So You Think the Jets Will Beat the Titans?

Congers, NY—If you listen to sports radio here in New York, then you must be pretty fired up that the Jets are going to roll into Nashville and defeat the tough-but-beatable Tennessee Titans. After taking down the Patriots last Thursday, the Jets are flying high and are ready to prove that they are contenders in the weak (?) AFC.

In my opinion the Jets have already proven they're contenders by defeating seven of their nine opponents (they played the Patriots twice). Some of those seven teams even had winning records. The Raiders, for instance, which they easily—hmm, OK, bad example. Let's take a closer look.

The positives are undeniable. The Jets have a very strong run defense (Jenkins and Co.), a future Hall of Fame quarterback (Brett Favre) with gas still in the tank, and a steadily improving offense behind two talented running backs (Thomas Jones and Leon Washington).

However, they are only the second best team in New York. Tennessee would like to show that they are no better than the second best team in the AFC, as well.

My question is this...will all the confidence, swagger, and momentum that was generated by beating the New England Patriots disappear if the Jets get thumped by something like a 27-10 score in Nashville?

That score is not far fetched at all. They did give up 400 yards passing to Matt Cassell.

A few more things I'd like to point out.

The Jets' run defense is excellent (which I just pointed out), and they get plenty of sacks. However, their pass defense is their weak spot (28th in the NFL), which makes it difficult for them to hold on to leads late in games.

The Titans exceptional run defense is at least as good as, if not better than the Jets, and they also get plenty of sacks (rushing just the front four usually). It is in pass defense that these teams differ as the Titans pass defense is ranked sixth in the league.

Another factor is that the Titans defense plays much better when Kyle VandenBosch is in the lineup. With VandenBosch on the field, Tennessee’s sacks go up and total yards allowed drop. He is expected to play this week.

In response to those who say the Titans have also played a weak schedule...They have wins over the Colts, Vikings, Bears, Packers, Jaguars (twice), and Ravens.

They did play three weak teams (Texans, Bengals, and Chiefs) but they beat them by a combined 89-29 score.

Finally, Tennessee allows an average of 13.1 points per game, best in the league. Only one team has put up 20 points on their defense all year, the Colts. However, Indianapolis' final touchdown came in garbage minutes when they were down, 31-14, with the Titans sitting way back in prevent defense.

It will be a huge statement if the Jets manage to pick up the win, but I wouldn't hold my breath. One thing is for certain, though—it will be another interesting Sunday in the NFL.