Who: New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
When: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Media: TV – WCBS, DirecTV – 711, Radio – ESPN 98.7 FM, Sirius – 93, Sirius XM – XM 226, Internet Audio – NFL Fieldpass.
Their Previous Meeting: The last time these two teams met, apparently Stevie Johnson was being made into some sort of Saint because he was able to record 75 yards and a touchdown against Revis. But never mind the manufactured ‘controversy’ (a.k.a. stupidity) of the media and Bills fans. The Jets only led the contest once but their persistence ultimately helped to knock off the Bills for their second victory of the season over their division rival. Mark Sanchez propelled the Jets to their 28-24 victory recording a career high 4 touchdown passes to Keller, Burress and Holmes respectively–the last one to Holmes was with 1:00 remaining in regulation. Aaron Maybin also had some much needed retribution against the Jills recording two sacks to help seal the victory.

Injury Report

Jets: LB Nick Bellore (Shoulder–Probable), S Josh Bush (Concussion–Probable), DT Mike DeVito (Calf–Questionable), MLB David Harris (Ankle–Probable), WR Stephen Hill (Calf–Probable), WR Santonio Holmes (Ribs–Probable), TE Dustin Keller (Hamstring–Questionable), T Dennis Landolt (Knee–Out), S LaRon Landry (Heel–Probable), CB Ellis Lankster (Quadriceps–Probable), RB Joe McKnight (Hamstring–Probable), G Brandon Moore (Hip–Probable), NT Sione Po’uha (Lower back–Questionable), WR Chaz Schilens (Ankle–Probable), S Eric Smith (Hip/Knee–Out), and OLB Bryan Thomas (Ankle–Probable).
Bills: CB Ron Brooks (Foot–Out), WR Stevie Johnson (Groin–Questionable), WR Brad Smith (Groin–Probable), and G Kraig Urbik (Lower back–Probable).

Inactives
Jets: QB Greg McElroy, WR Clyde Gates, C Caleb Schlauderaff, T Dennis Landolt, NT Sione Po’uha, NT Damon Harrison, and S Eric Smith.
Bills: QB Tavaris Jackson, WR T.J. Graham, OT Sam Young, OL Colin Brown, DE Kyle Moore, LB Kirk Morrison, and DB Delano Howell.

Game Captains: QB Mark Sanchez, LB Nick Bellore, LB Aaron Maybin, NT Kenrick Ellis, and CB Ellis Lankster.

Links: TJB Chat || Preview || Intel Report || NFL.com Game Center || Jets vs. Bills Game Release || TJB on Twitter

Post Scriptum: The password to the chatroom is case-sensitive and must be entered as shown: bigsnacks

For as long as the offseason has felt, the preseason seemed to drag on. Between the controversy over Roger Goodell wielding the ban hammer to the replacement refs to the Mike Wallace-MJD saga there was no shortage of story lines. Unfortunately, the Jets received quite a bit of attention and not in ways that were particularly flattering. Normally publicity would be a good thing but when ESPN publicizes, on national TV mind you, a party for your back-up quarterback’s birthday, that’s when you know…

So apparently the Jets have become three-ring circus masters. The notion isn’t new but it has intensified in recent weeks by people trying to manufacture a controversy when in reality there really is none. Whether it’s the Post’s poorly Photoshopped circus portraits or the incessant predictions of doubt, it has become increasingly worse each day…to the point where, aside from Pete Prisco, every NFL.com analyst has picked the Bills as the victor in Gang Green’s week one match-up. After being called a ‘breath of fresh air’ in 2009, the Jets are ‘clowns’ in 2012 and everyone expects them to roll up in the fetal position. In some ways being under the radar is a good thing because no one is expecting the unexpected and leaves the door wide open for the Jets to end the foolishness that, contrary to popular belief, surrounds them. At the same time everyone is waiting for the Jets to fail at every step of the way and even in the face of success will continue to present doubts and find some miniscule point to call the team out on.

At the end of the day, we’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t. And that’s okay.

Although it has been frustrating  at times, the Jets’ talent and mentality has come a long way since the end of last season and there have been signs of improvement that have given us reason to be excited about this upcoming season and it starts with beating Buffalo.