The Jets have another daunting stretch of games early this season, just like they did last season.
After hosting the Bills, the Jets face a brutal four-game stretch: at Pittsburgh, at Miami, and then home for the 49ers and Texans. Rex Ryan has taken notice.
“It’s definitely a tough stretch,” Ryan said, via the New York Daily News. “Traditionally, we get out of the blocks pretty good. And we’re going to need to. We got to be at our best coming out of the blocks. It certainly is a challenging stretch of the schedule.”
Ryan is remembering what he wants to remember. The team lost three straight on the road during a similarly difficult stretch early last year. They started very strong in 2010, but lost three straight after a 3-0 start in 2009.
The team will need to win early to avoid calls for Mark Sanchez to be replaced as the team's starter. If New York can't stay above .500 during that five-game stretch to start the season, it wouldn't be a surprise if Tebow was the team's starter before the Jets head to Foxborough in Week 7.
Ryan is already looking forward to the next meeting against the Patriots, on a sweet Thanksgiving for football.
"That one’s going to be a beauty, there’s no doubt,” said Ryan. “Our fans will be ready to roll. ... It’s going to be a great challenge for us. Last time we played on Thanksgiving, we had success. ... Hopefully history will repeat itself. And I hope my wife has the green bean casserole ready for after the game."