Sunday is Salute to Service day at MetLife Stadium. Will the Jets call in the Marines? Actually, they're planning to get back on track with the personnel on hand against the visiting Buffalo Bills.
"It'd be huge to get a division win, go into the bye week feeling great, then coming back the next week to try to get another win," WR Jermaine Kearse said of the home game ahead, and not looking too far past the bye to the Patriots on the horizon. "I think it's a must-win because it's the next game. It's the next opportunity for us to showcase who we are and what we can do. And there's no doubt in my mind we'll be able to do that."
The Jets have lost three in a row to drop to 3-6 and entered the week with a 22-player injury report. Head coach Todd Bowles announced a temporary change in his quarterback starter (below) but may welcome back CB Trumaine Johnson (quad) for the first time in six games and was optimistic for his other DNPs.
The Bills, meanwhile, less than a year removed from their first playoff appearance in 18 years, are on a four-game skid to 2-7. Might the Jets overlook their Western New York brethren? Kearse said, logically, "I don't know why we'd be looking at records."
And Bowles is ready for the Bills' best shot: "We've got our work cut out for us."
Here are seven more points of interest for Sunday's game (kickoff 1 p.m. ET):
1. Rivalry Rejoined
After a lull from 2013-15, the Jets have reenergized this original AFL rivalry. They've won three of the last four overall to trim the Bills' all-time advantage to 61-54, and they've taken six of the eight games the teams have played at MetLife Stadium since 2010 to climb back into the lead at home, 30-28. The last two North Jersey meetings went solidly to the Green & White, 30-10 in the 2016 season finale and 34-21 on Thursday night last year, built on 194 rushing yards and seven sacks of then-Buffalo QB Tyrod Taylor. But Taylor moved on to Cleveland, so the Jets will try to win a new QB battle. But it's not the one it was shaping up to be in September.
2. Who Are the QBs?
Back then, this game looked to be a matchup of the third selection of the draft, Sam Darnold, vs. the No. 7 pick, Josh Allen. But Bowles said Darnold (foot strain) will not start and he's handed that assignment to Josh McCown, who had a career year as Jets starter last season, including some economical passing in that TNF win over the Bills. Either Darnold or Davis Webb will be the backup. As for Buffalo, will it be Allen, itching to play the Jets although his braced right elbow limited him at practice this week? Or Derek Anderson, still in the concussion protocol? Or Nathan Peterman, 0-2 as a starter? Or Matt Barkley just in case. Talk about needing a scorecard.
3. Down on Their Luck
The Jets may be struggling but Buffalo is really struggling. The Bills are last in the NFL in yards/play, passing yards/game, passing yards/play, giveaways (22), defensive touchdowns allowed (4), fourth-quarter points (23), second-half points (53), total points (96) and point differential (minus-145). A minus-81-point margin in their second quarters is the worst in any quarter in the NFL this season. Their eight total touchdowns are the fewest after nine games in the league since 2000. This is the kind of opponent a team might look past ... at its peril. The Vikings are still wondering how the Bills came to their home in Week 3 and left with a 27-6 victory.
4. Dangerous D
And don't go to sleep on the Bills defense. The unit is led by hot rookie MLB Tremaine Edmunds (who missed last week vs. Chicago with a concussion) as well as vets with familiar names such as LBs Lorenzo Alexander and Matt Milano (NFL-leading three opponents' fumble recoveries) and linemen Jerry Hughes (three forced fumbles), Shaq Lawson and old reliable Kyle Williams. Their D is ranked third in the NFL in four key categories: total yards/game, total yards/play, pass yards/game and pass yards/play. Kearse: "They have a good defense. They do a lot of different, weird things with pressures, and they've got a good secondary, so we've just got be ready."
Top Throwback Photos of the AFC Division Rivals
New York Jets running back Curtis Martin (28) crosses the goal line for a five yard touchdown run as Buffalo Bills defender Ken Irvin (27) fails to tackle him during the second quarter Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets are 3-0 for the first time since 1966 after defeating the Bills 27-14. Jets' Kevin Mawae (68) signals touchdown in background. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Richie Anderson celebrates as he scores a touchdown during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath, right, and Buffalo Bills quarterback Joe Ferguson, have each other's numbers as they walk off the field at New York's Shea Stadium in New York, Nov. 2, 1975. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Buffalo Bills safety Steve Freeman (22) drops back in pass coverage on New York Jets wide receiver Wesley Walker (85) during an NFL game at East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 5, 1986. The Jets defeated the Bills 14-13. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Jets wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson (19) gains 25 yards on a reverse as Buffalo Bills linebacker Sam Cowart (56) gives chase in the first quarter Saturday, Dec. 19, 1998 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Jets' LaDainian Tomlinson (21) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/ David Duprey)
New York Jets cornerback Ray Mickens (24) reacts after intercepting Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie in the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 8, 1998 in East Rutherford, N.J. With him is safety Victor Green (21). The Jets won 34-12. (AP Photo/John Greilick)
New York Jets tight end Chris Baker leaps over Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee as he gains 17 yards during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Jets won, 16-14. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets wide receiver Santana Moss (83) breaks away from Buffalo Bills safety Pierson Prioleau during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Lamont Jordan (34) makes a 12-yard run before being pushed out of bounds by Buffalo Bills cornerback Antonine Winfield during the first quarter of the Jets 30-3 defeat of the Bills, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The play was part of a scoring drive that set up the Jets first touchdown. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets cornerback Terrell Buckley comes down with an interception between Buffalo Bills wide receivers Bobby Shaw, right, and Eric Moulds, left, to end the game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Jets won 16-14. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets wide receiver Don Maynard (13) is shown in action during game against the Buffalo Bills, Sept. 14, 1969, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo)
New York Jets running back Dave Meggett (22) breaks loose on a run in the first quarter as Buffalo Bills linebacker Marlo Perry (58) moves to defend Saturday, Dec. 19, 1998 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
New York Jets player Antonio Cromartie (31) and Buffalo Bills player C.J. Spiller walk off the field after an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010. The Jets won, 38-14. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) fights for the ball with New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets' wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson congratulates Wayne Chrebet after catching a 7-yard touchdown pass from VinnyTestaverde in the first quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Dec. 19, 1998 in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Jets defeated the Bill 17-10 to clinch their first AFC East title since the merger. (AP Photo/Alex Horvath)
New York Jets quarterback full back Tony Richardson (49) runs past Buffalo Bills defenders Chris Kelsay (90) and Ashlee Palmer (59) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Toronto, on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Jets Curtis Martin (28) leaps to evade Buffalo Bills defenders as Jets fullback Jerald Sowell (33) fends off linebacker London Fletcher(59) in the third quarter of the Jets 30-3 defeat of the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Bills defensive tackle Jeff Posey (96) and defensive tackle Pat Williams (93) are shown attacking from the right. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington (10) is tackled by Buffalo Bills' Angelo Crowell (55) during the second half of the football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday Sept. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Jets linebacker Mark Brown (55) runs back an interception for a 33-yard touchdown during first quarter NFL football against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Jets safety Kerry Rhodes (25) celebrates as Bills wide receiver Lee Evans (83) gives chase. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets fullback Tony Richardson (49) is tackled by Buffalo Bills' Reggie Corner and Keith Ellison, right, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Aaron Glenn (31) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills' Peerless Price in the end zone during the fourth quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington sprints into the end zone for a touchdown after breaking free of Buffalo Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel in the fourth quarter of the Jets 31-13 victory over the Bills, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets cornerback Ty Law runs with the ball after intercepting a pass from Buffalo Bills quarterback Kely Holcomb during the first quarter of their NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets running back Curtis Martin, left, is pushed out of bounds by Buffalo Bills' Terrence McGee after a five-yard gain during the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Martin rushed for 77 yards in the Jets' 16-14 win. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Jets Thomas Jones (20) in action against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie, left, is sacked for a 12 yard loss by New York Jets linebacker Mo Lewis during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 8, 1998 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 34-12. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets Aaron Glenn (31) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills' Peerless Price (81) for a touchback during the game at Ralph Wilson stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. Looking on is Jets' Victor Green. The Jets won 42-36. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Jets quarterback Bob Davis (15), laterals ball to running back Emerson Boozer (32), far right, in fourth quarter play for seven yards against the Buffalo Bills at Shea Stadium, New York, Oct. 18, 1971. Blocking for Boozer are John Riggins (44), Al Atkinson, (behind Riggins), and Winston Hill, (behind Davis). Davis threw two touchdown passes leading the Jets to a 28-17 win over the Bills. Bills lineman at left is Jim Dunaway. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
New York Jets' John Abraham (94) scoops up a fumble by Buffalo Bills' Rob Johnson for a touchdown during the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
New York Jets running back Curtis Martin (28) leaps over Buffalo Bills safety Pierson Prioleau as he picks up a first down with a run of eleven yards during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde (16) passes the ball as Jets center Kevin Mawae, blocks as Buffalo Bills' Aaron Schobel and Lawyer Milloy look on during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets beat the Bills 30-3. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Chad Morton (26) returns a kick-off for a touchdown past Buffalo Bills' Chris Watson (21) during the second quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2002. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Dennis Shaw (16), throws beyond the up-stretched hands of New York Jets guard Andy Fusco, but the pass was incomplete, Oct. 17, 1971. The action took place during the first quarter of an AFC game at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. The Jets won, 28-17. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
New York Jets' Justin McCareins (81) stretches for more yardage on a catch as he is tackled by Buffalo Bills' Terrence McGee (24) at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Jets running back Curtis Martin leaves a wake of Buffalo Bills defenders behind as he scampers into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
5. Men on the Run
With QBs in flux, it may come down to who has the more potent ground game. Isaiah Crowell hasn't regained his 219-yard Denver form but he ran better in Miami than he had in three prior games, and Elijah McGuire gave the offense a jolt with his 6.7-yard average on 10 offensive touches. Similar to "Cro," LeSean McCoy's also been trying to find daylight — in his last three games, he's run for 1, 13 and 10 yards. Last year McCoy showed a split personality vs. the Jets, gaining 159 yards from scrimmage in the opening win at Buffalo, then 25 yards at MetLife. DC Kacy Rodgers left no doubt which one he'd prefer: "The thing that scares you is Shady, of course."
6. Special Factor
Field position again reared its ugly head in the Jets' Miami loss, a combination of the offense's 2-for-13 on third downs and Dolphins punter Matt Haack's seven inside-the-20 punts — tied for most in the NFL since 2000. That led to a minus-14.0-yard difference in starting field position, thus extending the Jets' record since 1996 in games with a minus-12-yard difference or greater to 0-32. Could field position improve vs. the Bills? Possibly. Andre Roberts remains No. 1 among NFL punt returners with a 16.9-yard average. And Buffalo, after IR-ing rookie P Corey Bojorquez, re-signed Colton Schmidt, who had a 28.0-yard net on five punts vs. the Bears.
7. Familiar Foes
There are former Jets all around Buffalo's building. Remember Vlad Ducasse, the Round 2 pick in 2010? He's started the last 22 games at guard for the Bills. Chris Ivory is still pounding the rock alongside McCoy at RB. WR Terrelle Pryor, signed last week, caught two passes against Chicago, and LB Julian Stanford started for Edmunds vs. the Bears. Also, the offensive coordinator is Brian Daboll, a Buffalo native who worked with Chad Pennington and Brett Favre as the Jets' QBs coach in 2007-08. It would behoove the current Jets and their fans to disabuse all their former teammates of any thoughts that they're among friends as soon as possible after Sunday's kickoff.
