Rex Ryan has been unusually indecisive when discussing how he plans to use his starters this week against the Buffalo Bills. Regardless of the game's outcome, the Jets will be on the road Wild-Card Weekend, either facing the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, or Jacksonville Jaguars. From what we have heard lately, look for Mark Sanchez to start but not play the whole game and for Damien Woody, James Ihedigbo, and potentially Eric Smith to get another week of rest before the playoffs.
On offense, look for Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight to get extended work. Greene should be getting groomed as the team's lead back for January, while McKnight could limit the touches LaDainian Tomlinson receives so he is fresh for the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised to see Santonio Holmes get some rest either, since he has been nursing various nagging injuries.
On defense, the starters need all the reps they can get considering their poor play lately. However, I wouldn't be shocked if Rex Ryan experimented with a few different things and gave a longer look to players like Kyle Wilson and Marquice Cole. The only players on the defense who merit any kind of rest right now are Darrelle Revis and David Harris.
A few stats to keep an eye on -
- Mark Sanchez needs 3 touchdown passes to reach 20.
- Mark Sanchez needs 209 passing yards to reach 3,500.
- Braylon Edwards needs 148 receiving yards to reach 1,000.
- LaDainian Tomlinson needs 86 rushing yards to reach 1,000.
- Dustin Keller needs 5 receptions for 60.
- David Harris needs 3 tackles for 100.