Three-game trip will test Jets

Road trippers

After playing their first two games at home, the Jets hit the road for their next three, none of which can be considered easy.

They'll start with a trek to the "Black Hole" Sunday, matching up with the Raiders at O.co Coliseum. They meet the Ravens a week later in Rex Ryan's return to Baltimore, followed by a visit to the Patriots.

"We have three tough games on the road," Plaxico Burress said. "I don't think I've ever played three games in a row like these next few weeks."

Introducing Colin Baxter

With All-Pro center Nick Mangold likely to miss his first start after 82 consecutive regular-season games, undrafted rookie Colin Baxter takes center stage. The Jets plucked him off waivers from San Diego on Sept. 4, and he saw his first NFL action when Mangold suffered a high ankle sprain in the first quarter against the Jaguars. Baxter finished the game and now he'll start against the Raiders.

"It's crazy, man," Baxter said. "It just goes to show that you keep working at it, you'll get your shot. Some sooner, some later. Mine just so happens to be sooner."

Ground power outage

The Jets' running attack was a little better against the Jaguars than it was in Week 1 against the Cowboys. They picked up 101 yards on 32 attempts but still are near the bottom of the league in rushing. Their 146 yards rank 28th.

"I think we're close," Ryan said. "I think we're getting better each week, and quite honestly, when you go back and really look at it, it's not like we're humming on all cylinders to start the season. We get a little bit better each week and then finally find our groove. Our confidence in our running game will take off."