Preview: Browns at Jets

12.06.2007

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ABOUT THE JETS

A record of 3-9 isn't what anyone expected after the Jets made the playoffs last season. But considering the rash of injuries, the changing of quarterbacks and the number of close games they've lost, the Jets have done a solid job of sticking together and continuing to fight.

They've won two of three since their bye week, including one that definitely has the Browns' attention: They beat the Steelers, 19-16, in overtime on Nov. 18.

The Jets trounced Miami last week in Miami, 40-13, as new quarterback Kellen Clemens was sharp and the defense forced five turnovers. The defense has played well for most of the season and especially well of late, with a veteran front seven leading the way and outstanding performances by rookie linebacker David Harris and rookie cornerback Darrelle Revis helping tremendously.

Clemens is 2-3 in five starts since taking over for Chad Pennington.

WHEN THE BROWNS HAVE THE BALL...

An up-and-down game for Derek Anderson ended on a down note last week when the Browns couldn't finish a rally from a 14-0 hole. A better start will be a focus this week as he looks to get all of his targets involved as well as establish the run with Jamal Lewis.

The Jets have struggled to stop the run -- a common byproduct of playing from behind -- and establishing Lewis could be the Browns' top priority, as it was two weeks ago against Houston. Success from Lewis opens things up on the perimeter for Braylon Edwards and in the middle for Kellen Winslow; getting Winslow going early could force the Jets to slow up their blitzes, as well.

On the season, the Jets are being are outrushed by almost 40 yards per game and losing the time of possession battle by more than four minutes.

Anderson will likely take some deep shots against Revis and Hank Poteat. For those to work, the offensive line will need to account for pass rush created by Shaun Ellis and Dewayne Robertson and Anderson will need to account for safety Kerry Rhodes, who has an interception in each of the last three games.

Among the Jets' defensive regulars on IR and out for the season are linebacker Jon Vilma and cornerback Justin Miller.

WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL...

Thomas Jones has been the workhorse back, though Leon Washington has complemented Jones nicely and scored two touchdowns last week. The Jets will use a variety of formations, a variety of personnel groupings and a variety of ball carriers to try to catch the Browns off guard.

When they go to the air, Jerricho Cotchery (54 catches, 730 yards, 1 TD) and Laveranues Coles (48 catches, 598 yards, 6 TD) and Clemens' top targets. Brad Smith plays everything from slot receiver to running back to quarterback and will force the Browns' safeties and linebackers to locate him pre-snap.

Other than stopping the run, the Browns' main defensive focus is to get healthy. They've played the last two weeks without starting nose tackle Ethan Kelley and starting cornerback Eric Wright, and the overall depth on the defensive line has been a concern with Orpheus Roye, Robaire Smith and Simon Fraser all fighting through various injuries and ailments.

Kelley and Wright returned to practice earlier this week, but their status for Sunday -- as well as the status of linebacker Antwan Peek, who's battling a knee problem -- remains unknown.

FOR STARTERS

Field position could be key, and both teams feel good about their special teams. Joshua Cribbs and Leon Washington are the NFL's top kick returners and have a combined 5 touchdown returns on the season.

Both Cribbs and Washington have seen teams kick away from them and employ varying tactics to limit their effectiveness; both coaching staffs had to at least discuss such plans earlier this week. But beyond those two, the Jets have a solid all-around special teams unit and the Browns need to bounce back after allowing Steve Breaston two impressive returns last week.

The kicking game will be key, too, with cold weather and wind in the forecast.