Turn On The Jets Roundtable, Week 15 - Jets/Titans Predictions

Make sure to stay with us during Jets/Titans tonight, as our writing staff will be doing a live blog of the game right here on the site -

Joe Caporoso - 12 Pack

Chris Gross - Jets 23, Titans 10 – You’re really beginning to see the Jets defense click on all cylinders. Muhammad Wilkerson has established himself as a top defensive lineman in this league, while Antonio Cromartie has put any doubt pertaining to his value to the Jets organization to rest. Additionally, LaRon Landry has been one of Mike Tannenbaum’s few excellent free agent acquisitions, as he has coupled with Yeremiah Bell to revamp the safety position that was such a mess a year ago. 1st round pick Quinton Coples is beginning to blossom at the right time, and schematically the Jets have been beyond impressive over the past couple of weeks.

While Chris Johnson’s elusiveness and speed could be a problem for the Jets slower linebackers, he is playing without 4 starting offensive lineman and hasn’t been very effective after contact. This means that the Jets need to hit him before he finds space, and continuously hit him throughout the game. Jake Locker should struggle reading Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine’s fronts, coverages, and blitz disguises, as most young quarterbacks have this year. Look for the Jets to dominate once again on defense, with another strong performance from Muhammad Wilkerson.

Offensively, Tennessee is young and explosive in their defensive front 7, so expect New York to counter their aggressiveness and inexperience with a variety of misdirections and play action passes. Mark Sanchez will be under the microscope on the national stage, so his performance will be highly scrutinized. If he struggles early tonight, don’t count on Rex Ryan not pulling the plug and replacing him with Tim Tebow. The Jets need to win and it is no time to worry about hurting someone’s feelings or creating Tebow hysteria. Look for the Jets to try and limit Sanchez to 15-20 pass attempts while grounding their way to their third consecutive victory.

Chris Celletti - Much like in 2009 when the Jets thought they were done and dusted, the overall mediocrity of the AFC coupled with a few key results have combined to give the Jets and incredible opportunity heading into the final weeks of the year. The Jets’ “playoffs” started a few weeks ago against Arizona, but that was just from a mathematical standpoint. Now, on Monday night in Tennessee, the Jets are truly entrenched in the playoff picture, and make no mistake about it, Monday’s game is for all intents and purposes a postseason game for Gang Green. Over the past few seasons, I suppose 2011 notwithstanding, these are the situations that have brought out the best in both Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez. I expect both of them to have big nights; the Jets defense will dial up a big performance, and Sanchez will play his best game since the Jets’ win in St. Louis. I don’t think it will be easy by any stretch because Chris Johnson can cause the Jets some problems and Jake Locker is a tricky guy to deal with, but I think the Jets get the job done. On a player-specific level, I’m predicting that Braylon Edwards catches a touchdown of over 50+ yards. That’ll be one of the few big plays the Jets make while winning 24-10.

Rob Celletti - Here we go again. The Jets once again play for their lives, and will know exactly what this game means to them when it kicks off on Monday night, as the rest of the Week 15 results will be in. The Jets’ history isn’t littered with 5-game winning streaks, but they’re in search of one now. I think that desperation will help them as they try and navigate the final three weeks of the season.

Tennessee poses more of a threat than Arizona or Jacksonville; there’s simply more talent on the field. But the Jets will try and muck and grind their way to a win once again, asking their running game to carry the load. Still, the Jets are going to have to throw the ball more to win this week. We saw Mark Sanchez play an extremely tentative game last week, and if he tries to do that again, I don’t think the Jets can win. Often times, playing afraid of making a mistake actually leads to more mistakes. Sanchez simply needs to assert himself. If the running game is successful, there will be chances to hurt Tennessee deep on playaction. It’s a tired refrain, but only because it’s true. I think the Jets will take advantage of their opportunities, and I think the defense continues its dominant play. It’ll be close, but I think the Jets will be coming home 7-7. Final score, 27-17.