AFC East: Mark Schlereth
ESPN.com's recent Power Rankings of the toughest NFL venues urged a few folks to drop notes into the AFC East mailbag. Some of them were printable.
Aaron in Los Angeles "can't begin to tell you how much of a moron" I am and that I "shouldn't be covering football" for ranking Lambeau Field ninth on my ballot. He can understand how I have Gillette Stadium, Heinz Field and Lucas Oil Stadium all higher than Lambeau, but certainly not Arrowhead Stadium, Qwest Field, Soldier Field or Lincoln Financial Field.
That just goes to show how subjective taste can be. The examples Aaron gave for what is acceptable or unacceptable illustrate how people can emphasize different criteria when formulating an opinion. Based on the response from readers and writers the past couple of days, the most questionable stadiums I rated highly were the ones Aaron finds OK. ESPNBoston.com writer Mike Reiss asked New England Patriots fans about Gillette Stadium, and 69 percent of them disagreed it's a tough place to play. AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky didn't list Lucas Oil Stadium on his ballot at all.
Meanwhile, former players Mark Schlereth and Marcellus Wiley said there was no doubt Arrowhead Stadium is the toughest place to play. Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Kirk Morrison agreed with Arrowhead and also listed Oakland Coliseum, Heinz Field, Soldier Field and Qwest Field ahead of Green Bay in a piece on the AFC South blog. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, entering his ninth NFL season, didn't mention Lambeau anywhere in his top 10.
Jon in Watertown, Wisc., wrote (in all caps) that I couldn't rank Lambeau ninth "with a straight face" because he's a Packers season-ticket holder who has been on the field, and he couldn't hear himself think down there. Jon also points out "Lambeau Field in December is like none other."
I know it's quite loud at Lambeau Field, but it's loud in a lot of stadiums. I would expect a season-ticket holder who loves the Packers to defend Lambeau Field as the best place on Earth. But let's not pretend Lambeau Field is the only place where noise is a factor and the only miserable NFL venue to visit in the winter.
NFC East blogger Dan Graziano had this to say about why he voted Ralph Wilson Stadium his toughest place to play:
To which I reply, isn't weather a variable? If a stadium needs nasty weather to be considered a difficult place to play, then should there be a separate list for when conditions are moderate? I then would have to consider Sun Life Stadium in October or November to be a tough place to visit, too.
Steve in Minnesota and Brian in Fallbrook, Calif., took exception to my quote that appeared in the main Power Rankings story. In the article, I explained why I had trouble rating Lambeau higher than I did:
Steve pointed out the Packers were banged up in that Week 6 defeat to the Dolphins and that "was an easy call for a loss." So I guess Lambeau Field wasn't a tough enough place for a 7-9 team to escape with a victory. It must be about the teams on the field.
Brian combed through the records the past three years and couldn't find any games where the Packers have been "blown out at home" by more than 12 points. That's true. I didn't say the Packers were blown out. I said they were lit up. In 2009, Cincinnati scored 31 and Minnesota scored 38. In 2008, Carolina scored 35 and Dallas and Atlanta (with a rookie quarterback) scored 27.
Upon seeing where I listed Lambeau Field, readers obviously went back through my previous Power Rankings ballots because I received an unusual number of notes about polls we did months ago. Sergio in San Francisco was curious about why I ranked DeMarcus Ware ninth among linebackers. Chris in Merced, Calif., wanted to know why I had Darren McFadden 10th among running backs.
As I explained when we did the linebacker Power Rankings, I was in total disagreement with the concept. It's unfair to compare inside linebackers to 3-4 outside linebackers because in a 4-3 scheme, outside linebackers wouldn't be linebackers at all. They'd be hand-on-the-ground defensive ends. With that in mind, I gave considerable weight to players who would be linebackers regardless of the defense. That favored inside linebackers significantly. Besides, ESPN.com had previously rated the best pass-rushers. I rated Ware the best.
As for McFadden, I don't think 10th is out of line when you consider the players who were rated ahead of him. There are a lot of talented running backs. Four of our eight panelists didn't rate McFadden at all. I'm sure if he can put together another season like last year, then he'll be considered elite.
Aaron in Los Angeles "can't begin to tell you how much of a moron" I am and that I "shouldn't be covering football" for ranking Lambeau Field ninth on my ballot. He can understand how I have Gillette Stadium, Heinz Field and Lucas Oil Stadium all higher than Lambeau, but certainly not Arrowhead Stadium, Qwest Field, Soldier Field or Lincoln Financial Field.
That just goes to show how subjective taste can be. The examples Aaron gave for what is acceptable or unacceptable illustrate how people can emphasize different criteria when formulating an opinion. Based on the response from readers and writers the past couple of days, the most questionable stadiums I rated highly were the ones Aaron finds OK. ESPNBoston.com writer Mike Reiss asked New England Patriots fans about Gillette Stadium, and 69 percent of them disagreed it's a tough place to play. AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky didn't list Lucas Oil Stadium on his ballot at all.
Meanwhile, former players Mark Schlereth and Marcellus Wiley said there was no doubt Arrowhead Stadium is the toughest place to play. Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Kirk Morrison agreed with Arrowhead and also listed Oakland Coliseum, Heinz Field, Soldier Field and Qwest Field ahead of Green Bay in a piece on the AFC South blog. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett, entering his ninth NFL season, didn't mention Lambeau anywhere in his top 10.
Jon in Watertown, Wisc., wrote (in all caps) that I couldn't rank Lambeau ninth "with a straight face" because he's a Packers season-ticket holder who has been on the field, and he couldn't hear himself think down there. Jon also points out "Lambeau Field in December is like none other."
I know it's quite loud at Lambeau Field, but it's loud in a lot of stadiums. I would expect a season-ticket holder who loves the Packers to defend Lambeau Field as the best place on Earth. But let's not pretend Lambeau Field is the only place where noise is a factor and the only miserable NFL venue to visit in the winter.
NFC East blogger Dan Graziano had this to say about why he voted Ralph Wilson Stadium his toughest place to play:
"I personally did not factor in the home team in my choices because I think it's a variable. Right now, the toughest place is Gillette Stadium because the Patriots have been so great. But if the Pats stink for the next five years, no way that place makes the 2016 list. But that frigid old dump in Buffalo will still be a miserably unpleasant venue that players will hate to visit."
To which I reply, isn't weather a variable? If a stadium needs nasty weather to be considered a difficult place to play, then should there be a separate list for when conditions are moderate? I then would have to consider Sun Life Stadium in October or November to be a tough place to visit, too.
Steve in Minnesota and Brian in Fallbrook, Calif., took exception to my quote that appeared in the main Power Rankings story. In the article, I explained why I had trouble rating Lambeau higher than I did:
"I distinctly remember a mediocre Miami Dolphins squad traveling a long way to beat the Packers at Lambeau last season. The Packers have gotten lit up at home a few times the past three years despite having very good talent. I guess I couldn't get past that."
Steve pointed out the Packers were banged up in that Week 6 defeat to the Dolphins and that "was an easy call for a loss." So I guess Lambeau Field wasn't a tough enough place for a 7-9 team to escape with a victory. It must be about the teams on the field.
Brian combed through the records the past three years and couldn't find any games where the Packers have been "blown out at home" by more than 12 points. That's true. I didn't say the Packers were blown out. I said they were lit up. In 2009, Cincinnati scored 31 and Minnesota scored 38. In 2008, Carolina scored 35 and Dallas and Atlanta (with a rookie quarterback) scored 27.
Upon seeing where I listed Lambeau Field, readers obviously went back through my previous Power Rankings ballots because I received an unusual number of notes about polls we did months ago. Sergio in San Francisco was curious about why I ranked DeMarcus Ware ninth among linebackers. Chris in Merced, Calif., wanted to know why I had Darren McFadden 10th among running backs.
As I explained when we did the linebacker Power Rankings, I was in total disagreement with the concept. It's unfair to compare inside linebackers to 3-4 outside linebackers because in a 4-3 scheme, outside linebackers wouldn't be linebackers at all. They'd be hand-on-the-ground defensive ends. With that in mind, I gave considerable weight to players who would be linebackers regardless of the defense. That favored inside linebackers significantly. Besides, ESPN.com had previously rated the best pass-rushers. I rated Ware the best.
As for McFadden, I don't think 10th is out of line when you consider the players who were rated ahead of him. There are a lot of talented running backs. Four of our eight panelists didn't rate McFadden at all. I'm sure if he can put together another season like last year, then he'll be considered elite.
A few hours ago, I thought "NFL Live" analysts Mark Schlereth and Marcellus Wiley were off base by not including the New England Patriots in the conversation for most explosive offense.
We're in alignment again.
This week's ESPN.com Power Rankings deal with the league's toughest venues. I was alone among the eight divisional bloggers in putting Arrowhead Stadium atop my ballot. Nobody else had it higher than third. NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas didn't list it at all.
Schlereth and Wiley played there, and they expressed no doubt that Arrowhead Stadium was the most difficult place to go. Wiley said it always felt like the Kansas City Chiefs were up 3-0 by the end of the national anthem.
"It's Arrowhead Stadium, and it's hands down," Wiley said, adding that it's the only place he ever had to insert earplugs to get through a game.
Schlereth recalled that whenever he played at Arrowhead Stadium, the Denver Broncos would scrap 25 percent of their playbook and eliminate all seven-step drops because of the noise.
My complete ballot:
The biggest discrepancy with my ballot and the overall list was my ranking of Lambeau Field, which was first or second on six ballots. It was a subjective process, and I distinctly remember a mediocre Miami Dolphins squad traveling a long way to beat the Packers at Lambeau Field last season.
The Packers have gotten lit up at home a few times the past three years despite having terrific talent. I guess I couldn't get past that. I realize the Chiefs have gotten destroyed at Arrowhead, too. But it's not the stadium's fault Kansas City has fielded poor rosters.
NFC East blogger Dan Graziano gave Ralph Wilson Stadium his No. 1 vote, but the Buffalo Bills' home venue didn't appear on any other ballot. Graziano explained weather conditions buoyed his thinking.
Bills fans are some of the most dedicated and lively in the league. Their tailgates are off the charts, and their loyalty remains strong despite being tested by bad teams. But too many visiting teams have left Ralph Wilson Stadium with smiles on their faces the past decade.
We're in alignment again.
This week's ESPN.com Power Rankings deal with the league's toughest venues. I was alone among the eight divisional bloggers in putting Arrowhead Stadium atop my ballot. Nobody else had it higher than third. NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas didn't list it at all.
Schlereth and Wiley played there, and they expressed no doubt that Arrowhead Stadium was the most difficult place to go. Wiley said it always felt like the Kansas City Chiefs were up 3-0 by the end of the national anthem.
"It's Arrowhead Stadium, and it's hands down," Wiley said, adding that it's the only place he ever had to insert earplugs to get through a game.
Schlereth recalled that whenever he played at Arrowhead Stadium, the Denver Broncos would scrap 25 percent of their playbook and eliminate all seven-step drops because of the noise.
My complete ballot:
- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City Chiefs
- Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis Colts
- Qwest Field, Seattle Seahawks
- Soldier Field, Chicago Bears
- Heinz Field, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Invesco Field, Denver Broncos
- Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Eagles
- Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots
- Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers
- Metrodome, Minnesota Vikings
The biggest discrepancy with my ballot and the overall list was my ranking of Lambeau Field, which was first or second on six ballots. It was a subjective process, and I distinctly remember a mediocre Miami Dolphins squad traveling a long way to beat the Packers at Lambeau Field last season.
The Packers have gotten lit up at home a few times the past three years despite having terrific talent. I guess I couldn't get past that. I realize the Chiefs have gotten destroyed at Arrowhead, too. But it's not the stadium's fault Kansas City has fielded poor rosters.
NFC East blogger Dan Graziano gave Ralph Wilson Stadium his No. 1 vote, but the Buffalo Bills' home venue didn't appear on any other ballot. Graziano explained weather conditions buoyed his thinking.
Bills fans are some of the most dedicated and lively in the league. Their tailgates are off the charts, and their loyalty remains strong despite being tested by bad teams. But too many visiting teams have left Ralph Wilson Stadium with smiles on their faces the past decade.
In an "NFL Live" segment, ESPN analysts Mark Schlereth and Marcellus Wiley discussed the most explosive offense.
Each spoke definitively about his choice. Wiley went with the Philadelphia Eagles because of team speed. Schlereth backed the Green Bay Packers.
Yoo-hoo! Fellas?
What about the New England Patriots? All they did last year was score the most points in the league, averaging 4.8 points per game more than the team than finished second, the San Diego Chargers.
The Patriots scored a league-leading 56 offensive touchdowns. They did so on 986 scrimmage plays, just 22nd in the league. To give a better idea of what kind of neighborhood the Patriots were in when it came to snaps: Of the 10 teams that had fewer plays than the Patriots, the Tennessee Titans scored the most offensive TDs with 37.
In other words, the Patriots scored most frequently and on much fewer plays than most other clubs. Isn't that the definition of explosiveness?
The Patriots also added six more touchdowns on defense and three in the return game, but those aren't germane to this conversation. The Patriots still had the most potent offense last year and should be at least as dangerous in 2011. The whole crew is back.
Granted, the Patriots won't have a bunch of players drafted in the first three rounds of your fantasy league like the Eagles and Packers probably will, but quarterback Tom Brady is the reigning MVP and spreads the ball to a contingent of reliable players such as Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Danny Woodhead.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis isn't a superstar, but he was the AFC East's only 1,000-yard rusher last season. The line consistently performs at a high level and allows the Patriots to remain a balanced -- and explosive -- offense.
Each spoke definitively about his choice. Wiley went with the Philadelphia Eagles because of team speed. Schlereth backed the Green Bay Packers.
Yoo-hoo! Fellas?
What about the New England Patriots? All they did last year was score the most points in the league, averaging 4.8 points per game more than the team than finished second, the San Diego Chargers.
The Patriots scored a league-leading 56 offensive touchdowns. They did so on 986 scrimmage plays, just 22nd in the league. To give a better idea of what kind of neighborhood the Patriots were in when it came to snaps: Of the 10 teams that had fewer plays than the Patriots, the Tennessee Titans scored the most offensive TDs with 37.
In other words, the Patriots scored most frequently and on much fewer plays than most other clubs. Isn't that the definition of explosiveness?
The Patriots also added six more touchdowns on defense and three in the return game, but those aren't germane to this conversation. The Patriots still had the most potent offense last year and should be at least as dangerous in 2011. The whole crew is back.
Granted, the Patriots won't have a bunch of players drafted in the first three rounds of your fantasy league like the Eagles and Packers probably will, but quarterback Tom Brady is the reigning MVP and spreads the ball to a contingent of reliable players such as Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Danny Woodhead.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis isn't a superstar, but he was the AFC East's only 1,000-yard rusher last season. The line consistently performs at a high level and allows the Patriots to remain a balanced -- and explosive -- offense.
ESPN.com has been taking a team-by-team look at "Flash Points," the most crucial event in franchise history. The "NFL Live" crew recently examined what the biggest moment in New York Jets history should be.
To play off ESPN.com's positional Power Rankings, I've broken down the AFC East's best tight ends.
Here's how I slot them:
The first five are obvious. Keller is the most dangerous tight end in the division. I ranked him sixth in the NFL on my ballot.
But if Gronkowski and Hernandez didn't have to share touches, then one of them might surpass Keller. Gronkowski and Hernandez combined for 87 catches, 1,109 yards and 16 touchdowns.
ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer thought Gronkowski was snubbed from the overall top 10 list and called him "a dominant blocker in-line ... almost like another tackle" and said "he will be the premier tight end in the NFL in the next few years."
Fasano is next in the AFC East with 39 receptions for 528 yards and four touchdowns, but the stats plummet after that. Crumpler is next because of his blocking skills and knowledge he can make the play if the Patriots depended on it.
From there, I sorted them based on speculation.
Cumberland, an undrafted rookie, was deactivated for 15 games. But I saw enough of the physical specimen in training camp and the preseason to imagine him contributing more to the Bills than Martin (seven receptions, one touchdown) or Stupar (12 receptions, no TDs).
Here's how I slot them:
- Dustin Keller, New York Jets
- Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
- Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots
- Anthony Fasano, Miami Dolphins
- Alge Crumpler, New England Patriots
- Jeff Cumberland, New York Jets
- David Martin, Buffalo Bills
- Jonathan Stupar, Buffalo Bills
- Mickey Shuler, Miami Dolphins
The first five are obvious. Keller is the most dangerous tight end in the division. I ranked him sixth in the NFL on my ballot.
But if Gronkowski and Hernandez didn't have to share touches, then one of them might surpass Keller. Gronkowski and Hernandez combined for 87 catches, 1,109 yards and 16 touchdowns.
ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer thought Gronkowski was snubbed from the overall top 10 list and called him "a dominant blocker in-line ... almost like another tackle" and said "he will be the premier tight end in the NFL in the next few years."
Fasano is next in the AFC East with 39 receptions for 528 yards and four touchdowns, but the stats plummet after that. Crumpler is next because of his blocking skills and knowledge he can make the play if the Patriots depended on it.
From there, I sorted them based on speculation.
Cumberland, an undrafted rookie, was deactivated for 15 games. But I saw enough of the physical specimen in training camp and the preseason to imagine him contributing more to the Bills than Martin (seven receptions, one touchdown) or Stupar (12 receptions, no TDs).
Dilfer views Buffalo as Newton's perfectville
March, 29, 2011
3/29/11
9:16
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
On Monday's edition of "NFL Live," analysts Mark Schlereth and Trent Dilfer each stated a case for Auburn quarterback Cam Newton's best destination.
Schlereth's answer was the Carolina Panthers. They own the first overall pick and need a leading man to take them into the future.
Dilfer argued the best place for Newton was with the Buffalo Bills, who the Heisman Trophy winner is visiting Monday and Tuesday.
Dilfer contended the Bills have the proper infrastructure to accommodate Newton, from head coach Chan Gailey to quarterbacks coach George Cortez to incumbent starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.
"I think it's the ideal fit for Cam Newton for a lot of reasons," Dilfer said. "Fitzpatrick being there, can play the position for a couple years while Cam Newton develops.
"More importantly, Chan Gailey understands how to develop a young quarterback. He's a forward-thinker offensively. He builds his offense around the talent, not injects a player into an offense. I think this is very important for Cam Newton. You see the things he did at Auburn. These are the types of things Chan Gailey will immediately implement into the Buffalo Bills' offense.
"George Cortez, their quarterback coach, is a guy that's been in Canada for a long time and understands that horizontal stretch on the football field and will do a great job with Cam, integrating him into the NFL game."
I couldn't agree more with Dilfer. Many Bills fans see Fitzpatrick's presence as a reason not to draft Newton. I look at it conversely.
Any team would want a veteran like Fitzpatrick around to mentor a big-time prospect. Fitzpatrick is a classic overachiever journeyman. He has fought to stay in the NFL. His work ethic is admirable. He's smart. His teammates respect him and respond to him. And when it would be time for Fitzpatrick to step aside, he's not the type to cause a fuss.
That, plus Gailey's track record with quarterbacks, looks like a fine environment for a young quarterback to grow.
Schlereth's answer was the Carolina Panthers. They own the first overall pick and need a leading man to take them into the future.
Dilfer argued the best place for Newton was with the Buffalo Bills, who the Heisman Trophy winner is visiting Monday and Tuesday.
Dilfer contended the Bills have the proper infrastructure to accommodate Newton, from head coach Chan Gailey to quarterbacks coach George Cortez to incumbent starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.
"I think it's the ideal fit for Cam Newton for a lot of reasons," Dilfer said. "Fitzpatrick being there, can play the position for a couple years while Cam Newton develops.
"More importantly, Chan Gailey understands how to develop a young quarterback. He's a forward-thinker offensively. He builds his offense around the talent, not injects a player into an offense. I think this is very important for Cam Newton. You see the things he did at Auburn. These are the types of things Chan Gailey will immediately implement into the Buffalo Bills' offense.
"George Cortez, their quarterback coach, is a guy that's been in Canada for a long time and understands that horizontal stretch on the football field and will do a great job with Cam, integrating him into the NFL game."
I couldn't agree more with Dilfer. Many Bills fans see Fitzpatrick's presence as a reason not to draft Newton. I look at it conversely.
Any team would want a veteran like Fitzpatrick around to mentor a big-time prospect. Fitzpatrick is a classic overachiever journeyman. He has fought to stay in the NFL. His work ethic is admirable. He's smart. His teammates respect him and respond to him. And when it would be time for Fitzpatrick to step aside, he's not the type to cause a fuss.
That, plus Gailey's track record with quarterbacks, looks like a fine environment for a young quarterback to grow.
ESPN analysts Tedy Bruschi, Mark Schlereth and John Clayton highlight the biggest matchups in Sunday night's AFC Championship Game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.
ESPN commentators Tim Hasselbeck and Mark Schlereth preview Sunday's game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC crown.
Both analysts predict the Steelers will win the rematch because superstar safety Troy Polamalu is back, and the Jets won't be able to handle Ben Roethlisberger's brand of "backyard football."
ESPN's Herm Edwards, Mark Schlereth and Adam Schefter highlight key elements of Sunday's divisional playoff game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium.
Video: At least one expert picking the Jets
January, 14, 2011
1/14/11
11:17
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
ESPN analysts Herm Edwards and Mark Schlereth share their thoughts on Sunday's playoff game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium.
One predicts the Patriots will win with ease. The other picks the Jets to win in a shocker.
ESPN analysts Darren Woodson, Mark Schlereth and John Clayton break down key matchups for Saturday night's first-round playoff game between the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts in Lucas Oil Stadium.
ESPN analysts Tedy Bruschi, Mark Schlereth and Matthew Berry discuss some key matchups in Sunday's game between the New York Jets and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Mark Schlereth and Marcellus Wiley give their thoughts on Sunday's game between the New York Jets and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Both ESPN analysts predict the Jets will win because they'll generate plenty of pressure on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.
Do Jets prefer to play away from home?
December, 24, 2010
12/24/10
10:35
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
The New York Jets are 4-3 in their new stadium and 6-1 on the road.
ESPN analysts Mark Schlereth and Tedy Bruschi give their thoughts on the discrepancy, and this week's events would seem to be a perfect example of Bruschi's theory. The Jets will play the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.
"It's New York," Bruschi said. "It's the bright lights and big city, and when they play at home they feel the pressure. That city is a pressure cooker. You feel it in the locker room. You feel it when you drive to the game. You feel it when you walk into that stadium. There's a lot of pressure, especially on the home team, to win because if you don't that's when you really hear it.
"When you go on the road, all of that's gone. It's you against that away team, the venue, the fans. You feel like it's you against them. All that pressure's gone and you play a little bit more free. I think that's why they're playing better on the road because I think Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez and a lot of those players, they feel that pressure in New York and they like to get away."
The Jets likely will have to win on the road in the playoffs because they have only a remote chance of winning the AFC East.
They did win their first two games on the road last postseason and took a lead into the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts before losing the AFC Championship game.
ESPN analysts Mark Schlereth and Tedy Bruschi give their thoughts on the discrepancy, and this week's events would seem to be a perfect example of Bruschi's theory. The Jets will play the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.
"It's New York," Bruschi said. "It's the bright lights and big city, and when they play at home they feel the pressure. That city is a pressure cooker. You feel it in the locker room. You feel it when you drive to the game. You feel it when you walk into that stadium. There's a lot of pressure, especially on the home team, to win because if you don't that's when you really hear it.
"When you go on the road, all of that's gone. It's you against that away team, the venue, the fans. You feel like it's you against them. All that pressure's gone and you play a little bit more free. I think that's why they're playing better on the road because I think Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez and a lot of those players, they feel that pressure in New York and they like to get away."
The Jets likely will have to win on the road in the playoffs because they have only a remote chance of winning the AFC East.
They did win their first two games on the road last postseason and took a lead into the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts before losing the AFC Championship game.
Video: Patriots at Bills predictions
December, 24, 2010
12/24/10
9:07
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
ESPN analysts Marcellus Wiley and Mark Schlereth preview Sunday's game between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills in Ralph Wilson Stadium. Both predict the Patriots will extend their win streak over the Bills to an outrageous 15 games.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
James Walker
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the NFL and NBA for the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch. He's a Temple graduate and Hyattsville, Md. native who lives in Miami.
