Upstart Jets Face Biggest Test In San Diego

Article Written by Tom  Oldfield

Rex Ryan’s New York Jets are on a roll but this weekend they face the unenviable task of securing a win in San Diego as the Chargers put their 11-game winning streak on the line for a place in the AFC Championship game.  Ryan masterminded a 24-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend and has been vocal in his belief that his Jets can go all the way to the Super Bowl this year. New York ended the regular on fire and has carried that intensity into the playoffs.

Meanwhile, on the back of a week’s rest, the San Diego Chargers have had ample time to get their game plan in order, work out ways to stop Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez and devise schemes to outthink corner Darrelle Revis, who is regarded by many as the league’s best in that position.

No amount of relaxation, however, can change the fact that the pressure is on the Chargers as they bid to shed their playoff chokers tag. A 14-2 regular season record was not enough to get past the New England Patriots in 2006. Nor was an 11-5 effort in 2007, while it was the Pittsburgh Steelers who denied San Diego a trip to the Super Bowl last season. The Chargers have been a regular season power but a post season flop.

The week off, earned thanks to a 13-3 record, has given the San Diego offense a chance to recharge its batteries. Quarterback Philip Rivers has had an MVP-calibre year while LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles give the Chargers unquestionable strength at the running back position. But it is the improved balance of the offense which has been most noticeable this season, with Tomlinson no longer the standout threat. Now it is time to prove that this mix is worthy of a Super Bowl appearance.

The Jets pose a serious threat to those ambitions, though. Shonn Greene demonstrated his rushing prowess against Cincinnati but Revis might be the biggest factor for the Chargers to overcome. He is having a stellar year and he successfully nullified Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco last weekend for the second straight game.

However, there is only so much coverage that one man can provide and he is now facing an offense that has far more options than the Bengals’ attack. With Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson just two of Rivers’ proven passing options, this will be a thorough examination of the Jets and the NFL’s number one defense against the pass.  Jets will bring an aggressive, fearless game to San Diego on Sunday but the Chargers are a team on a mission and have the weapons to book their place in the Championship game.

Tags: Antonio Gates, Chad Ochocinco, Darrelle Revis, Darren Sproles, Mark Sanchez LaDainian Tomilson, New York Jets, Phillip Rivers, Rex Ryan, San Diego Chargers, Shonn Greene, Vincent Jackson