Since most know the backdrop for both of these games today (and yes, that includes the casual fans in this community), here are the direct keys to both games:
Jets Vs Bengals
Will the return of Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko stopped the best line in the league from establishing the run?
The answer to me will be the tipping point for every other question asked today for this game. It will provide how much Mark Sanchez will need to do in his first playoff start today, the only factor really holding the Jets back from winning this game in my mind.
And will David Harris' injury affect his play and Rex Ryan's defense today?
Cedric Benson, Bernand Scott, and Larry Johnson must have big days combined today, and that offensive line for the Bengals that was dominated last Sunday need to provide the lanes to run.
Harris is the Jets' best tackler, and has been one of the league's most underrated linebackers. If he is okay, then it will take a massive effort for the Bengals line today to push the Jets back and soften safeties
At day's end, I just think with how the jets have lost a lot of close games this year, while the Bengals have done the opposite, I think the Bengals take this one today.
Remember, the thread is LIVE.......so it will be constantly updated. And only on these games and tomorrow are permitted.
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Jets vs Bengals- First game In-Thread
And already, Bernand Scott shows why he is dangerous.....Field position will be massive in this game today, as in every playoff game. And Scott shows why he has been one of the league's true finds this year. He has been a solid return man for the Bengals all year, and he showed it there.
And Lavreneus Coles, the former Jet, with a closely fumble.....a key turnover already, and it negates the early momentum that they have so far.
The turnover battle, if any of these two teams cannot afford to lose, it is the Jets.....now the challenge has come out from Marvin Lewis, which I think is a foolish challenge in my mind.
Again, this is the game right here in my mind folks, and in probably yours too...can the Jets push the Bengals back for a second straight week?
The 1st 3rd and Long of the game, and it will lead to a punt. Bengals win on the first defense position for them. And again, they have great field position again, thanks to Rico Murray.
Already Cedric Benson's presence and the offensive line has made this an almost totally different start form last week....a touchdown would make it a complete 180.
First and Gold for the Bengals, as both Coles and Caldwell are getting into the spaces.........but this will be pending a review.....And it is not a catch.
And touchdown Cincinnati......Palmer to Coles, and they get the mismatch withe the rookie Dwight Lowery there. 7-0 Bengals.
The absence of Kris Jenkins seems to be finally missed by the Jets defense so far, but they get a big stop on this series as Lowery knocks down the pass to Coles.
Another challenge from the Bengals that is a bad challenge. Joe Theisman is wrong on that one, because they are both terrible challenges by Lewis.
Sanchez went deep, and once again, Braylon Edwards let's Mark Sanchez down.....what a poor drop again from him.
Shawn Greene with a 39 yard run to tie the game at 7-7 all.
Darell Revis, the league's best cornerback, intercepts Palmer to put the Jets in good field position here.
Sancez to Dustin Keller, another key throw by the young man (though he is older than me), and once again, filed position is huge. 14-7 Jets
Consider this....Cederic Benson has 71 yards on 12 carries and have established the run. Yet, despite that, the Jets are up 14-7. The big plays have been clearly made by the Jets, as the Bengals defense, especially their linebacking core, has gotten soft in this second quarter. Field position has been huge.
Halftime folks......Sanchez has outperform Palmer so far, and that doesn't speak well at all of the Cincy quarterback. It doesn't help that Revis has once again, to no one's surprise, shut down Ochocinco.
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Shawn Greene has been nothing short of immense today....his vision has been great today, and this has been a wonderful response by the Jets after Benson's touchdown.
A massive field goal by Jay Feely has given the Jets the all important two score lead.
And there it is, crucial misses by Shayne Graham and an efficient display by Mark Sanchez and Dustin Keller will put the Jets into the divisional playoffs next week.