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Game 4: Bills vs. Jets
The Bills and Jets are two teams going in opposite directions so far this season. The Jets are tied with the Patriots for first place in the division at 3-0 and are one of the league's surprise teams. The Bills are one of the league's biggest disappointments at 0-3 and need to right the ship quickly. It will be a very hard job to do at the Meadowlands this week.
FACTS AND FIGURES
| Matchup: |
Buffalo (0-3) vs. N.Y. Jets (3-0) |
| Place: |
Giants Stadium |
| Television: |
CBS |
| Announcers: |
Kevin Harlan and Randy Cross |
| Spread: |
Jets by 7 |
| Series: |
Bills lead 48-39 (Bills 1-0 in playoffs) |
| Last Meeting: |
Bills 17-6 in Buffalo (2003) |
| Jets Offense: |
Rush (3rd); Pass (17th); overall (t-10th) |
| Jets Defense: |
Rush (t-12th); Pass (19th); overall (16th) |
| Bills Offense: |
Rush (24th); Pass (25th); overall (27th) |
| Bills Defense: |
Rush (4th); Pass (18th); overall (9th) |
INJURY UPDATE
The Bills were hit hard by the injury bug in last week's game against the Patriots. Troy Vincent tore cartilage in his knee and will miss at least two games. Trey Teague fractured a bone in his leg and is out five weeks. Jonas Jennings suffered a concussion but should be ready to go. Lawyer Milloy remains out with a broken forearm. J.P. Losman remains out with a broken leg. Shaud Williams hurt his knee and is also out.
The Jets are very healthy with the exception of ex-Bill Sam Cowart who is out with a knee injury.
 Bills Daily Injury Page
KEY MATCHUPS
LT Jonas Jennings vs. OLB John Abraham:
Williams Abraham had a breakout game last week with two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. The Jets have decided to let him rush the passer more. Jennings will have to have his wits about him after suffering a concussion last week to compete with Abraham.
SS Coy Wire vs. QB Chad Pennington:
Tom Brady torched Wire early and often last week. Assuming Wire is still in the starting lineup Pennington will take his shots at him as well.
CB Terrence McGee vs. WR Santana Moss:
McGee subs for the injured Vincent and draws a tough assignment in Moss. McGee had an up and down day last week and will need to study hard this week to make adjustments needed to play outside. He is used to playing the slot on passing downs. If he struggles, Moss can have a big day.
DTs Pat Williams and Sam Adams vs. C Kevin Mawae:
Mawae is one of the best centers in the game and if the Bills big tackles can keep Mawae occupied then the linebackers can shoot the gaps and keep the running game in check as well as get to Pennington with zone blitzes.
WR Eric Moulds vs. CB Donnie Abraham:
Moulds is the lone bright spot in the Buffalo offense this year and he draws the veteran Abraham in this game. Look for the Jets to pay extra attention to Moulds so he won't beat them.
RB Travis Henry vs. LB Jonathan Vilma:
The rookie is starting for the injured Cowart. Henry usually has big games against the Jets and will have to watch out for the young talented Vilma throughout the game.
GAME PLAN
When The Bills Have The Ball: Look for the unexpected this week. I think this will be the game in which the Bills pull out some of the trademark Mularkey gadget plays from his Pittsburgh days. In the conventional offense look for a steady dose of Henry who will need to have a big day to keep the Jets offense off the field.
When The Jets Have The Ball: Pennington must be licking his chops for a shot at the banged up Bills secondary. They have a solid offensive line and Pennington should have time to throw. He will throw and throw often. Once he established a lead than you will see Curtis Martin carry the load.
BILLS DAILY PREDICTION
The Bills have gone back to the drawing board this week with extra practice sessions and re-evaluations of the entire playbook. Unfortunately that should have been done over the bye. The Bills are a team that is lost with no confidence. They play hard but just don't know how the win. The Jets are the opposite, they play close game and know how to finish them. Sooner or later the Bills have to win but it won't be in hostile territory in New Jersey. This one may be a blowout:
Jets 31, Bills 13
Season Prediction Record: (1-2)
Season Record Against The Spread: (0-3)
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