Jets vs. Bills: Halftime Observations for the Bills

Both the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets in this critical AFC East division matchup. Both teams are proving that even the longest of drives can play spoiler on the stat sheet. Mark Sanchez drove the Jets down the field in impressive fashion on his first drive of the game, but Jairus Byrd made New York pay with an interception in the end zone. 

With just one game separating these two teams in the standings, this game is sure to factor into who takes down the division crown. Let's take a look at some observations from the first half, and some keys to victory in the second.

1) Two-Headed Monster

The Jets claim to be a run-first team, but many pundits don't believe they have the elite back needed to make the claim.

LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene are doing their very best today to shut them up hard. Greene has been running like a man possessed, averaging well over four yards per carry.

The Bills have been able to contain Mark Sanchez and cause turnovers when they count, but they must look to stop the run. A long Greene run was brought back on a holding call in the second quarter, but if the Jets break off another long one, Buffalo may not be so lucky.

2) The Jets defense isn't making it easy for Ryan Fitzpatrick out there.

He hasn't looked pretty, but the one thing he usually excels at is not forcing throws. At the end of the second quarter, Fitzy did just that twice.

They were lucky that Nick Folk, who had made 19 straight field goals, was able to convert on a 50-yard field goal with just over one minute until the second half.

This game isn't going to end 3-0, but it's up to the Bills to prove it will end in their favor.

3) Points

This is an easy one. The Jets have a terrific defense and it's absolutely showing today. The Bills don't look comfortable on the ground or through the air.

The offensive MVP of the first half, Fred Jackson, needs to rally the troops during halftime because his performance thus far just isn't getting it done. He needs to get closer to that 100-yard milestone in the second half and help the Bills gets some points on the scoreboard.

Shut out in the first half, Jackson absolutely cannot have that happen in the second half.