With Darrelle Revis Out, Both 49ers and Jets WIll Have to Adapt
By Jerrell Richardson
The game between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets figures to be physical match up. Both teams bring a hard hitting defense and an offense that relies on a power running game more then the pass. In regards to the teams respective injury reports, in typical New York fashion they have to go overboard and grab the attention, by listing everyone who has a scratch, but there is one injury that is serious and will change the game plan for both teams.
The 49ers have the usual faces on their injury report and still hope that Ted Ginn Jr. can make it to the field for his 2012 debut. Patrick Willis and Vernon Davis' names appeared on the list for the first time this year, but neither are cause for concern and will be suited up and ready to play on Sunday. Isaac Sopoaga has not practiced this week, and the team will certainly miss him stuffing the run on defense and clearing holes for the 49er running backs on offense. As the team has plenty of big bodies to fill his place they should be able to make due without him, but will need him back to continue to develop as a fullback in the teams Jumbo Package.
If all of the players listed on the Jets injured report are truly at least banged up then they will certainly be tested come Sunday, but in the end the team that executes their game plan will win and not the team that has been luckier with the injury bug that can decimate a team.
Despite list enough players field an entire team, most of the Jets injuries are minor cuts and bruises. For a sport in which most players play with some sort of injury, the Jets are one of the few teams to list players who have participated all week in practice, for whatever reason. The only player who is really on the bubble is wide receiver Stephen Hill. The rookie has had his moments and if unable to play, Sanchez will be missing a viable option, but if unable to play Sanchez will have plenty of other targets
The name that stands out on the Jets vast list is Darrelle Revis. He is not only one of the best shut-down corners in the league, but he is probably the best player on their roster. He is a corner though, and his impact can be minimized by San Francisco, but his missing the game completely changes the way both teams will approach the game. San Francisco would most likely just not throw at Revis, limiting offensively what can be done, but now can open up the entire field. In addition he would literally dominate whoever he was assigned to as Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree would have a hard time getting open against Revis. With him missing the Jets will need to change the way they play and the 49ers will not have to worry about Revis Island.
San Francisco 49ers
Questionable:
Isaac Sopoaga (Defensive Tackle)--Ankle and Knee, Ted Ginn Jr. (Wide Receiver)—Ankle, Brandon Jacobs (Running back)--Knee
Probable:
Andy Lee (Punter)—Hand, Patrick Willis (Linebacker)—Ankle, Vernon Davis (Tight end)--Back
New York Jets
Out:
Darrelle Revis (Corner back)
Doubtful:
Stephen Hill (Wide Receiver)—Hamstring,
Questionable:
Bart Scott (Line backer)--Toe , Eric Smith (Safety)-Hip and knee, John Conner (Running back)—Knee, Dustin Keller (Tight end)—Hamstring, Bryan Thomas (Linebacker)—Hamstring, Patrick Turner (Wide Receiver)—Hamstring
Probable:
Nick Bellore (Linebacker)—Shoulder, Antonio Cromartie (Cornerback)—Shoulder, Mike Devito (Defensive Tackle)—Calf, LaRon Landry (Safety)—Heel, Ellis Lankster (Cornerback)—Back, Nick Mangold (Center)—Wrist, Brandon Moore (Guard)—Hip,
Calvin Pace (Linebacker)—Achilles, Sione Pouha (Defensive tackle)—Back, Mark Sanchez (Quarterback)—Back, Isaiah Trufant (Cornerback)—Ankle, Matt Slauson (Guard)-Knee, Austin Howard (Tackle)-Back
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Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
