5 Bold Predictions for New York Jets' Week 8 Matchup
For the first time since their Week 1 matchup against the Oakland Raiders—the New York Jets offense, on paper, will be the superior offense on the field.
According to the Bills' official website, Buffalo Bills running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson will both miss Sunday’s game.
Running backs Bryce Brown and Anthony Dixon are expected to fill Buffalo’s void in the backfield against a defense giving up 88 rushing yards per game, per ESPN.com.
Despite being gashed for over 100 yards twice in the last three weeks by Branden Oliver and Ronnie Hillman, the Jets’ stout run defense returned to form last week against the New England Patriots.
A playoff run maybe out of Gang Green’s reach, but the addition of Percy Harvin can cool Rex Ryan’s scorching-hot seat and validate Geno Smith as a decent quarterback.
The calamity that would ensue if the Jets lose to a quarterback who just stepped into his role three weeks ago—with a short-handed offensive unit—could eject Ryan right out of his coaching position in New York.
The Jets offense will reap the immediate benefits of Harvin's acquisition both directly and indirectly.
The Bills defense won’t be helpless—featuring a strong defensive line. However, uncharacteristically the Jets offense will erode the resistance of its opponent. Here are some intriguing predictions to expect in the Week 8 matchup.
Harvin Scores a Touchdown
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There was nothing low-key about Harvin’s arrival in New York—and there will be nothing low-key about his debut on Sunday. His teammates are clearly aware of his unique ability to instantly ignite an offense. Words like explosive, dynamic and versatile were continually used by Jets players when interviewed about their new wide receiver, via the Jets' official website.
The reasoning behind Harvin’s immediate splash is his versatility. It’s highly possible he’ll return punts or kicks on special teams—where he’s proved to be dangerous during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks.
Harvin will certainly garner enough opportunities to reach the end zone. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg will certainly look to acclimate the dynamic receiver early in hopes of providing that spark the players spoke about.
Smith’s reluctance to throw the deep ball doesn’t hurt the production of his newly acquired receiver. Harvin’s speed will cover any ground not exploited through the air by his quarterback’s arm—en route to his first touchdown as a New York Jet.
Decker Accumulates 100 Receiving Yards
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The indirect effect of Harvin’s arrival is Eric Decker’s increased production. Gang Green’s receivers have yet to record a 100-yard game this season, but that will change this Sunday.
Opposing defenders have been fixated on Decker through the first seven games of the season. Until the recent progression of tight end Jace Amaro, the former Denver Broncos receiver was the lone viable threat defenses respected.
Now with two considerable threats at wide receiver, Decker will see more one-on-one coverage and space after the catch with the safety likely occupied with Harvin’s whereabouts.
Buffalo is vulnerable in pass defense. Stephon Gilmore surrenders the highest QB rating when targeted in pass coverage among starting cornerbacks. Leodis McKelvin has allowed 419 yards while in coverage this season—which is sixth-most in the league among starting cornerbacks, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
In six games, Decker has three touchdowns. Most recently, he fared well on Revis Island—racking up 65 yards against New England shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Decker flourished in Denver opposite Demaryius Thomas, who lined up against the top cornerbacks in the league. Harvin doesn’t have Thomas’ size, but his versatility forces defensive coordinators to game-plan specifically for his flexibility at wide receiver—creating opportunities for others around him.
Jets Force Another Interception
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Kyle Orton has thrown an interception in each of his three starts, per Pro-Football-Reference.com—that trend will continue. Don’t expect a shutdown performance from New York’s pass defense. Expect Orton to make an error along the way via miscommunication or throwing under duress.
Furthermore, he won’t have a viable running attack to lean on. He’ll be forced to throw a little more than usual, and New York will take advantage of an errant pass.
Sammy Watkins and the rest of the wide receiver corps are still developing their rapport with their savvy veteran quarterback. As Orton tries to compensate for the absence of the Bills’ rushing duo, quirks with his receivers will be evident through turnovers and missed opportunities.
Darrin Walls will be in position to expose the lack of familiarity between a rookie wide receiver and a quarterback who has only started three games. Phillip Adams is the more aggressive cornerback, but look for Walls to force a turnover with the expectation of Watkins’ high volume of targets.
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Bills Accumulate More Sacks Than Jets
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Despite a tumultuous season thus far, the Jets front seven continually keeps the score close in competitive games. However, New York’s sack trio—Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Calvin Pace—aren’t as dominant as the Bills' trio. Marcell Dareus, Jerry Hughes and Mario Williams account for 18 of the Bills' 24 sacks, via ESPN.com. The dominance up front is the reason the Bills lead the league in sacks thus far.
Unfortunately for the Jets, their offensive line is still unstable with Oday Aboushi, who's making his second start at left guard. Aboushi will be responsible for keeping Dareus at bay on the inside. After a Pro Bowl year in 2013, the defensive tackle continues to build momentum in Buffalo. He's on pace for a double-digit sack total this year.
In the last two games New York has allowed seven sacks and recorded four. Mornhinweg won’t abandon the run, but it’s probable Smith will see an increase in pass attempts with a revamped receiving corps. As Smith’s pass attempts increase, it exposes the Jets’ shifty offensive line that blocks far better for the run as opposed to the pass.
The Jets Win by a Double-Digit Margin
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The outcome of this game won’t point to the sudden genius of general manager John Idzik, but it could be an indication of another midseason swoon Bills fans are familiar with over the past few seasons. The absence of Spiller and Jackson will prove to be a crucial blow to Buffalo’s offensive viability.
For the Jets, there will be a collective exhale as the losing streak finally comes to an end at MetLife Stadium. Again, this isn’t the beginning of a beeline to the playoffs, but Gang Green could be on the upswing if they can ride the momentum.
In regard to momentum, the Seahawks came out flat on offense without Harvin on the field—falling behind 21-3 early in last week’s game against the St. Louis Rams. The Jets locker room exhibited a renewed source of vitality with the news of the trade. To quote left guard Aboushi, via Twitter, “Lamborghini mercy, we got Percy. #Welcome.”
Aboushi’s excitement was echoed through interviews and comments from other teammates. The offense will finally show signs of life and vigor commonly displayed by the defense.
Unfortunately for Buffalo, Sunday’s script will mirror what the Jets have been over the past six weeks—a defensively talented team up front unable to win games due to insufficient playmakers on offense. A big play from a receiver or the erosion of the Bills’ interior defense as a result of ball control will propel Gang Green over Buffalo in a 27-16 win.
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