Greetings from Jacksonville
-
- October
- 7
And the first word from down here in Florida is that, surprise, surprise, running back Cedric Houston is out for tomorrow’s game against the Jaguars. So, for that matter, is veteran offensive lineman Trey Teague, who has still not played after signing as a free agent from Buffalo but breaking his ankle in offseason workouts.
Houston, who was injured last week against the Colts, was downgraded from doubtful to out today. Really, though, coach Eric Mangini’s charade this week that Houston had “a shot’’ of playing against the Jacksonville was a mockery of a sham. Houston is wearing a soft cast on his left knee and is expected to miss additional games. In reality, he was out from the minute they carted him off the field this past Sunday.
Derrick Blaylock would seem to be an obvious candidate to return to the lineup after being inactive the last two weeks but Mangini floated the idea Friday he could go with two tailbacks in Kevan Barlow and rookie Leon Washington and possibly use fullback B.J. Askew in more of a featured back role. Still, I think Blaylock will get another shot.
Teague at least was listed as questionable Wednesday through Friday. He appears to be getting very close to returning, possibly next week.
Meanwhile, who’d like to make some predictions? Again, blog mention for anybody who gets the score right. OK, blog mention for those of you who come closest.
We’ve talked all week about the Jets problems running the ball, the Jets problems adapting to the 3-4 defense and the problems the Jets might have against the Jaguars’ defensive line
The oddsmakers have once again pooh-poohed how well the Jets have played in stretches this season and made them a touchdown underdog (well, in the first quarter, perhaps).
Here’s what I think: The Jets are finally going to get their offense untracked in the first quarter. I think all their talk about the big and fast Jaguars’ defense is an attempt to mask the fact they’ve seen something on film they like.
Though I seem to say this each week, I think the running game will continue to improve, making Chad Pennington’s passing game more efficient. I think the Jets may again show some 4-3 on defense, particularly in big spots.
Jets 27, Jaguars 20. Mangini goes for the field goal – twice – this week.
This entry was posted
on Saturday, October 7th, 2006 at 1:47 pm by Andrew Gross.
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Jane McManus 
Love the blog as always, I see, mmmmm, Jets 24, Jags 13
This is the NFL and not every team plays up to its potential every week, Jets are overdue for a bad one, and Jags definately are due for a good performance. Trends point to a Jags win, maybe by a lot.
For the Jets to win they need to get out of the gate quick, not their forte, using the no huddle with short passes to drive the length of the field for a TD, and take the crowd down a notch, but do not expect it to happen.
Jets are tough minded, maybe they can string togethar yet another top performance without big turnovers, but feeling is they are due to get the balloon deflated a little. Remember their “good� losses vs. top teams came at home, they beat two bad teams on the road. Today is the first time they play a good team on the road.
Hope I am wrong, but have Jags winning 31-13, with Jags running all over the D. If you think the 3-4 was taking heat this week wait until next week.
As the year progresses and the competition level eases, I do think they will make a playoff run, just think this week they will take a step backwards.
I’m thinking we’ll come out of the gate stronger, too.
But, since Houston won’t be playing, I’m not expecting too much rushing. Barlow’s shown some flashes, and I think Washington & Brad Smith, may be key today.
I really don’t want to see more of Blaylock, though.
On D, I expect to see a bit more improvement, especially in the 4th qtr.
This is a tough one for me to call, as I really don’t have much of a feel for the Jags. Jets 23 – 17, just because I think the players are due on D.
Wayne gets the golden egg ... good call, hombre.
Outcoached… outplayed… everyone has taken the game off…
including the officials.
Those two roughing calls were as bad, as officials can call
‘em.