Rob Long: Jets & Ravens Ready To Rumble
As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to take on the New York Jets, it seems to be the battle of two mediocre teams. This features two teams that cannot seem to capture any momentum.
On paper, you would have thought the Ravens were the team more prepared to contend for, yet another, play-off appearance. They had their franchise quarterback fresh off of a Superbowl MVP performance, and they reloaded on defense, getting younger in key positions.
The Jets, on the other hand, couldn't decide between an underachieving Mark Sanchez and an unproven rookie in Geno Smith. The Jets also had question marks at the running back and wide receiver positions. In addition to all of that, their Head Coach, Rex Ryan, was on the proverbial "hot seat" before the season even started. He's responded with arguably his best coaching job since going to the Big Apple.
Now, they're both fighting for their play-off lives. Geno and the Jets have been dismal on the road going 1-4 as a team and Smith with only four touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Joe Flacco hasn't been a Pro Bowl player at home, but he's certainly better at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Jets will have a 1-5 record at about 4:15 p.m. on Sunday after Flacco and the Ravens hand them a 17-13 loss. The Ravens will have to do it without a running game because the Jets front seven is too good to run on. Doesn't matter, both teams will have a 5-6 record after this one.
