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EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Rookie coach Mike Mularkey is standing behind his winless team. Coach Herman Edwards is trying to bring his team back to earth.
The
New York Jets
are off to a 3-0 start for only the third time in the 45-year history of the franchise. On Sunday, they host the
Buffalo Bills
, who are still searching for their first win under Mularkey.
The temptation for the Jets is to look ahead to an October 24 showdown with the unbeaten
New England Patriots
.
"It's going to be a great game. I can't wait for it," Jets defensive tackle
Dewayne Robertson
said of facing the Patriots. "But if we start looking forward to that and overlook everyone else we'll be in trouble."
"The reality of being 5-0 when we play New England is that we have to go through Buffalo and San Francisco first," Jets back
LaMont Jordan
said. "The coaching staff has done a good job making sure we stay focused and keep it week to week."
Overlooking an AFC East opponent would be inexcusable for the Jets, especially one which is desperate for a win. Last week, the Bills held a second-quarter lead over the Patriots before falling, 31-17.
"It's a hole we have to climb out of," Mularkey said of the Bills' first 0-3 start since 2001. "We'll find out what we're made of. There is a lot of football left and I believe in these guys and I'll stand by that. Things will turn and when they turn they'll turn for the good."
Last October 12 here, the Jets sacked
Drew Bledsoe
seven times and forced four turnovers in a 30-3 rout of the Bills.
In the rematch,
Travis Henry
rushed for 169 yards and the Bills posted a 17-6 victory at Buffalo on December 7.
Henry produced 98 yards on 24 carries in last week's loss to New England. The immobile Bledsoe was sacked seven times and committed two turnovers, including a fumble that was returned 68 yards for a touchdown.
The Jets forced four turnovers, including a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown by cornerback
Donnie Abraham
, in a 17-9 win at Miami last week. New York has forced 10 turnovers in three games under new defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson.
On Sunday, Abraham and fellow cornerback
David Barrett
will match up against
Eric Moulds
and rookie
Lee Evans
. Moulds had 10 catches for 126 yards last week and Evans added four receptions for 93 yards.
John Abraham
, being used as an end and outside linebacker by Henderson, recorded two sacks in the win over Miami and
Curtis Martin
rushed for 110 yards on 24 carries for his third straight 100-yard game.
Matchup to watch: Jets left guard
Pete Kendall
faces right defensive tackle
Pat Williams
.
Series: Buffalo leads, 48-39, but the Jets have won eight of the last 12 meetings.
Next week: Buffalo hosts Miami, October 17 NY Jets host San Francisco, October 17
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