Jets-Patriots Preview

When these two teams played in the second game of the season, the big conundrum was “How will the Patriots play without Tom Brady?”  As it turns out, they played just fine and beat the Jets 19-10.

This time around, the million dollar question is “Which one of these teams ought to be seriously considered a post-season contender?” 

Yup…this game is just that important.

We all know the players, past and present, in this ongoing feud:  Parcells, Curtis Martin, Belichick, Mangini…the list goes on and on.  People occupy themselves with trivial suppositions such as how the post-game handshake between the coaches will go down. However, none of that really matters this time around.  The winner gets sole ownership of the AFC East with six games remaining in the season.  That’s what truly matters.

The Jets have momentum on their side (a three game winning streak.)  The Patriots have history on theirs (they’ve won 10 of the last 11 regular season meetings between the teams, dating back to 2000).

You probably couldn’t ask for a more entertaining game….which makes it all the more shameful that most people won’t be able to view it in their homes due the game being broadcast on the NFL network.  (My colleague Nich Hall alludes to this fact in a blog on this site).

Nice job, NFL.  Stay classy.

Keys to winning the game:

Offense:

1.  Keller over the middle- The injury to Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas creates a unique opportunity for the Jets.  Without Thomas, both the New England pass rush and their coverage across the middle will be compromised.  The Jets can get TE Dustin Keller in one on one matchups against less athletic players than himself.  If they can complete a few passes to him early, New England will be forced to adjust by bringing up a safety.  Once this happens, QB Brett Favre can take shots downfield.

2.  Stuckey’s the man- WR Chansi Stuckey hasn’t been terribly involved in the offense the last few weeks.  However, he’s the only Jets receiver who possesses elite speed.  The gameplan should be to lull New England by completing short passes and runs, then taking a few shots on some deep post patterns with Stuckey using his speed to outdistance the ailing Patriots’ secondary.

Defense:

1.  Take away Welker - Most folks would be worried about the big play potential of WR Randy Moss.  However, Jets CB Darrelle Revis has done a commendable job in recent games in terms of shadowing him.  The real sparkplug to the Patriots’ engine is the diminutive Welker.  He’s as slippery as an eel coated in axle grease and seems to always be open to keep drives going.  Covering him with a linebacker won’t get it done.  The Jets have to commit a defensive back to him on short routes and hope that another receiver not named Moss or Welker doesn’t burn them.

2.  Confuse Cassell-  We all know Matt Cassell isn’t Tom Brady.  However, he has played most of a season now and has seen a variety of stunts and blitzes.  New England will have him very prepared for what the Jets normally bring, so it’s time to reach deep into the cupboard and dust off some schemes.  If the Jets succeed, then Cassell will very likely turn the ball over a few times.  In a game like this, turnovers can be the major difference between victory and defeat.

Overall:  I’ve said enough.  We all know what’s at stake.

Jets 14, Patriots 10

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