New England Patriots vs. New York Jets preview: Time for the Jets to put up or shut up
The New York Jets made the most off-season acquisitions of any teams. They also spoke the most of any team in the off-season. Jet’s coach Rex Ryan has been saying for months that the Jets would surpass
the New England Patriots this season and go on to win the Super Bowl. The Patriots meanwhile have taken the one-game-at-a-time approach and they have one big game coming.
The Jets already laid an egg at home on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens in week one, falling to a 10-9 score. The offence was terrible as they failed to score a touchdown despite beginning several
drives in Ravens territory. The Patriots had no trouble scoring touchdowns as Tom Brady marched the offence to four touchdown drives en route to a 38-point total.
The Patriots bring their high-powered offence to take on the Jets’ strong defence. The defence gave new York a chance to win last week, only allowing 10 points, but they were also undisciplined, giving
up over 150 yards in penalties. That cannot happen against the Patriots because as they’ve proven
time and time again, if you give them a chance, they’ll take advantage.
Expect a heaving passing attack by the Patriots. Randy Moss will surely be covered by Darrelle Revis all game long. This means Wes Welker will need to be at his best. Brady will look in his direction often
and dish him the ball as much as he can. The Jets need to limit the Patriots' offence and the key will be to force turnovers and keep them out of the end zone.
The good news for the Jets’ offence this week is that the defence they’re going up against is nowhere near as fearsome as the Ravens bunch. The Patriots’ defence is inexperienced so look for the Jets to
use their running game. Running back Shonn Greene had a dismal outing against the Ravens and was benched for most of the second half. LaDainian Tomlinson carried the load and looked sharp at times. Expect both backs to be used, and if both can click the Jets
will have another cylinder firing.
The real story is New York quarterback Mark Sanchez. He simply cannot play the way he did last week because if he can’t generate a touchdown drive, then the Patriots will have an easy win. You can’t expect
the Jets’ defence, as good as they are, to shut out the Patriots. Sanchez needs to get some scoring drives together or the Jets’ Super Bowl expectations will slip in a hurry.
The Jets are in danger of falling to 0-2. What makes it worse is that would mean two losses at home before they head to Miami next week for another big divisional showdown. This is the game for the Jets
to prove whether they are contenders or pretenders. Yes it is early in the season, but this team has hyped themselves so much that a 0-2 start is inexcusable. The Patriots meanwhile have been quiet, but are getting it done. They’ll look to sink the Jets’ spirits
with a huge win on the road and have a two-game lead over their rivals. The Jets simply cannot just talk a big game anymore, they’ll have to play a big game.
Tags: