TAMPA, Fla. — The Buccaneers know exactly what the Jets plan to do against them today at Raymond James Stadium, and the Jets are going to do it anyway.
With backup quarterback Kellen Clemens making his first start in nearly two years, there will little deception in the Jets’ offensive plan.
Consider the math: The Jets lead the NFL in rushing attempts (432) and average yards per game (168.6) and the Buccaneers are ranked 31st in the NFL, allowing 160.1 yards per game.
The 6-6 Jets have made no secret of their plan to run the ball first, and they have been successful, despite facing eightand sometimes nine-man fronts by opposing defenses.
“Now that we’ve got it cranking, it’s a thing of beauty when it works right,” right tackle Damien Woody said. “Once you see the line doing the same thing, the running backs and everyone in the same motion, it’s almost like it doesn’t matter what [opposing defenses] throw out there. If we go about our job the right way, it’s pretty hard to stop.
“That’s where we are right now [with] our running game. Some of it is scheme and some of it is all about the chemistry that we have right now.”
Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris called Jets running back Thomas Jones “a good friend” from their time together when Jones played in Tampa Bay in 2003.
“I’m still angry as to why Thomas Jones doesn’t have a Buccaneer uniform on right now,” Morris said jokingly. “I don’t look forward to seeing him [today].
“Those guys [the Jets] are creating a bunch of problems, especially up front with their offensive line,” Morris said.
“They’re dominant.”
Here’s a breakdown of the game:
BEST MATCHUP
Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib vs. Jets wide receivers Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards. Talib, who had five interceptions, is a ball hawk, (nine picks in the last two seasons).
HAPPY FEET
Keep an eye on Clemens’ pocket presence today. If Clemens looks calm in the pocket and doesn’t display nervous happy feet, which is his tendency, it means he likely will have a big day. The Bucs will come at him with their top two defensive ends, Jimmy Wilkerson (six sacks, 23 pressures) and Stylez G. White (51.2 sacks, 27 pressures). How Clemens manages to avoid the pass rush without forced turnovers will determine the Jets’ success or lack of it.
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF
The Jets are 5-0 in games in which they win the turnover battle and 0-4 in games they turn the ball over more than their opponent. The Buccaneers are minus-7 in turnover ratio this season, worse than the Jets at minus-3. Look for the Jets to force at least two turnovers by Buccaneers rookie quarterback Josh Freeman, who threw five picks last week. Tampa Bay has played just one game this season without a turnover.
CHASE THIS
For a change, the Jets’ opponent might have the edge in the kickoff return game. The Buccaneers are the NFL’s best in kickoff returns with a 28.4- yard average. Rookie Sammie Stroughter (29.5-yard average and a 97-yarder returned for a touchdown) has been a weapon. Stroughter enters the game questionable with a back strain, and if he can’t play Yamon Figurs would replace him.
The Jets have been uncharacteristically bad in coverage, allowing 24.6 yards per return (27th in the league). The Bucs are allowing 19.1 yards on opposing kickoff returns, best in the NFL, with a long of just 37 yards.
TIGHT SPOT
Perhaps the Buccaneers’ best offensive weapon is their tight end, Kellen Winslow, who leads the team with 58 catches and has five touchdowns. This puts pressure on the Jets linebackers and safeties to cover him tightly. It could be a busy day for linebacker Bart Scott, who drops back in coverage a lot, and safety Kerry Rhodes, who has been on the hot seat of late for inconsistent play.
KICK IN THE PANTS
The Buccaneers are on their third kicker of the season, Connor Barth, who’s 7-of-11 on field goals. As a team, Tampa Bay is just 9-of-18 on field goals this season. The Jets counter with Jay Feely, one of the most accurate kickers in the game. He has made 21-of-24 field goals. Feely is coming home, having grown up just blocks away from Raymond James Stadium. If this is a close game, look for Feely to be the difference.
FOE FACT
The Buccaneers are seventh in the NFL in red zone efficiency, scoring touchdowns 58.3 percent of the time.
JETS FACT
The Jets have 19 sacks in the last six games after they had only five in the first six.
CANNIZZARO’S CALL
The Jets take care of business, forcing multiple turnovers from Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman with a lot of pressure. Kellen Clemens manages the game, avoids turnovers and makes a couple of big plays. The Jets running game grinds the Tampa Bay defense.
Jets 28, Buccaneers 10