Two years ago in the Divisional Round, these two teams met for the opportunity to make it to the AFC Championship game against the Bengals. This was around the time that the Jets (14-3) were killing it in the regular season starting 9-0 before losing to the Buffalo Bills. Zach Wilson started most of the year due to Aaron Rodgers getting injured, but he did a hell of a job. The Jets offense was looked at as one of, if not, the best offense in the league. To start the playoffs, they would play the team that ended their undefeated streak in the Bills. And let’s just say they had revenge on their mind. They were blowing out the Bills 47-23 before the Bills Head Coach walked off the field, leading to his immediate firing.
On the other side, the Titans (14-3) were starting to make noise around the league. Toward the middle of the season, the slogan “Scary Hours” started being used to describe this team. Will Levis was not looking like a rookie as he was putting up MVP numbers. Defensively, the Titans were similar to what we see now. In the Wildcard Round, they would just pull out a victory against the Browns 35-28.
So the stage was set. The (14-3) Jets would host the (14-3) Titans. And what happened that night Jets fans try their hardest to forget. Absolute destruction happened as the Titans showed no mercy all night long. Eventually winning 40-20 and headed on to the AFC Championship game where they would eventually fall to the Bengals.
Fast forward two years later and there are still a lot of similarities in the matchup we will see tonight. Will Levis is still putting up MVP numbers. The Titans’ defense still puts on the clamps. The Jets still have one of the best offenses in the league. These teams are fighting for a spot in the AFC Championship game just like before. Both teams are 14-3 just like before. The Jets will be at home just like before.
But I would be lying if I said that the differences this year won’t make a massive impact on tonight’s game. That Titans defense is 10x better than two years ago. They have game-changers on that defense now and it will be hard for any offense to score. Also, the Titans didn’t have a great receiving core like they do now, so this offense is better too. On the Jets side, they no longer have Aaron Rodgers. No Zach Wilson either. Instead, they have Michael Penix Jr. who has done a great job being a starter this year after being a backup under Rodgers for his last year. Also, the Jets now have a great RunningBack duo in Blake Corum and Breece Hall. Defensively, the Jets have a Cornerback duo in Sauce Gardner and Jaylon Johnson. Defensively, the Jets are much better than two seasons ago.
So what will the outcome be this time? Will the Jets finally get over the hump or will the Titans once again prove that there are level to this? Find out tonight at 6:30 P.M. EST on OutlawzCFM on YouTube. Bring some popcorn!
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