Jets-Chargers: Will Monday Night Set the Tone for the Season?

It's been nearly three years since the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers faced-off. The teams have split their last two regular season contests, walking away with victories on the road. But both games were played with completely different personnel.

On Nov. 6, 2005, Drew Brees threw for nearly 300 yards en route to a 31-26 victory at the Meadowlands. And on Sept. 19, 2004, Chad Pennington had over 250 yards in the air for a 34-28 win in San Diego. The Chargers' post-season loss to the Jets in the Wild Card round Jan. 8, 2005, also came at home in Qualcomm Stadium.

Since those games, both teams have found new quarterbacks, new coaches, and new philosophies. But both teams find themselves in similar positions as their Monday night contest approaches. The Jets and Chargers are heading into their nationally televised game with chips on their shoulders, and something to prove.

The Chargers must be foaming at their mouths after Ed Hochuli's last minute blunder in Denver. The blown call may have contributed to San Diego's 0-2 record, but it should not serve as the scapegoat. Hochuli's error deserves to be scrutinized, but the Chargers' defense must shoulder the majority of the blame for the rough start.

Prior to Week Two's officiating dramatics, the Chargers fell to the Panthers at the last second when Jake Delhomme found Dante Rosario in the back of the end zone.

Seasons at stake?

Great teams don't let victory slip away in the final seconds—at least not two weeks in a row.

It's always easier to misplace the blame, but the outcome of those games rested solely in the hands of the defense. They had an opportunity to secure the victory. Those games could have been won as easily as they were lost. A third consecutive loss will trigger discussion on how good the Chargers really are. Could an AFC favorite be overrated in 2008?

The Jets face similar questions regarding their overall talent after a disappointing loss to the New England Patriots in Week Two. An unprecedented spending spree, topped by the acquisition of a future Hall of Fame QB may have sent fan expectations too high.

Fans knew Pennington's arm was weak, so dump-off passes and out-routes were accepted. However, Brett Favre and his cannon of an arm were supposed to change everything for the Jets. Are the coaches in over their heads? With so much talent on paper, is it really a lack of chemistry, or ineffective game-planning?

How they match up

Through eight quarters of play, the Chargers have allowed over 600 yards to be gained in the air, and nearly 300 yards on the ground. Failing to pressure the quarterback consistently, and recording only one sack isn't the kind of defensive production required of a team with post-season aspirations.

The manner in which San Diego lost their first two games has definitely left a sour taste in their mouths. The New York Jets have to approach this game knowing that San Diego is desperate. They will be looking to make things happen quickly to ensure that the game will not be decided in the final seconds.

However, the feelings of desperation are not unique to San Diego. The Jets' must respond to all of the criticism, and prove they're a better team after being shown-up in their home-opener by a three-year bench warmer. Another uninspired game-plan from the Jets and the fans will wonder what the $150-million offseason was all about.

Unlike San Diego, the Jets were able to hold their victory in the final seconds of Week One, but Chad Pennington and Anthony Fasano are not Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates. The Jets' defense will need to do their best to limit Rivers' passing game, because his ability to find the open man could be devastating to New York's efforts.

The Jets should also prepare for this game as if they are facing a quick, shifty running back. Although LaDainian Tomlinson has been limited in practice for most of the week, Darren Sproles' speed and agility is just as dangerous. The Jets will need to cut the field off to the run, and try to contain the receivers from big gains if they hope to keep the game close.

Offensively, the Jets' pass protection has been exceptional. Brett Favre often found himself with plenty of time to find an open receiver. Even in obvious passing situations, like third-and-long, Favre had the time and protection to roll out and hit a receiver to keep a drive moving.

A San Diego defense with spotty coverage, and an unimpressive pass rush is susceptible to Brett Favre's improvisation. The Jets' multiple receiving threats should provide plenty of mismatches for Favre to manipulate.

The rejuvenated Thomas Jones and his new offensive line have seen plenty of daylight for him to pound through in the first two weeks of the season. If the game plan looks to involve a split of carries between Jones and the elusive Leon Washington, they may provide the kind of combination that's ran around San Diego's front seven these first two weeks.

The Chargers' defense haven't allowed any individual backs to go over 100 yards, but they have been worn down by persistent, smash-mouth football.

Keys to victory

San Diego has become a high-profile team these last few seasons. They're favorites to win it all every year, but end up hindered by inconsistency. With America watching, and looking forward to another exciting game like Week Two's Dallas Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles battle, the Chargers will have to show up to play.

The Chargers may be without Shawne Merriman, but there are no slouches on the defensive side of the ball. Luis Castillo, Antonio Cromartie, and Shawn Phillips have to use the national stage to turn things around—not only for the victory, but for the sake of the organization. How long can the offense remain hot if the defense gives away the lead?

And it is the Jets' obligation to make sure they don't disappoint again. It is an opportunity to prove that their offseason acquisitions weren't in vain, and to avoid becoming a laughing stock in the league. There is entirely too much talent on the New York Jets to continue playing conservative football.

Eric Mangini and friends need to exploit San Diego's insecurities from the first two weeks, and stand strong against their inevitable aggression. If the team can pull through and accept that the Chargers will begin the game fired up, they may be able to take advantage of a team that's already down on themselves after two sickening losses.

Psychology aside, if the Jets can play physical football, and toss the ball over the top of the defense, the Chargers will have difficulty keeping up.

Penalties need to be limited. The Jets have consistently been a mistake-free team, but last week's six penalties for 60 dead yards need to be limited. The aggressive pass rush cannot result in personal fouls against the quarterback.

Special-teams will continue to be a factor. The Chargers have, arguable, the best punter in the NFL in Mike Scifres. If the Jets' defense can force the Chargers' offense to stall, they need to be prepared to deal with Scifres and his strong, accurate leg.

The Jets' waived their punter, Ben Graham, after his horrendous 27.3-net-average against the Patriots, and signed Reggie Hodges from New England's practice squad.

The field position battle contributed to the Jets' misfortunes in Week Two. This is not an area where the Jets can afford to gamble again, as they will be facing an experienced quarterback with a more explosive offense.

If the Jets can't overcome San Diego's inevitable intensity early on, the team will find themselves at 1-2, preparing for a game against the rising Arizona Cardinals, with a bye waving at them from Week Five.

Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community. He is also the Community Leader for the New York Jets on Bleacher Report.