10 Things to Expect: Jets vs. Chiefs
Players to Watch in Jets First Game at Arrowhead Stadium Since 2005
Michael Vick will make his first start since Oct. 27 of last season and he will do it against his former coach and friend Andy Reid. Jets players are looking for the 34-year-old QB to provide a spark to the offense, which Vick so often does by avoiding pass rushers and scrambling for first downs. Vick, mind you, is 51 rushing yards away from 6,000 for his career.
As the left-handed Michael Vick prepares to start, RT Breno Giacomini becomes Vick's blind-side protector, a role he's not too familiar with from the right side of the line. Giacomini will also be matched up with Chiefs LB Justin Houston, who leads the NFL with 10 sacks.
Head coach Rex Ryan had high praise for LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who will likely draw the assignment of blocking Chiefs LB Tamba Hali. Ryan said Brick is have a "phenomenal year" and is excited for the matchup: "Brick, I think if this isn't his best year, I think it's right there. Maybe, my first year here, or one of them, I thought he was the best tackle in football. I think he is pretty close to that right now."
With another week under his belt, look for WR Percy Harvin to be more involved with the offense in Kansas City. He will also be returning kicks, which special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey is looking forward to after his performance last week: "There were maybe a couple balls that I thought he was going to stay in on. Other than that, he just needs to get used to the scheme, and some of the stuff that we do. But, as far as him being in there, I couldn't be more excited."
As he's done since the beginning of the year, RB Chris Ivory continues to run hard. Last Sunday against the Bills, a team that had not allowed a rushing touchdown, Ivory scored two of the Jets' three rushing touchdowns. The Chiefs are the only team left that has not allowed a rushing score.
Head coach Rex Ryan said today that the team is still unsure who will be starting at cornerback. Darrin Walls, who has been a starter for most of the season is listed as doubtful and Phillip Adams, who has the only interception, is coming back from a groin injury. Ryan sad that he expects for everyone to get a little time, including Josh Thomas and Marcus Williams, both of whom have not played in a game this season.
In two of his last three games, DT Sheldon Richardson has recorded 10-plus tackles. Halfway through his second year, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year matched his 3.5 sack total from his award-winning season. Look for Richardson to continue his hot streak in his home state.
After beginning the New England game on the bench, Coples responded with his best game of the season against the Bills: seven tackles and 1.5 sacks. Look for Q to build off that momentum and help out the Jets pass rush.
LB David Harris hasn't skipped a beat after suffering a shoulder injury Week 5 in San Diego. This week, Harris will be opposite long-time Jets assistant coach Bob Sutton, now the Chiefs defensive coordinator. Look for the ever reliable Harris to be efficient against the Chiefs.
After spending his first four seasons in Denver, WR Eric Decker is familiar with Kansas City. In his career against the Chiefs, Decker has 27 receptions for 474 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games. Look for Decker to find the end zone against a team he's played often.
