The Stretch Run...

Joe Willie thinks this is the most important game in NYJ history. He could very well be right, and he's the guy who delivered a Super Bowl victory. Why does he think so? The Jets are built to win now. And they have gotten lucky with a number of moves that the front office has made. It may not be there for them next year (there is still a lock-out looming).

Simple, if the Jets win they control their own fate toward February. If they lose tomorrow, they lose more than just the game. Right now they have a one game lead in the division and a division championship if they win out, would give them home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the #1 seed in the tourney. A position coach Ryan has coveted all year. He believes there is a home field advantage. If they lose, they could realistically be a three or four seed. Yes they would host a wild card game, but then they would have to go on the road again and possibly play the Pats again in Foxboro.

Now let's talk about the game. The Pats are strong where the Jets are weak. They have had trouble covering slot receivers and tight ends all season. There's a reason "The Genius" was easily willing to let Randy Moss go. Deon Branch is better suited to play within the way the Pats want to play. Brady has been more efficient when throwing between the numbers to Welker and his two large targets. And when you add Woodhead to the mix, he's another weapon that can hurt you coming out of the backfield on 3rd down. The Jets have to alter the way they play defense tomorrow night. They will have to blitz less and play more zone. The problem, if they sit back and play zone, Brady will pick them apart. The positive is that the Pats don't have much of a running game, so expect to see a lot of Trevor Pryce, Calvin Pace and Jason Taylor on the D-line. These are all big men that can get their arms up in Brady's sight-lines and try to take away the short passing lanes. They will also try to get Brady out of the comfort of the pocket, so expect the Jets to disguise and roll coverages, the last time these teams played the Jets played a lot of nickel. With Leonhard out, look to see the Jets play more dime and have them blitz DB's to disrupt Brady's rythmn.

When the Jets have the ball look for them to control the clock and try to run, run, run! LT had a great day in the first meeting. Look for the Jets to run until the Pats stop it. The Jets will also try to try to take advantage of a suspect Pats secondary.

Are you ready for Monday night football?!!!