With a -8 turnover differential, Carolina’s defense is forced to stay on the field too long. This has led to the unit wearing down late in games.

So, what do we have to look forward to on Sunday? It should be a big day for Thomas Jones. The Panthers’ rush defense is abysmal. They give up 130.7 yards per game. That’s 26th in the league!

With that said, they have only allowed three 100+ yard performances all season; Michael “The Burner” Turner had two of them and Ricky Willams had the other in a dominating performance last Thursday (119 yards and two touchdowns).

Jones and Shonn Greene have combined for six performances of 100 or more yards this season and the superiority of New York’s offensive line will certainly create lanes for them. Riddled with injuries, Carolina has limited talent at linebacker, which accounts for their porous run defense.

With the exception of 3rd year linebacker Jon Beason, this crew lacks depth. Beason leads the line backing corps with 79 tackles, two sacks and a pick but the other guys have pedestrian numbers.

Expect huge chunks of yardage to be won up the middle and around Carolina’s left side where they lack size. Na’ill Diggs, their biggest and most experienced linebacker, is out with a rib injury.

Carolina’s pass defense is a different matter entirely. Lead by veteran Julius Peppers, the defensive ends are clearly the strength of this defense. Their depth at this position is impressive.

Though Peppers reportedly has an injured hand, he has recorded seven sacks, four forced fumbles and one pick six. With the injury, he’s been limited to pass rushing duties, which suits him just fine. Even injured, he will be a handful for D’Brickashaw.

Altogether, their ends combine for 13.5 of the team’s 18 sacks. Ferguson and Woody will have to step up to allow Sanchez adequate time to throw. Fortunately for Gang Green, back-up defensive end Charles Johnson has not practiced all week and is listed as questionable with a pectoral injury.

With Carolina's pass rush, Sanchez will be scrambling a lot and we’ve all been witness to what happens when the Jets’ rookie is rushed. Last week, Leigh Bodden may as well have been wearing a green and white jersey.

So who will be waiting on the other end this week? Fourth year corner Richard Marshall has really come into this own.  He has picked off opposing quarterbacks four times this season.

He will most likely be covering Braylon Edwards and despite Edwards’ 4-inch height advantage, Mashall will play him tough in jump ball situations. Edwards also outweighs Marshall by 25 lbs. but Marshall is a physical player and will give Edwards a run for his money.

Marshall is strong enough to play bump and run coverage and does a good job of disrupting a receiver’s releases. This is not a great match up for the Jets who like to take advantage of Edwards’ size advantage over smaller corners. Marshall is also dangerous between Carolina’s own 20-yard line and midfield, where all of his interceptions have come.

Carolina’s depth at free safety is another concern. Starter Charles Godfrey will be returning to the lineup this week. Running a 4.38 - 40, Godfrey can easily jump a route and close passing lanes.

Backing him up is rookie Sherrod Martin who has filled in nicely and recorded three interceptions in Godfrey’s absence. It doesn’t matter which of these two will be on the field because they both will clamp down on deep routes and provide help over the top.

All in all, Carolina’s defense against the pass ranks 5th in the NFL, giving up a meager 185 yards per game. However, there may be opportunities for Sanchez in the short zones.

The Panthers’ depleted depth at linebacker will show as the Jets’ drives drag on, especially on third downs. Carolina allows opponents to convert 40% of their third down chances, which ranks them 21st in the league.

Facing a solid pass rush and a smothering secondary, the Jets’ play calling will be key. Quick passes to slot receivers and tight ends will work well, especially on slants and hitch routes.

Cotchery and Keller should have opportunities in the short-intermediate zones. This will be a test for Sanchez who must show more patience than usual. He must take what the defense gives him and hit his hot reads when he gets pressure.

Injuries and fatigue have killed the Panthers’ defense. Lacking consistency, it’s been difficult for them to get into a rhythm and build momentum. The revolving door of players has really worked against them.

Keys

• Establish a power running game. The Jets should attack Carolina’s depleted linebacking corps with a steady dose of Thomas Jones.

• Run up the middle - the strength of Carolina’s front is on the edges so the Jets must stay away from their defensive ends, particularly Julius Peppers.

• Sanchez must be patient. Carolina’s strong secondary will not give him many opportunities down the field so he must take what they give him in the short-intermediate zones.

• Get Dustin Keller involved early. The Panthers’ linebackers are the weak link in this defense and Keller should have opportunities down the seam.


Written by Dave Evans