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The New York Jets make yet another primetime appearance, this one in Tennessee on Monday Night Football versus the Titans, with a chance to continue an unexpected push to the playoffs.
With Pittsburgh losing yesterday to Dallas, the Jets remained alive with three games to play. They will need to win their remaining games and get some help, but after the debacle on Thanksgiving Night, that they are even still in the playoff conversation is a miracle.
A loss tonight and the Jets would be eliminated.
Taming the Jags
Last week, after a horrible first half that produced nothing, New York scored 17 in the final two quarters and held on to beat the hapless Jaguars 17-10.
Shonn Greene and Bilal Powell both ran the ball well and both scored short touchdowns. The resurrgent defense again played a strong game, punishing Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne and forcing turnovers.
State of the Jets
Ryan said that Tebow’s health has improved and that might bring back -- was it ever there to begin with -- the Wildcat into the Jets offense. Tebow has not played in three games since suffering two broken ribs in Week
What to Expect
Tennessee (4-9) come into the game losers of three straight. They have the 23rd ranked offense and the 27th ranked defense, so anything less than a solid performance by the Jets would be seen as disappointing.
Braylon Edwards returns tot the Jets after being released by Seattle last week, and nobody is happier than Sanchez. The Jets have the 30th rated passing offense, in part because of the lack of playmakers at wide receiver. Edwards is expected to play tonight and against the 26th ranked pass defense, could have a big game.
Greene and Powell were featured heavily last week versus Jacksonville and they figure to see a heavy workload again tonight. The Titans have the 23rd ranked rushing defense.
Defensively, the Jets have moved into the top 10 in the league (ranking eighth). They are third against the pass, which should help cause problems for Jake Locker and the Tennessee wideouts.
On the ground, Chris Johnson has carried for over 1,000 yards, but the Titans offensive line has only one player who began the season as a starter. Injuries have hurt that unit this year and it is reflected in their being ranked 23rd in the league in rushing.
Expect the Jets to bring pressure and force a couple of turnovers. Maybe Antonio Cromartie scores a touchdown tonight, as well.
And lastly, Jets head coach Rex Ryan said that the Wildcat could be back in play with a healthy Tim Tebow, so keep an eye on that throughout tonight's telecast.
STATS
Passing
Jets: Sanchez -- 2,547 yards, 12 TDs, 13 INTs
Titans: Locker -- 1,735 yards, 9 TDs, 9 INTs
Rushing
Jets: Greene -- 230 carries for 883 yards, 6 TDs
Titans: Johnson -- 223 carries for 1,037 yards, 4 TDs
Receiving
Jets: Kerley -- 52 catches for 728 yards, 2 TDs
Titans: Wright -- 59 catches for 555 yards, 4 TDs
Defense
Jets: Harris -- 101 tackles
Titans: Babineaux -- 88 tackles
Jets: Wilkerson -- 4.0 sacks
Titans: Wimbley -- 5.0 sacks
JETS @ TITANS
When: Monday, 12/17, 8:30 pm EST
Where: LP Field, Nashville
TV: ESPN, Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden
Radio: ESPN NEW YORK 98.7
Line: Jets +
For more on the Jets, visit Gang Green Nation and SB Nation New York.
Follow Jason Pafundi on Twitter @jasonpafundi.