Week 13 Preview: NY Jets at Green Bay Packers

By Tom Kiss
 
Against the Houston Texans last week the New York Jets played, by far, their most complete game of the season.  While some people dwell on the fact that they played the lowly Texans, the bottom line is that this was a game that the Jets should have dominated, and they did.  Two 100-yard receivers, a defense that has played very, very well lately, and the best moment of the game for every Jet fan, Chad Pennington pumping his fist then pumping up the crowd while walking off the field following a nasty looking hit that placed him on that right shoulder.  Next on the march to the “p-word� is a trip to historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  Even with Brett Favre nursing his arm injury while playing, the Jets must be wary of this warrior.  At 6-5 the playoffs are not out of reach, but the Jets must have this game in Lambeau to make the road easier.
 
When the Jets have the ball:
Green Bay has had some trouble defensively, with the pass defense being the Achilles heel.  Expect to see the Jets run early, and utilize the tremendous play action ability of Chad Pennington.  The three headed running back of Houston, Washington, and Barlow might be able to control the game for the Jets.  Though last week the running game was non-existent, it helped the Jets gain control of the game.  This week, the running game will be effective. 
 
Charles Woodson and Al Harris will try and stop the Jet receivers, mainly Cotchery and Coles, but don’t be surprised if Cotchery and/or Coles are able to create enough space for Chad to make a big play.  The Jets offensive line will have to try and contain Aaron Kampman, the Packer defensive end who has 10 sacks already this year. 
 
When the Packers have the ball:
Since the bye week, the Jets defense has surrendered a grand total of 35 points, an average of about 11 points a game.  Credit this to an increase in the blitzing by the Jet coaches up until last week when the hardly blitzed.  Also, Dewayne Robertson has really stepped it up the last three games. 
 
Ahman Green is still a threat that the Jet defense must worry about, because he’s still got some gas left in the tank.  Look for the Packers to try and get the running game going against the Jets.  Brett Favre is always a threat.  Despite being injured, Favre is continuing his consecutive games streak.  Favre can always toss the pill to Jennings or Donald “Designated� Driver and come up with gold (like that nickname).
 
Match up of the game:  Jets C Nick Mangold and Packer LB A.J. Hawk
The former Ohio State teammates square off this week.  Hawk and Mangold, roommates for 4 years at Ohio State, must be so pumped at the opportunity to pop each other on Sunday.  As far as the X’s and O’s go, forget them.  When discussing these two guys they don’t matter, if they get a shot at each other they’ll take it.
Prediction:
New York Jets 24 Green Bay 17

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