Jets (2-0) at Raiders (1-1), 4:05 p.m. Eastern, CBS
Matchup to Watch: Colin Baxter vs. Defensive Line
Baxter, the Jets’ rookie replacement at center for Nick Mangold (high ankle sprain), has played three quarters in the N.F.L. The Raiders’ starting tackles, Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour, have combined to play 19 seasons. To combat his inexperience, Baxter immersed himself in film review and extra practice, studying with Mangold, the injured backup Rob Turner and the offensive line coach Bill Callahan. For the Jets to win, they do not need Baxter to resemble Mangold. But they do need him to avoid making critical mistakes that lead to turnovers or, worse, injuries.
Number to Watch: 25
LaDainian Tomlinson touchdowns against Oakland in his 11-year career, the most he has against a team. Tomlinson’s success prompted Rob Ryan, the Raiders’ former defensive coordinator, to tell him, “I put you in the Hall of Fame,” when Dallas visited the Jets two weeks ago. Tomlinson has not played against Oakland since leaving the A.F.C. West rival San Diego after the 2009 season, but if he adds to his total Sunday, it will probably be on a reception. Out of the backfield, Tomlinson has averaged 11.4 yards a catch.
Quotation of the Week
“You look at their two guys, it’s Mantle and Maris. They have the two big hitters.”
MIKE WESTHOFF, the Jets’ special-teams coach, referring to Oakland punter Shane Lechler and kicker Sebastian Janikowski.
No comments:
Post a Comment