Expect Bills to Test Stephens; Week 2 key Jets Matchups

There’s no getting around the fact that Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens was an unmitigated disaster in his debut in Green and White.  Things were ugly on paper as he surrendered five catches on 7 targets for 60 yards.  They were even worse in all reality.

Stephens got cooked on a deep route on Pittsburgh’s first play from scrimmage but a Quinnen Williams sack prevented it from allowing a big play.  And while he was flagged for defensive pass interference late in the game, he most definitely appeared to get away with a second DPI later on.

And now…the Bills come to town.

Here are the key matchups for Sunday’s contest.

CB Brandon Stephens vs Bills WR’s:

Head coach Aaron Glenn came out in defense of Stephens who allowed 5 catches for 60 yards and a pair of TD’s on Sunday, and if Josh Allen has his way, Glenn will be having to defend Stephens again next week.

The veteran cornerback has been among the worst defenders in the NFL in yards allowed in recent years.  With that knowledge and after watching film from week 1, you have to imagine Josh Allen is going to let it rip.

Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer and Kalil Shakir should be licking their chops for a chance to make some plays.

DT Quinnen Williams vs OG O’Cyrus Torrence:

Williams had a monster game against the Steelers in week 1 and the Jets will need a similar effort against the Bills if they hope to have any chance at an upset.

But a big day against the Bills won’t be easy when going head-to-head with Torrence at right guard.  Being 6′ 5” and pushing 350 pounds makes Torrence a difficult player to get either through or around, so Williams will have his work cut out for him.

S Andre Cisco vs TE Dalton Kincaid:

While Brandon Stephens is the guy the Bills will challenge most, they will have to find another option for Josh Allen, and that’s where Kincaid comes in.  Allen found the 6′ 4” Kincaid for 4 catches, 48 yards and a touchdown last week against the Ravens.  The Jets will need some turnovers to stay in this game with the Bills, so keep an eye on this matchup as Cisco does like to attack the ball in the air.

WR Garrett Wilson vs CB Christian Benford:

Benford is nursing a balky groin but has practiced full so far this week.  Wilson had a big touchdown catch from Justin Fields early on and the pair should be active once again.  The reality of the situation is that the Jets don’t have a second receiver who can get any separation.  That means Wilson should be saturated with targets when the Jets do throw the ball.

WR Allen Lazard vs Tre’Davius White:

With Josh Reynolds out for the game, we’re assuming Allen Lazard will be active and see some targets.  Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets receivers were largely invisible last week.  Tyler Johnson and Reynolds combined for just 48 yards on four receptions.  If Lazard can’t offer more than that, the Bills will smother Garrett Wilson with extra defenders all day long.

Prediction:

Bills: 34

Jets: 21

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