New York Jets AFC Title Game Prediction

So I'm halfway done with today's predictions having covered the teams playing the NFC Title Game, the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears.  Now I'll move onto the AFC Title Game starting with the 6th seed New York Jets led by the always exciting Rex Ryan.

Strengths:

Running Backs:  The New York Jets have a backfield that any NFL coach would drool looking at.  Led by the electric LaDainian Tomlinson teaming up with physical Shonn Greene and promising rookie Joe McKnight, the Jets running backs dominate the clock by moving the ball effectively on the ground averaging 148.8 yards per game.  And on top of these fantastic running backs, the Jets have one of the most consistent fullbacks in the game in Tony Richardson paving the way for the Jets run game.  When Tomlinson is in the backfield, the Jets offense has a whole new dimension as Tomlinson reeled in 52 passes for 368 yards.  The Jets ground game should be integral on their quest to topple the Steelers.

Receivers:  The Jets have a fantastic receiving corps with Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, and Jerricho Cotchery on the edge and Dustin Keller displaying his versatility as a tight end.  In particular, Edwards, Holmes, and Keller have been incredibly integral to this offense with 2337 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns between the three of them.  Holmes has had a knack for making seemingly impossible catches reminiscent of his time at Pittsburgh.  One has to wonder how he will perform against his former teammates.

Defense:  The Jets are first and foremost a defensive team.  Working out of a 3-4 that serves as the catalyst for the Rex Ryan's creative blitz schemes.  Placing for third in the league with 291.5 yards per game and in seventh place with only 19 points per game, the Jets defense is incredibly aggressive and forces opposing offenses to anticipate pressure from every position on the field.  A secondary featuring the best cornerback tandem in the NFL, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, gives the Jets incredible flexibility in playcalling giving the front seven that has Shaun Ellis collapsing the pocket and linebackers Bart Scott and David Harris stuffing the run.

Weaknesses:

Quarterback:  Jets quarterback, Mark Sanchez, is a great game manager.  He effectively distributes the ball around to his playmakers on offense and avoids making the costly turnovers that plague other quarterbacks... like Jay Cutler.  That being said Sanchez will be under a lot of pressure today.  As a second year quarterback, Sanchez is still learning the ropes of reading a defense and placing the ball in spots where only the receiver can get a hold of it.  And Dick LeBeau, defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, loves young, inexperienced quarterbacks.  Watch for the Steelers to keep constant pressure on Sanchez in hopes of getting him out of rhythm.

Gameplan:

Offense:  The Jets must control the clock.  Asking Sanchez to win the game with his arm is unfair to the young quarterback.  However, if the Jets can run the ball effectively and keep the Steelers defense up near the line of scrimmage, then Sanchez will be able to use play action to hook up with Edwards, Holmes, and Keller on deep routes.  So the Jets first priority is run effectively and set up the play-action pass.

Defense:  Rex Ryan is a master of creating pressure out of his defense.  However, he is facing a seasoned quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger.  If the Jets manage to keep Roethlisberger off balance in the pocket, then he is more likely to throw ill-advised passes against the opportunistic Jets defense.  The Steelers have an inexperienced and underperforming offensive line which is an Achilles Heel to the Jets must expose in order to come away victorious in today's game.