This is it. This Thursday night is the game that will define the season for the New York Jets. If they win, they will take over sole possession of the AFC East. If they lose, they probably won’t be taken seriously. Period.
The last time these two teams met, the New England Patriots (6–3) defeated the Jets (6–3) in Week 2 at the Meadowlands by a score of 19–10.
Before that game unfolded, many people expected the Brett Favre, new-look Jets to finally get over the hurdle and lay a sound beating on the “Tom Brady-less” Patriots. Instead, the Jets came out flat and laid an egg.
The Jets haven’t beaten the Patriots in quite a long time—four games to be exact. Yet, this time around, the Jets’ defense and offense seem to be clicking and that elusive win over their hated division rival could finally materialize.
Another thing to keep in mind is, unlike in their last match-up, Brett Favre has a much better understanding of the playbook and looks much more comfortable leading the offense.
Moving to the other side of the ball, the Jets will have to bring the house against Brady backup, Matt Cassell. New England’s O-line is not playing like the vaunted Pats line of old. They are among the worst in the NFL in sacks given up.
Matt Cassel, though he plays a decent game, is not in the same stratosphere as Tom Brady and cannot throw the deep ball with similar consistency.
You can probably expect Randy Moss to get his touchdown, or two. But Cassell won’t be burning them all game with deep throws, especially with Kerry Rhodes, Derrell Revis, and newly signed (and former Patriots star) Ty Law prowling the secondary.
The last time these two teams met, the New England Patriots (6–3) defeated the Jets (6–3) in Week 2 at the Meadowlands by a score of 19–10.
Before that game unfolded, many people expected the Brett Favre, new-look Jets to finally get over the hurdle and lay a sound beating on the “Tom Brady-less” Patriots. Instead, the Jets came out flat and laid an egg.
The Jets haven’t beaten the Patriots in quite a long time—four games to be exact. Yet, this time around, the Jets’ defense and offense seem to be clicking and that elusive win over their hated division rival could finally materialize.
Trench Warfare
For the Jets to win, they must win the battle of the trenches. It all starts there.
The offensive line has to protect Favre and give him time to throw the ball downfield to Coles, Cotchery, and Keller. They also have to keep doing a good job of opening up running lanes for Thomas Jones and Leon Washington.Another thing to keep in mind is, unlike in their last match-up, Brett Favre has a much better understanding of the playbook and looks much more comfortable leading the offense.
Moving to the other side of the ball, the Jets will have to bring the house against Brady backup, Matt Cassell. New England’s O-line is not playing like the vaunted Pats line of old. They are among the worst in the NFL in sacks given up.
Matt Cassel, though he plays a decent game, is not in the same stratosphere as Tom Brady and cannot throw the deep ball with similar consistency.
You can probably expect Randy Moss to get his touchdown, or two. But Cassell won’t be burning them all game with deep throws, especially with Kerry Rhodes, Derrell Revis, and newly signed (and former Patriots star) Ty Law prowling the secondary.
