NY Jets @ New Orleans Saints: Interview with the Enemy
We are now only two days away from the big kickoff this weekend. Yesterday our guest was Jimmy from Music City Miracles, here to try and help us get a better understanding of what we can expect from the Jets defense. Today, we've got the SB Nation's Jets blogger himself, John B from Gang Green Nation, to answer a few questions and give us his informed perspective. Let's take a look at what John B had to say about the battle of the undefeated.

CSC: The Saints and Jets are probably the two hottest teams in the league right now and somewhat to the surprise of many. Is the Jets success for real or will it begin to falter and crumble at some point?
GGN: I think it's for real. There was a lot of talent on the roster. As long as everybody stayed healthy, it was eventually going to come together. I'm really surprised how soon it's happened with a rookie quarterback and a new defensive scheme. As Mark Sanchez grows more comfortable with the pro game, and the defensive players get more experienced in the system, I'm hoping the play gets even better.
CSC: Are there concerns regarding the health of the Jets secondary? Will they be up to the challenge of facing Drew Brees?
GGN: One starter, Lito Sheppard, and the nickel, Donald Strickland, missed last week's game. If they can't go Dwight Lowery, who started the first half of last year as a rookie, and Drew Coleman will take their place. It sounds like the team is optimistic about them playing. The Jets worked out a couple of corners this week but didn't sign anybody, which some take to mean Sheppard and Strickland will play. I feel comfortable with Lowery in the lineup if he has to play. Not so much with Coleman. At the end of the day, though, the Jets want to make Brees get rid of it before the receivers have a chance to get open. The secondary will matter, but not as much as the pass rush.
CSC: What makes the Jets defense so good and what does Rex Ryan have to do with that?
GGN: There's a lot of talent on the unit, but two players in particular stick out. The first is Kris Jenkins. He's a force of nature on the defensive line. The Jets blitz a lot. It's tough to find enough blockers to pick up those blitzes when you need 2-3 guys on every play just to try and keep Jenkins in check. The second is Darrelle Revis. The blitzing leaves corners on an island. Revis manhandled Andre Johnson and Randy Moss, arguably the two most talented receivers on the planet in the first two weeks. It's easy to be aggressive when you know you have a guy like Revis there in case the opposition picks up the blitz.
More than anything, Ryan brings an attack mentality that was missing under the old staff. The Jets have had success because they get to the quarterback. The funny thing is the sack numbers don't look that great, but they've held Tom Brady and Kerry Collins under 50% in the past two weeks because they've applied consistent pressure and forced early throws.
CSC: How has Steve Weatherford been working out for you guys?
GGN: It feels like the Jets had about twenty punters in camp. They ended up making two changes between the preseason finale and regular season opener. Weatherford didn't do a great job last week. He only averaged 36 on his kicks and shanked one in crunch time.
CSC: What do you think the Jets need to do to defeat the Saints?
GGN: I'll give two simple keys. The first is get to Brees. They need to force him to get rid it before he wants, before his receivers get open. They need to hit him early and often so he's not comfortable in the pocket.
The second is the Jets need to run block better than they have this year so far. There are four first round picks on that offensive line. They turned Thomas Jones into the AFC's leading rusher last season. It's time for them to assert themselves. The Jets need to control the clock and keep that offense off the field.
CSC: Care to make a prediction?
GGN: I don't love doing predictions. I think it will be a close game. If it was in the Meadowlands, I'd like the Jets. I think the Saints have a slight edge in the dome.
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29 comments
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Comments
I don't think this is going to be even close.
I think the Saints are going to rout the Jets and make a BIG statement heading into the bye week. Buffalo gave the Payton another look at wild blitzing and pressure packages that they’ll be able to address and prepare for. In other words, the blitz will get picked up fairly often, and the ball will fly. We’re going to see just how good Revis is. Taking on Johnson and Moss is kudos worthy, but they aren’t near as big and physical as Colston is and plays. Coltson, Henderson, Meachum, Shockey, Evans and Bush . . . they have enough secondary to cover all that?
I see Bush chewing em up early on the swings, screens and checkdowns. Then later, when the DBs are moving up to address Bush, Brees starts going over the top. Saints jump to an early lead, Jets, and more importantly Sanchez, have to play catch-up and the pressure ends up being too much. Defense gets a few turnovers then it gets out of hand. Final score will be another 40+ pointer and the Bills are held to 17 or less points.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
by Hooahsaint on Oct 2, 2009 6:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Reevis is tough
I just don’t think that anyone can stop brees other than brees. He likes a 1 second drop back probably more than having time in the pocket.
I’m more concerned about our defense keeping the Mexican king in check. Although everyone seems poised to annoint out defense, I think they are still shakey. They are improved but not good…yet.
by xen-cuts on Oct 2, 2009 6:43 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
ummm....
Johnson and Moss aren’t near as big and physical as Colston? Johnson is bigger and all around better than Colston. And Moss, You know what, I would call Moss and Johnson the two best WR in the game today. I think Revis will do work against who ever he is lined up against on Sunday. The good news for the Saints is the depth at WR. Like you were saying, Overall we have an advantage.
I think we are gonna run it at them as opposed to the screens and swings. I really don’t think Drew will make it over the top that often due to lack of time in pocket, but his short game will probably be on.
Besmirching the reverence of the sport of customer service since Aug 26, 2009
by asaint on Oct 2, 2009 8:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Andre Johnston is the best WR is the game today.
And he is very big. And very physical.
Who IS the Stig?
by Hollywoo! on Oct 2, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colston is big....
but he isn’t as physical as his size could allow him to be. I think a few more healthy years and he’ll get there
"For us, there is no spring... only the smell of fresh wind before the storm."
-Conan of Cimeria
by tlsk1066 on Oct 2, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's definitely not
as physical as the aforementioned three. Still, he presents mismatches with his size, athleticism and awareness. Herman Moore, Al Toon, Cris Collinsworth … same vein, different era.
"It feels like a tiny prick " -Reggie Bush
by coldpizza on Oct 2, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Herman Moore
is a GREAT comparison to Colston. Not really that fast but faster than they look and both with sticky hands. First down machines.
by vicvega26 on Oct 2, 2009 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson is an inch shorter than Colston and doesn't play as physical.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
by Hooahsaint on Oct 3, 2009 2:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoever is playing RB...
is going to have some receiving yards. They are going to over-blitz for sure. If Payton is smart he’ll play Bush a lot this game and turn those screens into big plays. Look for whoever the RB is to have at least 7 catches and over 60 yards receiving. I don’ think the running game is going to be much though. Unless he’s throwing in some delays and pitches to offset the blitz.
Don't worry I got your back cuz...
by TAYDIGGA on Oct 2, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's probably true for both teams this week
It really looks like an evenly matched game at all phases on paper. The Saints have the homefield advantage and offensive unit cohesion, but anything can happen. Execution, and “big plays”(30+ yard gains and turnovers) should decide the winner.
"Brees will kill you, but he lets you decide how fast he tightens the garrote." -Chris Brown
by FuSoYa on Oct 2, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
I gotta agree with him about Revis. It looks like Devery, Meachem and hopefully Lance are gonna have to have big games. Also with our depth at WR, if we run alot of go routes with wheel routes underneath I think we can tire their thin secondary. That not only helps with more deep routes but can cause missed tackles on short routes. Also, we will need a steady dose of PT to hold their LBs.
by WhoDat_OH on Oct 2, 2009 6:23 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
If our passing game acheived 300+ yards and 3 tds last week
everyone’s perspective on this game might be diferent. Last week was outside and in bad conditions for passing, good conditions for running. So, Payton was smart, unlike last year in Tampa. Our passing game will have an easier time this game because we are in the Dome. And, their wil be balance now that Payton and the team has confidence in the running game. I think we will have our most balnced game of the young season.
"Indecision may or may not be my biggest problem" - Jimmy Buffet
by Philinwood on Oct 2, 2009 6:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Phil - I think your idea of the coaches' confidence in the running game is key
You are so right that they had NO CONFIDENCE last year between Deuce and his gimpy knee, Reggie, and a mostly unproven PT Cruisin to give a Bruisin to the other team. That made all the difference in some of those close games that could have gone our way and put us at 11-5, 10-6, instead of 8-8.
If it stays to form as it did against Buffalo – i.e. that when the passing is not working, we can effectively run the ball, and our D can help keep the other team from taking a lead or building a big lead (that makes Payton and Brees get all pass-whacky and force bad throws), we will be such big winners this year.
Smell Greatness
by HansDat on Oct 2, 2009 7:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The most interesting thing about this matchup
is the impact of the coaches. For all those who insist that since coaches don’t take the field they aren’t the heroes or the goats we make them out to be, I present to you Rex Ryan and Gregg Williams. Both teams have new personnel this year (as what team doesn’t?); but the biggest change is in who is calling the shots. And it’s made all the difference.
Super Bowl 44: "If you play in this league and it's not your goal, there's something wrong with you." -- Marques Colston
by MtnExile on Oct 2, 2009 6:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Rex learned from Daddy as did GW.
The son vs the student.
Going to be a good game!
MT
by MT_always on Oct 2, 2009 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, and today's PREDICTION FRIDAY!!!!!
which means that tomorrow is HURRY UP COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY (GEAUX TIGERS beat down the DAWGS) so we can get to SUNDAY for the NFL gameday and then HURRY UP early games so we can KICKOFF against the JETS J-E-T-S at 4:05 pm.
Man, if we keep up this pace, I’ll burn out from excitement each week (at this point it feels like every week is the week before we played the Eagles in the Divisional Playoffs – excitement, confidence, nervousness, giddiness, etc.). I hope I can last the whole season. Woo-Hoo!!!!
Smell Greatness
by HansDat on Oct 2, 2009 7:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
my only comment on Lito Sheppard (and it's not even my comment)
rotoworld.com:
Jets CBs Lito Sheppard (quadriceps) and Donald Strickland (ankle) missed practice for the second straight day Thursday.
The Jets are expected to be without both at New Orleans. They weren’t missed last week against the Titans at home, but Drew Brees is better equipped than Kerry Collins to exploit Dwight Lowery and Drew Coleman.
My first thought is this game is not going to be as close as everyone seems to think. And then I think “Better stop thinking like that, Cocky Boy…” So yeah, the Saints’ secondary gives up a long pass play again, but the Jets are ultimately sat down, heads hanging, declaring that they played a good hard game (which they did) and they make their way back to the AFC. Saints keep grindin’.
"That's a done dollar." -#94
by stujo4 on Oct 2, 2009 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What you smilin’ ’bout, Lito?

"That's a done dollar." -#94
by stujo4 on Oct 2, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He thought this guy was lookin’ his way.
"Brees will kill you, but he lets you decide how fast he tightens the garrote." -Chris Brown
by FuSoYa on Oct 2, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Darren only has eyes for Sanchez.
Super Bowl 44: "If you play in this league and it's not your goal, there's something wrong with you." -- Marques Colston
by MtnExile on Oct 2, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
rotoworld.com:
Jets RCB Lito Sheppard (quadriceps) has been formally ruled out for Week 4.
Nickel back Donald Strickland (ankle) is also out. If the Saints are smart, they’ll flood the field with wideouts Sunday to capitalize on New York’s depth woes in the secondary. Batman Carroll may even have to play some corner.
Uh oh. How’s he gonna see the Bat Signal inside the Superdome?
"That's a done dollar." -#94
by stujo4 on Oct 2, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wireless technology. It’s the coming thing, I hear.
Super Bowl 44: "If you play in this league and it's not your goal, there's something wrong with you." -- Marques Colston
by MtnExile on Oct 2, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First of all
The Saints have to protect the ball. We cannot give the Jets short field postions. Run the ball early in the game with succses. That will force them to put 7-8-9 men in the box. Then that will open up the air attack later in the game. Saints by 10 points.
by Nomoaints on Oct 2, 2009 10:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
turnovers
brees has turned the ball over in every game so far… but we still won the TO battle every game and came out with a win…
just thinking ‘outloud’
man i’m eager for the game predictions
by nanvinnie on Oct 2, 2009 10:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
there're some plays
that he tries to extend to long with bad ball security. We need him to not fumble as far as TOs go, imo.
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
by skinnykinney on Oct 2, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone is talking about Reevis
and I understand why. He is a guy that’s going to go for the interception if he sees an oppurtunity. That makes him vulnerable. Just one time where they line up with just 1 safety in the middle can work to our advantage(providing we can give Brees time). If Colston runs a curl route and Brees pumpfakes, Colston can spin back up the sideline and probably leave Reevis in the back. That would have to be a designed, specific play for that though. I think that Colston can get open against him. Also, if we get close to the endzone, I like our chances of tossing one high to Colston considering he’s 6-4 to Revis’ 5-11. What makes me the most nervous about this game is their front 7 against the run and their d-line against the pass. Also, I like our other receiver matchups. They’ll probably have a safety keying in on Henderson if he goes long and that can work out well for the short pass/swing passes to the RB. I like our chances
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
by skinnykinney on Oct 2, 2009 12:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You can’t beat a guy like Revis with speed. That’s where a lot of receivers went wrong with people like Deion Sanders and that style of player. They can recover and flat out beat you to the ball. You beat people like Revis by throwing fades and high passes up the field. A good game plan would be to have Colston run his typical seam routes and gun it high over Revis’ head. For one Revis’ back will be turned for man-coverage, two, if thrown right he won’t be able to make a play on the ball. With a 5 inch height advantage and even more with arm length and vertical, they should be able to exploit the size advantage often.
What they didn’t say about Johnson and Moss is that Schaub is not Brees and Moss is not physical enough to take advantage. With Brees and Colston, Revis will be a non-factor. Watch.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
by Hooahsaint on Oct 3, 2009 3:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs




















