Eye on New York Jets' Enemy: Comprehensive breakdown of Buffalo Bills
The New York Jets will play host to the division rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday. While some might expect a defensive slugfest against the storied franchises, others are expecting a duel of two second-year quarterbacks.
Here is a comprehensive look at how the Jets stack up against the Bills:
Quarterback
Expect to see a vastly improved Josh Allen in 2019.
Though the 2018 first-round pick threw for 2,074 yards, and 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 11 starts, he showed flashes of greatness in spots. The 6-foot-5, 237-pound signal-caller has a powerful arm to push the ball down the field, and boasts the athleticism to improvise outside the pocket when a play breaks down. Despite his hulking build, he's well adept at picking up yards with his legs if he sees a crease.
Analysis: On Sunday, the key player on defense -- to me -- is Steve McLendon. If the burly nose tackle can collapse the pocket from the inside, if should create opportunities for Henry Anderson and Leonard Williams to close in off the edge. Allen's arm strength could cause problems for the much maligned Jets' secondary, however, so getting to him early will be a crucial key to victory.
Running back
When the Bills made LeSean McCoy a casualty on cutdown day, it left the running back stable with 36-year-old Frank Gore, diminutive rookie Devin Singletary, and fifth-year pro T.J. Yeldon. While that trio surely won't keep most defensive coordinators up at night, they each have their role. Gore will serve as Buffalo's between-the-tackles, short yardage runner, while Singletary and Yeldon pose a threat as change of pace options on third-down.
Analysis: The 5-foot-7 Singletary will be the player to watch, as he presents the biggest mismatch of the three runners. Expect to see rookie Blake Cashman track Singletary out of the backfield, where he is likely to do his most damage. Cashman's range and lateral agility to defend the perimeter gives the Jets the perfect answer at slowing the Bills' jitterbug.
Wide receivers
Buffalo significantly upgraded their receiving corps over the offseason. Aside from holdovers Zay Jones and Robert Foster, they also welcomed John Brown, Cole Beasley and Andre Roberts into the fold. While Foster is a rising star as a downfield threat, Brown and Roberts already are. The trio should thrive playing with Allen for a full season. Look for Beasley to fill a similar role as the Jets' Jamison Crowder as the team's primary slot option. The eight-year veteran should act as a chain-moving security blanket for his second-year quarterback.
Analysis: The Bills have assembled their most diverse group of pass catchers in recent years. Beasley's effectiveness over the middle should open things up down the field -- and I expect Allen to test the shoddy Jets cornerbacks one or twice. Foster should continue his impressive tear from late last season, getting behind the secondary just enough times to make an impact. The Jets defensive line will need to bring the heat.
Defensive line
The defensive line will be anchored by veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes and rookie defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Oliver was selected with the 9th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He instantly injects elite quickness and athleticism in the middle of what figures to be a stingy Buffalo defense in 2019.
Analysis: Oliver and Star Lotulelei -- the other space-eater in the middle -- should generate consistent pressure up the middle against 34-year-old Ryan Kalil and an ailing Brian Winters (shoulder). Hughes sets the edge, acting as the anchor of the line. With running lanes expected to be limited up the middle, Le'Veon Bell may be forced to bounce some runs to the outside in order to find success.
Linebacker
Arguably the heart of the defense, Lorenzo Alexander, Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano comprise the Bills' starting linebacking trio. While Alexander is the unit's veteran leader and Edmunds is certainly a specimen in his own right (6-foot-5, 250 pounds), it's Milano that has quickly become one of the most underrated defensive players in football. The 6-foot, 223-pound strongside 'backer is the perfect build for the modern day NFL linebacker. Playing in 13 games, Milano notched 78 tackles (12 for loss), seven passes defended, three interceptions, one sack, and three fumble recoveries in 2018.
Analysis: Due to the Jets' lack of weapons at the tight end position, the Bills' athletic linebacking contingent will be somewhat marginalized, though Milano is fluid enough in coverage to close on intermediary throws to Quincy Enunwa and Jamison Crowder. The mountainous Edmunds is always active in the middle, but known to over pursue and struggle disengaging from blockers on occasion.
Secondary
The starting cornerback tandem of Tre'Davious White and Levi Wallace quietly has the potential to evolve into one of the best in the league. White, in particular, should contend for All-Pro honors in his third-season. The hard-nosed 24-year-old has the ability to take the opponent's best receiver out of the game. Versatile safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are effective centerfielders that are most fluid in coverage.
Analysis: White will likely have Robby Anderson under close surveillance on Sunday, but there will be opportunities for Enunwa and Crowder to find openings over the middle. Enunwa towers over Wallace on the perimeter, and Crowder's blistering quickness will be a tall order for nickel corner Tavon Johnson. If the Jets' offensive line can withstand Buffalo's formidable front four, the pass catchers should enjoy a nice afternoon.
