Gang Green Nation: Antonio Gates Is A Matchup Nightmare

The New York Jets defense, along with the running game, is what drove the Jets this far in the playoffs. It’s hard to run on them, and Darrelle Revis basically shuts down one-third of the field in the passing game. So they are well-stocked in talent to battle an explosive offense like the one they’ll see in Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers. Except, there might be one tiny flaw that could be telling in the game, how do you cover all-world TE Antonio Gates?

Gang Green Nation:

Antonio Gates, TE for the Chargers, represents a match up nightmare for the Jets. Normally, the strong safety position is responsible for covering the tight end, but, as the guys at ESPN noted, New York Jets SS Jim Leonhard is only 5′8″ which does beg the question…can Leonhard cover him? While I believe Rex [Ryan] will scheme for this scenario, most seem to believe that Gates will be the difference maker that allows for San Diego to move onto the AFC Championship.

Video: Evidence of the size-factor, even the reporters are as tall (or taller) than Leonhard.