3 Keys For the New York Jets Versus the Buffalo Bills

Once the ball is teed up and kicked off tonight, all will be forgotten about the venue change and one-day delay for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. It will be 11-on-11 football and the players will have to either prove or disprove all of the so-called advantages with the NFL moving the game from Ralph Wilson Stadium to Ford Field in Detroit.

The Jets will not have to deal with the snow, wind or cold playing at the neutral site domed stadium. The fans in attendance will not be a decidedly Bills-heavy crowd, either. And because of the seven feet of snow that fell in Buffalo, the team had to cancel a number of practices.

Heading into the contest, the Jets seem to be ahead of the curve due to all of the above. But when your team is 2-8, advantages mean absolutely nothing unless you prove it on the gridiron. Three weeks ago, the Bills (5-5) dominated the Jets in every aspect and walked out of MetLife Stadium 43-23 winners

In order for the Jets to split the season series, they need to do more than correct their mistakes from the earlier meeting. The elephant in the room is the six turnovers by quarterbacks Geno Smith and Michael Vick. That goes without saying, so why even do so? Here are the three other most important points:

1 – DON’T LET KYLE ORTON BEAT YOU

The veteran journeyman is doing pretty much what he has done at every stop throughout his career and that is play well once taking over for the ineffective starting quarterback. Orton has been not had to be spectacular since taking over for E.J.Manuel but is getting the job done and keeping his team in the hunt for a postseason berth.

In Week 8, Orton threw touchdowns to four different receivers but was also sacked four times. So what the Jets need to do is use more nickel packages and keep the receivers covered tighter. If the Bills are going to move the ball, they will have to rely on their running game.

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2 – ESTABLISH AN EARLY RUNNING GAME

Back on October 26, the Bills jumped out to a first quarter 14-0 lead and were able to keep a comfortable cushion as the third quarter went on. Vick – who took over following Smith’s three first quarter interceptions – led the team with 69 yards rushing, basically running for his life. Chris Ivory had 43 yards on 13 attempts and those are signals that usually indicate a loss.

Even if the Jets do fall behind tonight, they need to stick with their running game and utilize Ivory and Chris Johnson, two players that can carry a team on their backs. And Percy Harvin can break one for a big play or be an effective decoy. 

3 – SOLID O-LINE

By surrendering four sacks against the Bills, the Jets’ offensive line did not do their job and need to give Vick more time to find his receivers. Buffalo’s defense is their main strength and it all starts up front. Kyle Williams had two of those sacks and should be the guy to key in on with an extra blocker, either using a tight end or running back.