The last time the Buffalo Bills took on the New York Jets, Josh Allen and company took a close loss, 20-17 back in Week 9.
This coming weekend, though, things will be vastly different.
To begin with, the Bills have won three in a row and appear rolling. But on the other side, the Jets are coming off a loss to Minnesota after having rolled with quarterback Mike White two games in a row. The last time these teams met, it was second-year pro Zach Wilson under center for New York.
But this time, the Bills will be facing a different quarterback. After Wilson was benched for a somewhat awkward postgame press conference moment, the Jets went with White, who won his initial start over the Chicago Bears.
Saleh: Mike White to start Week 14 vs. Bills https://t.co/tZ5BhJzcyD
— NBC Sports EDGE Football (@NBCSEdgeFB) December 5, 2022
Now, the Bills will be getting ready to face White, although Jets head coach Robert Saleh did say his plan was to get Wilson back on the field at some point this season.
Right now, it looks like Mike White will be starting his third game in a row in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills.
If Week 13 was any indication, the Jets would be foolish not to let White continue starting. Teammates have rallied around White, with rookie wideout Garrett Wilson saying that his quarterback has “something special” about him.
It was Wilson who was the most visibly frustrated in recent weeks with Wilson starting, and as their prized first round wide receiver, the Jets absolutely want to keep him pleased.
As for the Bills, they have gotten altogether healthier on defense since last facing New York. Of course, the Von Miller injury hurts. But, the Bills didn’t have two notable players in their secondary back in Week 9.
Both Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer are back and should help corral Wilson and the Jets’ wide receivers in this one.
Buffalo is coming off its best defensive performance since Week 5, after allowing just 10 points to the Patriots last Thursday night. The Bills dominated in time of possession and won in convincing fashion, but going up against a quarterback like White is a different beast.
Mac Jones and the Patriots offense was confusing to many last week, as it seemed like New England simply didn’t want to unleash the ball through the air. White, on the other hand, isn’t afraid to sling it. The Jets know this game means a lot, and so do the Bills, who now own the number one seed in the AFC.
To stay in the thick of the playoff race, both teams need this victory, and White certainly gives New York their best chance to win. The Bills, though, are firing on all cylinders and appear ready to avenge their earlier loss.