teamplay

I'd like to propose that we start a thread each week to cover pregame analysis -- a thread where we could contribute links and our own thoughts about the upcoming game.

I wish I had found much to contribute. Most of the sports Web sites are pumping out statistical comparisons (boring) and little or no expert analysis.

Just to prime the pump a bit, here's Judy Battista's review of the AFC East (with the Pats and Jets the main features): http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/09/05/sports/afce.php

Patriots Nation NY

Here is my analysis.. PAIN - LOTS OF PAIN@The Meadowlands..

denverpatsfan

Jets will try to run the ball down the Pats throats until the D proves they can stop the run. Pats are missing 2 of the best players on D.

New O-line and new RB will be out to prove themselves. This was a weak spot last season and the Jets have been working all off season to improve it.

Jets will also try to spread the field to take advantage of Gay/Merriweather if the run game stalls.

Pats will have to withstand the initial onslaught and slowly take control of the game in order to take the crowd out of it.

Hopefully this is not a close one. But it probably will. This is your classic "revenge" game for the playoff loss last season. Those games always have the loser playing MUCH better than before.

I hope the kicking game will be OK. This could be a serious issue that nobody has really discussed here.

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PatsFan37

It seemed like last year's danger against the Jets was that Coles, Cotchery, and Washington were breakaway threats.

The Pats LBs are better this year than last year and I don't think they'll have trouble in their standard 3-4 of stopping the run. By containing the breakaway threat and forcing the Jets into underneath passes and short runs, they force them to trade punt or field goals against the Pats making field goals or TDs. Not saying the Pats won't punt or the Jets won't score, just forces the odds in the Pats favor, since the Pats O will be stronger against the Jets D than the Jets O against the Pats D.

It'll be interesting to see if both teams come out in no-huddle, quick substitutions like last year's coaching games. Last year the Pats went no-huddle specifically to shake off the Jets pressure, and threw a lot of quick outs.

I think the Jets will go no-huddle again because they need trickery. I think the Pats will not have to be as tricky, BB has enough offensive talent to stop the blitz straight up with his skill players. Mangini cannot afford to leave guys like Welker, Stallworth or Moss in man coverage. Nor will BB focus as heavily on quick-outs since a couple of those were almost intercepted last year. If Jets are getting pressure, he'll use a mix of play action, and screens, as well as dump offs to guys like Welker and Gaffney who can get decent YAC when the middle is left open.

In the red zone last year, BB used his 3-TE heavy package to blow his way into the end zone. With Moss and K. Brady (if healthy) and Welker, he's got options besides Maroney and he doesn't have a lot of healthy TEs. Still, he'll want to exploit matchups, like the ability to run Maroney behind the powerful left side of the Oline.

I'm sure we'll see more than a couple deep passes on 1st and 2nd down, to Stallworth and Moss. I'd be very surprised if there isn't at least one long gain or long TD throw, setting up a delightful pattern for the season.

I'm anticipating a game that looks closer on the scoreboard than on the field.

QuinielaBox

Well - I think this would be a very good week to have lots of A O G s....


A O G = Airplane On Ground.........

Good for my wallet, good for the Patriots. Come on, put some dents in those J E T S!!!!!

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Patriots winning just a game used to be cause for major celebration.

Tunescribe

I think the Jets will be sky-high for this game and will be VERY physical. Remember, we ruined their home opener last year in addition to knocking them out of the playoffs, so they'll be throwing everything they have at us including the kitchen sink. I see the Jets playing with a sense of desperation we'll be hard-pressed to match early on.

If they somehow get up on us by more than one score, things could be very tough; it would not surprise me at all to see the Pats trailing at the end of the first half. From the middle of the third quarter-on, however, I think things will settle down into each team's respective skill sets. This is where I see Brady and the passing game taking charge. I think it will be tight all the way but we prevail in the fourth quarter.

I see Pennington having some success against our secondary, especially early in the game. He will be passing on quick rhythm to neutralize our pass rush and try to isolate people on our slower linebackers with an occasional shot over the top to test the safeties. The key for the Jets offense is whether they can muster a running game. If they can run on us (100-yards plus) they will be in it all the way with a chance to win. If we bottle them up, Pennington will not beat us with his arm.

The same cannot be said of Brady. I think even if the Jets stuff our running game, Tom can beat them with the passing game. This may not be evident in the early going, however, as the Jets D will be playing over its head on adrenaline and Tom might be out of synch with the new receivers at game speed. I am hoping that the offensive line will give enough push for Maroney to pleasantly surprise us running the ball, but I don't expect it. If we can come out and do anything close to what we did in the first half of the preseason tilt against Carolina, the game will be a cakewalk.

Bottom line, I think this will be a slugfest down to the wire, with the key difference being Brady to Welker.

frankiesfly

I still don't think Pennington is any good, and don't think he has what it takes to lead a team. I think Mangini being in his first season in NY, might have been a big reason why the Jets overachieved last year. I don't think Seymour, or Harrison missing is going to make a big difference in this game. The Pats taking away the run game will force the Jets to rely on the air. The Jets do have a good group of wideouts, but will Chad have the time to throw? The Pats will get to Chad and force him to make bad desicions, leading to INT's. This is going to be a bad opener for the J-E-T-S, and Pennington. It won't be long before the Clemens talk comes up. Pennington loses his job by the 8th week.

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"I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career." BB after NFL ruling on video scandal

townes

I agree, I think much of Mangini's focus with the Jets is forcing them to man up physically, and they will run the ball even if its not working just to keep balance and be physical. I think they'll run 25 times and go deep in hopes of making big plays or getting the calls.The Jets are outmanned, so they'll have to win the game physically and hope Mangini and staff can win the coaching battles.

gangreenman

Yes, you may want to have your novacain handy!!

gangreenman

I actually disagree. I think Mangini knows that BB is going to do whatever it takes to stop the run and make Chad beat the Pats.

My guess is that we'll see eight in the box and I dont expect many blitzes from the Pats unless its a passing down....

If Pennington can handle that and beat that Pats secondary, the Jets will have their opportunities, if not, this game will be over by the end of the 3rd quarter.