The New York Jets (2-7) will look to snap a four game losing streak in Week 10when they host the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. The Jets suffered a brutal 35-12 lossto the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Buffalo (7-1) will be looking for their fifth-straight win after defeating the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 last week.
Here are Jets Wire's three key matchups for the team's Week 10 matchup vs. the Buffalo Bills:
Will McDonald vs. Aaron Glenn
There was a lot of drama surrounding defensive end Will McDonald during the trade deadline. Reports surfaced that an AFC team made a "significant offer" to the Jets for the former first-round pick, but it was turned down. As more information was revealed, the significant offer was reportedly a Day 2 pick, which enraged Jets nation
on social media. There was another report stating that McDonald asked for a trade saying he was unhappy with his playing time, which only added to the confusion as to why they would keep a player on their roster that wanted out.
But, Glenn and Mougey decided to keep McDonald with the head coach telling reporters earlier this week that he had earned a larger role on defense and will see extended playing time beginning with Sunday's game against the Bills. McDonald has been rather unimpressive in his fourth season with the Jets as he only has three sacks in nine games. While he still grades out well as a pass rusher, he still struggles against the run, which is an area the Jets were hoping to see more improvement.
We'll see if Glenn is a man of his word when it comes to McDonald's playing time on Sunday. If he does indeed see an increased role on the defense, then it's up to the former first-round pick to make the most of it.
David Bailey vs. Spencer Brown / Tylan Grable
Bailey was an absolute beast last week and the lone bright spot in the Jets loss to Kansas City. The rookie had 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles on the same drive! Bailey now has 7.5 sacks on the season, which puts him tied for fourth in the league and he has five forced fumbles, which puts him tied for first.
Buffalo's starting right tackle Spencer Brown is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury and if he can't play, than Grable will step in for his second start of the season. He's a third year player from Central Florida who was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 draft. He stepped in last week for the injured Dion Dawkins and performed well, but committed a few penalties. Dawkins is expected back for Sunday's game which means Grable will move to the right side of the line to replace Brown if he can't play.
The Bills are a very run heavy team judging by the 17 rushing touchdowns combined from quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook. Bailey is not the best against the run, but he should be able to overpower Grable to get after Allen. Bailey and the rest of the Jets defensive line need to be careful also as Allen has a bit of a flair for the dramatic and won't be afraid to overreact to a hit in order to force a roughing the passer penalty. Getting after Allen will be one way to beat him, but the Jets must make sure they stay disciplined with how they approach him especially after he gets rid of the ball.
Aaron Glenn vs. The Locker Room
This has been another in a long line of seasons to forget for the Jets and it could very well be Aaron Glenn's last as head coach if things don't turn around fast. Last week was probably the first game we had seen all season where the Jets players looked like they quit in the fourth quarter. While I understand Glenn is not a good head coach, it is unacceptable for the players to give up either. Veterans like Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick were brought in to ensure things like that don't happen and their leadership was nowhere to be found during the second half of last week's loss.
Being a realist, the Jets have no chance to win this game on Sunday. But, the game still has to be played. They are back at home in front of their fans (at least the ones who decide it's worth it to make the trip) and need to put forth a complete effort against a very good Buffalo Bills team. The Jets decided not to make any significant moves at the trade deadline. That should send a message that Glenn and Mougey believe in this roster and are not quitting on the season, regardless of the outcome of the final eight games. Whether they like him or not, let's hope the players show up on Sunday and haven't quit on the head coach.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets vs. Bills: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 10
