Critical Matchups in Jets-Patriots on ‘Thursday Night Football’

All through the common season, NewYorkJets.com reporters Eric Allen, Ethan Greenberg, Randy Lange, Caroline Hendershot and John Pullano will give their responses to a collection of questions relating to this yr’s Jets.

At this time’s query: What’s the most crucial matchup in Jets-Patriots?

EA: Will the Jets strike first? The Patriots have landed the opening photographs of their two video games thus far. They rode a 13-0 begin in Cincinnati to a 16-10 victory after which on Sunday, they jumped to a 7-0 lead over Seattle in a sport they finally misplaced, 23-20, in additional time. The Jets fell behind towards the 49ers and the Titans and had been enjoying catch-up to begin the third quarters after being held to 7 factors in Weeks 1 and a couple of. The pesky Patriots ran the ball properly towards the Bengals (39-150-4.4-1TD) and the Seahawks (36-185-5.1-1TD). Tight ends Austin Henry and Austin Hooper are the Pats’ high receiving yardage leaders, however this membership has been restricted to 270 move yards. New England’s wideouts had 3 catches for 19 yards towards Seattle they usually’ve had 85 yards in two video games. You mix that with inconsistent offensive line play, and I simply do not see the Patriots – regardless of having a reliable veteran signal-caller in Jacoby Brissett – profitable this sport if they’re enjoying from behind within the second half.

EG: The Jets rush protection and the Patriots floor assault. New England has the NFL’s No. 4 speeding offense, averaging 177.5 yards per sport. RB Rhamondre Stevenson’s 46 carries are tied for third within the league and his 201 yards rank No. 5. The Jets, after permitting 180 yards on the bottom in Week 1 (147 to RB Jordan Mason), yielded 130 in Week 2 (62 to RB Tony Pollard). If the Jets can cease the Patriots on the bottom, it will drive New England to throw the ball towards some of the gifted cornerback rooms within the NFL. QB Jacoby Brissett, who has had success every of the final two seasons towards the Jets, has thrown for 270 yards towards by means of two groups, which ranks No. 29. He is finishing simply 58.8% of his passes. Patriots TE Hunter Henry leads the staff with 10 receptions and 127 yards and Stevenson’s 5 receptions rank second. Okay.J. Osborn, signed this offseason, leads all Patriots wideouts with 4 catches and 28 yards. If the Jets can restrict the Patriots speeding offense, or climb out to a result in drive NE to throw the ball, the Jets can be in a positive place to beat the Patriots at MetLife Stadium for the primary time since 2015.