Comment on a couple of the matchups for this week from tjb.

[ret2ski]

I think they have it wrong on Nick vs Fat Albert. Faneca should have the assignment (with help) most of the time.


1) Chris Johnson/Lendale White vs. NYJ Run Defense –

This weekend the league’s 7th ranked rushing offense takes the field against the New York Jets. The Titans average 132.7 yards per game rushing the football. On the other hand, the NYJ are 4th in the league against the run giving up only 81.3 yards per contest.

Although both running backs due damage, they are very different in style. Johnson is your speed back, who is also a threat in the passing game out of the backfield. White is your power back and short yardage, goal line threat.

The Titans’ running game makes their offense go. Kerry Collins although not great has been doing a great job this season for the Titans. With the lack of game breaking ability from their receiving corps, their running backs are the key cogs of their offense. Being able to stop the run will be instrumental if the Jets plan on leaving Tennessee with a win.


2) Nick Mangold vs. Albert Haynesworth / Kevin Mawae vs. Kris Jenkins

These are the match ups I am looking forward to more than any others. Games are won in the trenches, and these possibly can be two of the better battles we will see all season.

Nick Mangold has quietly been having a solid season. This is not an easy task facing Vince Wilfork and Albert Haynesworth in back to back weeks. Haynesworth is on pace for a huge season. He has 39 tackles, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles so far after 10 games. Those are outstanding numbers for a defensive tackle. The Titans defense thrives off the big man pressuring the ball all game. Nick Mangold, Eat your Wheaties.

On the other hand, old friend Kevin Mawae is wearing the baby blue of the Titans. He will be opposed by the NYJ defensive stud Kris Jenkins. On the year Jenkins has 30 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He means more to this defense than just numbers. Will Mawae be able to shed Jenkins aside to open lanes for his running game?

3) Brett Favre vs. Continuing to Take Care of the Football –

The Tennessee Titans defense has taken advantage of opponents’ turnovers brilliantly so far this season. The Titans defense is 6th in the league with giving up 186.7 yards per game in the passing attack. They are also 1st in the league giving up only 13.1 points per game. Also, they are tied for 2nd in the league having 15 interceptions.

Brett Favre on the season has thrown 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Over the past few weeks, Favre has been doing a much better job taking care of the football. He will have to continue this trend because the Titans’ love to capitalize on an opponents’ mistake.

4) Thomas Jones vs. Tennessee Run Defense –

A big part of the NYJ resurgence on offense has been because of Thomas Jones and the running game. The NYJ are 9th in the league for rushing yards per game with 125.9 per contest. Our offense has been really clicking since Jones has taken flight the past couple weeks.

The Tennessee defense only allows 95.1 yards per game on the ground good enough for 10th in the league. The Jets must continue to utilize the running game to support their passing game. It will be a much harder task running as effectively against this hard nosed, physical defense. Thomas Jones has to grind out tough yards all game to tire down that Tennessee front seven. Continuing to successfully having a balanced attack on offense will create another chance for a win for the NYJ.