T.O. In T.O.

Toronto, get your popcorn ready, or maybe your painkillers and favorite PR agent, because T.O. is coming to town. The hype is finally coming to a halt this Thursday as the Bills play host to the Jets in Toronto’s Rogers Center. Here’s a few things to look for in this NFL Canadian matchup, and for the sake of the NFL in Toronto’s reputation I’ll stick to the gridiron, leaving out the bits about the terrible playing surface, even worse atmosphere, and outrageous ticket costs that start at $100 for an upper bowl seat, 5 years ago you could insert a Canadian money joke, but thanks to our housing market crash $100 Canadian is worth the same these days.

Last time these two teams faced off the Bills narrowly escaped defeat, beating the Jets 16-13 in hostile Jet territory. Heading into that game Mark Sanchez only had 5 picks, the Jets hosted a carousel of running backs, Terrell Owens still did not understand his role in the offense, Marshawn Lynch was the starter, and Dick Jauron was still Buffalo’s head coach. Flash forward and we have an entirely different set of circumstances that should factor into the game.

Mark Sanchez

When Sanchez faced off against this group in week 6 he tossed up an atrocious 5 picks. It won’t get easier this time as the Bills are second in the league to only the Saints with 21 interceptions. So Sanchez and his 17 interceptions will have to do much better to even keep this one winnable. Terrance Mcgee appears back to health and should be in the line-up to play alongside an incredibly talented and high performing secondary including Drayton Florence, Jarius Bryd, Donte Whitner, George Wilson, and Reggie Corner (amongst others).

Edge: Bills Secondary

Terrell Owens

Last time T.O. took on the Jets and Darrelle Revis he had 3 catches for 13 yards, but in his last three games T.O. has recorded 378 yards, so it seems as if interim head coach Perry Fewell is figuring out how to use Owens skills. Nothing changes here in the rematch as T.O. will be lining up against Revis who is perhaps the best young defensive back in the NFL today, he is an extremely physical yet polished player. Revis has only been thrown at 18 times this season and you can guarantee it’s because co-ordinators and QB’s don’t want to throw his way. T.O. obviously won’t be lined up across from Revis on every single snap, so look for the Bills to try and get him the ball when Revis isn’t covering, maybe by moving T.O. around. Revis has earned the name “Shutdown Corner” in my books and he should do his title justice against T.O. on Thursday.

Edge: Darelle Revis

Jets Run Game vs. Bills Run Game

This battle should act as the fulcrum of this match. Even when “Sanchize” gave up 5 picks, the Jets were able to keep it close because of their defense primarily, but also due to their ability to run the ball (Thomas Jones had 210 yards). Jones is reasserting himself as the lead back, putting aside fantasy hopes for Shonne Greene, at least for now. Over in Buffalo’s camp Fred Jackson has taken over the leading role, which should provide an up-tempo swing for the offense. Jackson has proven his ability to be an asset all over the field, and personally I believe this is the right decision for the organization as Marshawn has not proven to me that he can be an effective 20 carry back, at least not in this system.

Edge: Jets Runners

I said I would leave out the terrible playing surface, even worse atmosphere, and absurd ticket prices, but every good article needs a conclusion. So as a Toronto native I’ll remind you that if you aren’t at this game, don’t worry you’re not going to be missing much if you watch this one at home. That is unless you’re coming to the game to talk to your buddy in the suit via your blackberry four rows down, while sipping on your latte.