MVP?
Darrelle Revis is the Jets' MVP. He's single handedly shut down some of the top receivers in the game this year. Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Andre Johnson, Roddy White, Mike Sims-Walker all had under 50 yards yards receiving on Revis. He's follows the top receivers all over the field all game long and primarily mans up on them. He's allowed the Jets to roll their coverage to secondary targets and made it easier for the coaching staff to attack with an aggressive pass rush. The Jets know even if their blitzes get picked up, Revis won't let the other team's top guy get open.
Who is the X-Factor?
The x-factor for the Jets is Brad Smith. Gang Green drafted him from Missouri four years ago trying to covert him from quarterback to receiver. He's never developed as a wideout, but he's dynamic in space. Look for the Jets to try and get the ball into his hands on everything from kickoff returns to screens to reverses to Wildcat quarterback and see if he can break a big play or two.
Scouting report on the Chargers.
The Chargers have an elite passing attack led by quarterback Philip Rivers. They have the game's most dangerous tight end, Antonio Gates, and arguably the game's best kept secret at wideout in Vincent Jackson. Their number two receiver, Malcolm Floyd, had 776 yards this year. All three of them had over 14 yards per catch. The run game isn't on the same level. LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles both averaged under 4 yards per run this year, but Sproles is dangerous as a receiver and in space. The Jets probably will focus on a Chargers run defense that allowed 4.5 yards per carry during the regular season.
Give us a prediction.
The Jets can match up as well as anybody against the Chargers. Revis may be the best player in the secondary, but Lito Sheppard and Dwight Lowery are excellent second and third corners. Kerry Rhodes had perhaps his best game of the season against Atlanta covering Tony Gonzalez. He is one of the few players capable of at least containing Gates. The Jets also have a fierce pass rush that relentlessly attacks quarterbacks and forces early throws. They should also be able to pound the ball on San Diego's front and control the clock. As long as Sanchez continues to be smart with the football, New York has a shot at pulling the upset. I think they match up better with San Diego's offensive strength (throwing) than the Chargers do with Gang Green's offensive strength (running). Call me a homer, but I'll take the Jets in a 17-13 upset.
Give us a couple of reasons the Chargers will win on Sunday.
1. The Chargers offense is bordering on historically good if you forget about how poor the running game has been. Rivers has been both phenomenal and incredibly consistent this season, and the Chargers have receiving weapons in droves.
2. 11 straight games in a long winning streak in the NFL, and contrary to what many people think you cannot do it as a "fluke". The Chargers have beaten 3 playoff teams during that streak, as well as 3 other teams that just barely missed out on the playoffs. This team is battle-tested.
3. The last time the Chargers actually had something to play for, on Christmas day against the Titans, was their best and most complete game of the season. The offensive line, with Nick Hardwick returning, looked outstanding. This is a team that has been getting better each week of the season.
One guy from the opposition you would add to the Chargers.
As much as I like Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie, I have to pick Darrelle Revis. He has been unbelievable this season and could only make the Chargers better.
Who is the Chargers MVP?
Philip Rivers, without a doubt. He's the team leader in the locker room, and (along with the coaches) is the biggest reason the Chargers are the number 2 seed in the AFC. The team is built around him for a reason: He's really good.
Who is the X-Factor?
I'm going to invoke memories of the Chargers/Colts 2008 playoff game and say Mike Scifres and Darren Sproles. The Jets offense is its weakness and their defense is their strength. If Scifres can consistently pin them back, and Sproles can consistently put the Chargers in good field position, that could be good enough to win.
Scouting report on the Jets.
You cannot beat the Jets unless you make Mark Sanchez carry the offense. You have to either stop the run, or put up enough points to make them go away from it. The second option is made very difficult by a great all-around defense. If you don't take advantage of what few mistakes NY makes, they have the recipe to beat you in a close game.
Give us a prediction.
20-17. Chargers, on a last second field goal by Nate Kaeding. I think the Chargers put up points early, the Jets come back late and Philip Rivers does just enough in the fourth quarter to win the game.
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