Jets at Raiders
Network Associates Coliseum
Oakland, Calif.
Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002

AT A GLANCE: This game features a rematch of Week 17 opponents, as the Jets fought their way to a playoff spot while extending the Raiders' losing streak to three.

When the Jets have the ball:

Don’t expect the Jets to take a lot of chances offensively. They like to rely on getting RB Curtis Martin, the best back in the AFC, off and running early and prefer a short-to-medium-range passing game as opposed to taking shots down the field. Part of the reasoning for the conservative nature is QB Vinny Testaverde’s penchant for mistakes. He tossed two interceptions last week and has thrown six over the past three games, compared to only three TD passes. Explosive WR Laveranues Coles knows what to do with the ball when he catches it, and he's been coming on lately. Wayne Chrebet has a habit of making the tough, acrobatic catches. The Raiders did an admirable job of keeping Martin in check last week, and there is no doubt they will need to do so again if they are to be successful. The Jets’ offensive line has done a solid job of protecting Testaverde, but the Raiders were able to get some people in the pocket to hurry him last week. The Raiders’ secondary made some big plays last week but also missed some key tackles, especially their safeties.

When the Raiders have the ball:

No question the Raiders need to get more production on the ground than they did late in the season. QB Rich Gannon is adept at stepping up in the pocket and dodging defenders, but he has been limited in his scrambling opportunities, which were a big part of the Raiders’ offense last season. Last week he missed some open receivers at key times. RB Charlie Garner continued to show off his versatility and has proved capable of running up the middle, despite his lack of size. Oakland has a chance to get ORG Mo Collins back this week, but the time off that the bye week would have provided would have helped the entire offensive line. Jets OLB James Farrior is playing well and is a tackling machine, and the Jets' LB trio could be as good as any in the NFL. DE John Abraham has been a pass-rushing stud with 13 sacks. The return of CB Aaron Glenn has meant a lot to the Jets’ secondary.