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.
The Jets must be especially careful with the Pats’ short passing game involving burner wideout Wes Welker.
Someone on the Jets squad must be physical with Welker and slow him down. It can be done—just look at what the Giants were able to accomplish during the Superbowl. If Welker gets going though, it frees up Randy Moss and Ben Watson, and could create headache match-ups for the Jets.
If the Jets defensive front can shut down BenJarvus Green-Ellis and prevent Kevin Faulk from beating them with his usual big yardage gains off of dink and dunk passes from Cassell, it could force the Pats into uncomfortable third down situations. Again, Matt Cassell is no Tom Brady. Should that happen, it could be “advantage Jets”.
This is a statement game for the Jets. The Patriots are without Tom Brady and Tom Brady is the Patriots.
If the Jets win this game, they could develop enough of a swagger, and build the necessary confidence that could carry them deep into the playoffs.
But, if they lose, it will be an embarrassing sweep at the hands of a depleted Patriots team, without Tom Brady, and a high probability of having to hear that old adage, “same ol’ Jets”.
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