Week 9 Preview: Jets vs. Redskins

By Tom Kiss

Last week saw the end of an era for the New York Jets.  Chad Pennington may have very well started his final game at quarterback for gang green.  Kellen Clemens is now set to take over.  The question remains, what does Kellen Clemens really bring to the table?  He has looked very good at times and not so good at others.  Regardless of his play, for the 1-7 Jets their new season is about how Kellen Clemens plays. If he doesn’t play well, the Jets could be in very good position to draft a top tier quarterback in April’s draft.  If Clemens looks like the real deal, the Jets can try and fill the rest of their many holes.

When the Jets have the ball:
Expect to see a different kind of offense this week for the Jets.  With Clemens, the Jets have an arm that can really get the ball all over the field.  The big question will be to what team he completes those passes.  Regardless, the fact that the Jets can now really stretch the field should help to open up the ground game for Thomas Jones and Leon Washington.

It doesn’t look like Laveranues Coles will be making an appearance.  Without Coles, who is listed as doubtful with a concussion, expect Jerricho Cotchery and Justin McCariens to see a lot of action.  Brad Smith will spell the two and come in as a third option.

When the Redskins have the ball:
Last week Bill Belichick completely embarrassed another three time Super Bowl winning coach in Joe Gibbs.  The Patriots classless display last week could spell trouble for the Jets this week.  Look for the Skins players to step up for their coach.  Jason Campbell, though not spectacular, has not played all that bad this year.  Campbell has some good weapons to work with, ex-Jet Santana Moss and ex-Steeler Antwan Randle-El provide speed down the sidelines, something the Jet defense has struggled with.

When he is on the field, Clinton Portis has played fairly well this year.  Portis has battled injuries ever since being traded from the Broncos before the 2004 season.  Expect Portis to have plenty of success this week, especially running the ball behind Pete Kendall who will be eager to show the Jets what they’re missing this season on the left time.

Match up of the game: Kellen Clemens vs. Sean Taylor
The Redskin ball hawking safety will be looking to be all over the Jets second year, second game starter Clemens.  Expect a pick out of Taylor, but look to see how the kid bounces back from that.

Prediction:
NYJ 24 – WAS 20

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