Unlike his boisterous head coach, Jets lineman Matt Slauson isn’t known for running his mouth in the days leading up to a game. That changed this week, when the second-year starter at left guard channeled his inner Rex Ryan.
Per ESPNNewYork.com, Slauson came away from Monday’s team meeting, their first since returning from a bye week, convinced the Jets are in a “perfect position right now,” as Sunday’s critical showdown with the upstart Bills looms.
Then, Slauson sounded more like the outspoken Ryan, issuing a not-so-subtle guarantee that New York would take care of business against Buffalo to set up a huge Week 10 tilt.
He spoke of the Patriots’ loss in Week 8 to the Steelers, which was big because it put Gang Green just one game out of the AFC East lead.
“I mean, the Patriots lost (to the Steelers) and the Bills are about to lose,” said Slauson, alluding to Sunday’s game in Buffalo. “Then, we’ve got the Patriots. As long as we can take care of our stuff, we’re going to be in the driver’s seat.”
Assuming Slauson’s words ring true, the Sunday night contest with New England would be for first-place in the division, a shocking turn of events after many left them for dead a few weeks ago.
First thing’s first, though — New York has to get by Buffalo, far from a lock considering they’re 0-2 post-bye under Ryan. It’s also an away game, in a hostile environment, against a divisional opponent who’s taking the NFL by storm this season.
The Jets will need to win this game if they have any playoff aspirations this year — and to keep a sizable amount of egg off of Slauson’s face. It’ll be a tough task but one that’s certainly achievable.
