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The Jets and Bills met just over a month ago, but Sunday’s rematch will feature substantial location-related adjustments.
The Jets have a new quarterback and will likely have a new running back against a Buffalo defense that will appear different at MetLife Stadium than it did at home.
Mike White and Zonovan “Bam” Knight, who did not play in the 20-17 victory on November 6, will face safety Jordan Poyer, cornerback Tre’Davious White, and perhaps linebacker Matt Milano. Von Miller, who sacked Zach Wilson once last month but is sidelined for the season with a ruptured ACL, will not be their opponent.
Jets are 1-1 since Mike White took over as quarterback.
The Jets’ run attack, powered by Michael Carter and James Robinson, racked up 174 yards on the ground the first time around. It will be difficult to duplicate that performance against a Bills defense that now includes Poyer, who missed the first game with an elbow injury, and possibly Milano, who is doubtful with a knee ailment but returned to limited practice on Friday.
Poyer is a versatile safety who excels against the run and leads the Bills with four interceptions. He defeated White last season.
“The guys they get back, like Milano and Poyer, are special in every way from a defensive aspect,” said head coach Robert Saleh at Friday’s practice in Florham Park before Sunday’s game in Buffalo. “Defensively, I believe they are fairly healthy. They were healthy then, and they continue to be now. It will be difficult to play a division opponent twice.”
As was the case last week, the Jets will face a well-rested opponent during this week’s matchup. After playing on Thursday night the prior week, the Bills will get 10 days of rest, same as the Vikings had 10 days to prepare for their game against the Jets last Saturday.
“You rise to the occasion. Saleh predicted that Bills fans, who haven’t seen their team play in person since November 13 due to a snowstorm that moved their November 20 game against the Browns to Detroit, will be particularly agitated.
Saleh described as “shocked” the news that right tackle Max Mitchell has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to blood clots.
Mitchell’s father, John, informed Mark Cannizzaro of The Post on Thursday that his son has blood clots in his right calf and lung. The Jets have not disclosed the official diagnosis due to medical privacy rules.
“It’s surprising because you’re not expecting it,” Saleh said of the rookie on Friday.
“You are anticipating something very different. But happily for him, he has a chance, and we’ll soon have him back.”
John Mitchell stated that his son “should be alright” and that the clots “should not have a lasting impact on his career.”
Micheal Clemons (sickness) did not practice again and his status for Sunday is uncertain. The other Jets who have battled an illness this week, Corey Davis, George Fant, and D.J. Reed, all participated in practice.
Reed, who reported having the virus, is “still recuperating” but plans to participate.
Sunday will be missed by FB Reggie Gilliam (ankle) and DT Jordan Phillips (shoulder). OT Dion Dawkins (ankle) is questionable.
»Mike White and Zonovan Knight give the Jets a new look for the crucial Bills matchup«