Bills vs. Jets: 5 2nd-Half Keys to Victory for Buffalo

Things are still very much in the air at halftime of this up-and-down divisional clash between the Jets and the Bills.

Here are five things Buffalo needs to do to pull out a victory: 

1. Watch the Tricks

The Bills defense has been as hot and cold as Katy Perry this season, but lately, Nuclear Winter has descended on George Edwards' group. Consecutive blowout losses have rendered early-season flashy performances against the likes of the Patriots a distant memory.

The tendencies that led to four interceptions against Tom Brady are easily sniffed out and exploited by opposing teams in the video room and on the practice field. It won't be easy, but Buffalo's D needs to adjust back to the league and purge themselves of their overaggressive habits.

The Jets found success early in the first quarter running trick plays that got the Bills moving in the wrong direction. Edwards needs to make sure his guys are disciplined and stick to their assignments. If they continue to take the Jets' bait, they're going to be in a lot of trouble.  

2. No Fred Jackson? No problem. 

Could losing Fred Jackson have been a blessing in disguise for the Bills? It sounds crazy, but one might argue that the only thing Jackson's explosive start succeeded in doing was make the offense too dependent on him.

Against a very good Jets defense, Buffalo's offensive attack has looked so much more relaxed and fluid without Fred Jackson in the mix. Ryan Fitzpatrick has impressed me with his poise, which I attribute to increased awareness of the options at his disposal. If Fitz keeps it going, not only will the Bills win the game, but they'll find themselves back into the playoff picture as well.

3. The Spiller and White Tandem

OK, I admit it. Fred Jackson was playing like an irreplaceable weapon, and the Bills will miss his presence. The running game needs to get going in order to make Fitzpatrick's job easier. While it's highly unlikely that either Spiller or White will be able to do the job on his own, if Buffalo can mix them into the offensive game plan with creative plays in unpredictable patterns, things should continue to run smoothly in the second half. 

4. Make Mark Sanchez Beat You

The New York Jets quarterback is one of the most frustrating players in all of football. Despite his mostly undeserved stardom, he has shown time and time again that he doesn't have what it takes to succeed at this level. As a result, teams put a target on his back.  

Buffalo needs to do the same thing. Stuff the box, stop the run and dare Sanchez to beat you with his arm. A steady diet of pressure should lead to some bad decisions, and consequently, tide-turning turnovers.  

5. Stay Away from Revis Island 

A little shorthanded on offense, the Bills don't really have the weapons on the outside that can beat the Jets' corners man-to-man. In the second half of this one, there's really no reason for the Bills to force the issue.

Fitzpatrick has done a great job of reading zone and fitting the ball into the open pockets. Assuming Buffalo can continue to move the ball in this manner, they'll avoid turning the ball over and control the clock.