New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills: Halftime Observations for the Jets

In this critical AFC East division matchup, both teams are leaving everything on the field. Both teams are proving that even the longest of drives can play spoiler on the stat sheet.

Mark Sanchez drove the New York Jets down the field in 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.

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.

LT and Shonn Greene are doing their very best today to shut them up. Green has been running like a man possessed, averaging well over four yards per carry. For second-half success, both Greene & LT will need to keep up the ground efforts—especially when it comes time to milk the clock.

Force Fitzy

Buffalo Bills' quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is looking downright flustered in every drop-back. After several three-and-outs in the first half, now is not the time to ease up.

The one thing Fitzpatrick was doing well was not making key mistakes.

That vanished close to the end of the first half. Eventually, he will need to try to, once again, step up and make a play. That's when the Jets should hit him where it hurts.

It may very well be points off turnovers that define this matchup. 

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, has been absolutely SHUT DOWN. You keep Jackson a non-factor, and this game is a cake-walk with Stevie Johnson all alone on Revis Island.

The Jets' three points very well may be the only ones they need. I say the Jets cruise to victory and reemerge into the playoff picture.