If a win against the banged-up New England Patriots is a statement game, what would a road victory over the undefeated Titans be for the Jets? Wouldn't they love to find out! The Jets travel to Nashville to face the team that ripped off their old nickname in a battle that could be a playoff preview. The Titans are 10-0 and do it with a ground game, a controlled Kerry Collins and a stout defense. The Jets are 7-3 and do it with some strong defensive play, a ball-control offense built around a rebuilt offensive line and an easy schedule.
The Jets' strong play of late has come thanks to a decrease in mistakes from one Brett Favre. The results of his not fumbling and not throwing picks are impressive. Last Thursday's win in New England was a shaky won -- the Jets blew a 24-6 lead before winning in overtime. In it, the Jets had Favre hit his receivers on short patterns and took advantage of sloppy Patriots tackling. The Titans' defense isn't as strong in the secondary as it is in the front seven, so that recipe could work again.
If the Jets win Sunday, they would be two games behind the Titans with six to play. That means Tennessee would have to lose twice and the Jets would have to win out if New York is to have the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Unlikely. But winning in Tennessee would be a big boost if the Jets had to come back in January.
Photo Courtesy AP/Winslow Townson
