Jets-Patriots Preview
September 11, 2008 by Frank Mazzola
Filed under Jets, NFL Football
No Brady=No Problem?
Not so fast, Jets fans. These are still the Patriots we’re talking about here.
I’ve lurked on quite a few Jets’ message boards this week and have seen a great deal of unwarranted optimism. I must caution all Gang Green supporters: Tom Brady is an amazing quarterback and New England will obviously miss him badly, but he’s hardly the only reason to fear the Pats. Matt Cassel will surprise you if you let him. Randy Moss is still the same Randy Moss who could catch 10 yard touchdown passes thrown by even this noodle-armed, 38 year old sportswriter. The New England Defense is still capable of shutting teams down. Lest we forget, the team is guided by one of the greatest coaching minds (with or without videotape) the game has ever seen. Finally, does the concept of a team rallying together to win a game as a tribute to their fallen leader seem foreign to you?
Bottom Line: If you believe the Patriots are going to simply phone in the rest of the season, then there’s a link you may be interested in: www.ebay/brooklynbridge
Keys to winning the game:
Offense:
1. Control the Clock- The running game showed improvement last week against the Dolphins and the Jets need to continue to have it trend upward. As the game wears on, a fresh Leon Washington would be a valuable chip to play as his speed and elusiveness could catch a tired New England off guard.
2. Keep Brett Upright- Does anyone remember the crushing blow by Richard Seymour that sent Kellen Clemens to the sideline last year? If Favre is given time, he can find the weaknesses in the defense. If he’s harassed as much as he was last week, he will throw those interceptions he is equally known for.
Defense:
1. Storm the Cassel- As good as the pieces around him are, Matt Cassel is starting his first meaningful game since the Clinton Administration. The Jets’ pass rush needs to rattle him, the defensive coordinator must confuse him with multiple looks and CB’s Darrelle Revis and Dwight Lowery must make him pay when he throws errant passes.
2. Beware of Morris- Sammy Morris, not Laurence Maroney, is the New England running back the Jets must worry about in terms of breaking off a long run. He is also deadly around the goal line as well and must be accounted for.
Final Analysis- Coach Eric Mangini would love nothing more than to compound his enemy’s woes by beating the Pats in a crucial AFC East game. They’ll find a way, but it won’t be easy.
Jets 20, Patriots 17
(Note: Please check out my esteemed colleague Nich Hall’s preview for his version of how the Patriots will fare.)
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September 11th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I think this game is gonna be close but I think the JETS will come out on top…I feel with our upgraded defence and more threats on the offence vs when Pennington was there, WE are going to give the PATS a run for thier money. No Brady, and to me they diddn’t look all that impressive winning against K.C. They’re still gassed from last year IMO.
The JETS showed great signs of improvement from last year week 1 but barely got by the Dolphins themselves. I think they WILL beat N.E. 21-17 and Jones will have a strong game as well.
GO J-E-T-S!
Cheers,
Chris
September 11th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Your lips to God’s ears, Chris:) Thanks for writing.
September 11th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Everone’s saying J-E-T-S, but they might get all they can handle from this nobody Cassell. Farve better play well or he’ll get his first taste of how fast the New York media can turn someone.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Like many people, I will be keeping a close eye on this game! Nice piece!