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The battered and bruise Bills try to find a way to win at least one football game and have another chance this Sunday against the Jets. New York will be dealing with a short work week as they lost to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Both teams enter the season in similar situations with new coaches, new general managers, and new offensive systems as both teams are struggling to get acclimated with the West Coast Offense. This is a game the Bills have a chance to win but at this point they aren't expected to win any week.
Facts and Figures
| Matchup: | N.Y. Jets (1-2) at Buffalo (0-3) |
| Date: | Sunday October 7, 2001 |
| Place: | Ralph Wilson Stadium |
| Time: | 1:00pm |
| Television: | CBS |
| Announcers: | Kevin Harlan and Craig James |
| Spread: | Jets by 4 |
| Series: | Bills Lead 46-35 (1-0 Playoffs) |
| Last Meeting: | Bills 23-20 in Buffalo |
| Jets Offense: | Rush (10th); Pass (24th); overall (22nd) |
| Jets Defense: | Rush (31st); Pass (10th); overall (25th) |
| Bills Offense: | Rush (14th); Pass (27th); overall (26th) |
| Bills Defense: | Rush (26th); Pass (25th); overall (29th) |
Injury Update
Coach Williams won't have any trouble finding enough players to make inactive this week as the team will be missing at least six players with six others at least questionable for the game. Kris Farris was lost for the year against the Steelers with a broken leg. Two defensive linemen, Phil Hansen and Leif Larsen have similar elbow injuries and will miss the game. The Bills do hope to have Bryce Fisher back to help the defensive line. Jeremy McDaniel and Tony Driver were also hurt against the Steelers and will miss the game. That leaves a hole on special teams and forces and Avion Black into the third receiver role. On the positive side, they do hope to get John Fina back this week and hope to get Jonas Jennings and Brandon Spoon back but they will at least be questionable. The most important injury may be the least serious, Rob Johnson re-aggravated his hip and it is possible that he won't be ready to play.
The Jets are fairly healthy with their biggest injury being starting defensive tackle Jason Ferguson who was lost for the year during training camp. Draft pick Santana Moss has also been out all year. Tom Tupa has not been available to punt with an injury but the Jets just cut his replacement so he should be back this week.
For complete injury news throughout the week and the Official NFL Injury Report when released go to our Injury Page.
Key Matchups
DB Antoine Winfield vs. WR Wayne Chrebet and WR Laveranues Coles: The Bills will try keep Winfield on Lavernaues Coles on early downs since he's the deep threat for the Jets. He will then move into the slot and try to stop Chrebet on third downs. If he can do that the Bills offense will have more chances to score.
C Bill Conaty vs. DT Steve Martin: Ferguson's replacement in the 4-3 defense has struggled as the 49ers ripped off chunks of yards up the middle. If the Bills can open up holes for the running game in the middle it will go a long way in their effort to win.
OT John Fina vs. DE John Abraham: Fina will return and will need to be on top of his game against Abraham. He is a young, talented player who may be able to take advantage of Fina if he his mobility is compromised by his quad injury. Abraham has struggled learning a new position and this could even the battle a bit.
WR Eric Moulds vs. DB Aaron Glenn: Moulds is due to explode if the game plan lets him. look for the Bills to find more ways to get him involved and look for the Jets to put Glenn on him to try and stop him.
WR Peerless Price vs. DB Marcus Coleman: The Jets have two good corners and Coleman may have the matchup edge on Price, especially since he is frustrated and has not been heavily involved in the gameplan.
Game Plan
When The Bills Have The Ball: The struggling offense will try to get things going against an old friend in Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. The Jets have not been able to stop the running game so the Bills will once again attempt to get and get Travis Henry heavily involved in the game. If he struggles again it may be time to give Sammy Morris or Shawn Bryson some carries. Rob Johnson needs to spread the ball around more and get rid of it quicker, this will help them get Eric Moulds and Peerless Price more involved.
When The Jets Have The Ball: The Jets are also struggling with the West Coast Offense. As Curtis Martin goes, the offense goes. They will try to run the ball early and often to setup the passing game. Watch out for their underrated number two receiver, Laveranues Coles he can be the game breaker for the Jets.
Bills Daily Prediction
The Bills are still desperate for a win and this may be their best chance this month to get it but it won't be easy. The Jets are struggling also but are definitely more polished than the Bills. To win this game the Bills must win the turnover battle and get some big plays early to gain confidence. The way the season has gone so far there is no indication that will happen this week. Look for a better effort, not enough to win but enough to cover the spread: Jets 24, Bills 21
Season Prediction Record: (1-2)
Season Record Against The Spread: (1-2)
Complete Statistical Matchup - Available Tuesday October 2nd!Game Analysis and Review - Coming Sunday Night October 7th!Positional Breakdown and Grades - Coming Sunday Night October 7th!
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