The New York Jets (2-1) travel to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore Sunday night to take on the Baltimore Ravens, who are also 2-1. This is the second game of a three-game road trip for the Jets. They lost in Oakland last Sunday, 34-24, and are in New England next week to face the New England Patriots.
The Raiders rushed for 234 yards in that victory over the Jets, and some have wondered if Gang Green is losing its identity as a physically dominating defense -- especially after the Raiders admitted to wanting to "bully" New York's defense.
Jets coach Rex Ryan disagreed that the Jets were bullied.
"They got around the perimeter a bunch on us. (They) tried a throwback pass, we covered it and the guy outran us for 30 yards. (They) ran a reverse. I hardly think that's really bullying us," Ryan said. "And you know what? Maybe we'll get a chance to play them again. I hope so."
The Jets, who are now 31st in the league against the run giving up 136.7 yards per game, can expect to be physically challenged by a Baltimore team built to run the football on offense and stop the run on defense. Baltimore is eighth in the league running the ball (127.7 yards per game) and sixth against the run, allowing only 84 yards per game.
Baltimore running back Ray Rice is averaging 5.6 yards per carry so far in 2011.