My Pierre Thomas Blog

Last week, Mark Sanchez became the first rookie QB since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 to win his first three games. But "Sanchise" and the Jets have to travel to New Orleans to get their 4th win against their toughest opponent yet.

Jets on Offense

Thomas Jones has to be productive in order for the Jets to hold their own offensively. Jones had 107 yards and 2 TDs against the Texans in Week 1, but has been quiet ever since. If Jones can throw off the Saints' Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams' game plan of stopping the run early, New Orleans will have to respect New York's rushing attack more than they'd like to. This can set up the Jets' passing game and take some pressure off Sanchez, who will be truly tested on the road for the first time in his career.

Sanchez can put up some points if he finds the open lanes and trusts WR's Jerrico Cotchery and Chansi Stuckey to make plays. He should also use Leon Washington as a safety blanket in the passing attack. But the Saints' defense should not be taken lightly; New Orleans has allowed just 67.0 rushing yards per game this season. Look for former-Jet LB Jonathan Vilma to bring it against his former team. FS Darren Sharper already has 3 interceptions and 1 defensive TD this season, and he can really change the momentum of the game by picking off Sanchez. 

Saints on Offense

While Sanchez captures headlines with his 3-0 start, Drew Brees is quietly becoming one of the most accurate passers in the league. Brees' 118.1 passer rating and 9 touchdown passes are the most in the league right now. This game's classic match up will be between the coaches: Sean Payton's offense versus Rex Ryan's defense. The Jets got the best of the 3 veteran QBs they've faced so far, allowing just 256 yards of total offense per game. But the Saints have been an offensive powerhouse.

One thing that makes them so hard to defend is Brees' ability to spread the field with different options, lead by receivers Marques Colston and Devery Henderson. Brees should target the Jets' CB Lito Sheopard, who was out last week with a strained quad. The Saints can also grind the ball with RB's Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell. But the x-factor in New Orleans' offense against the Jets has to be Reggie Bush. While the Jets are busy blitzing Brees and trying to shut down the inside run, Bush can be dangerous if he gets the ball in open field. Brees should look to isolate Bush against LB's and secondary by throwing him quick screens and pitches. If Sean Payton's offense runs as smoothly as it has been, the Saints can quickly bring the Jets back to earth.

Prediction

New Orleans    33

NYJ        24