I think the Pats will win if they play a good mistake free game, but I am not counting on a blow out this time around. As several have pointed out on this board, last time we played the Jets they lost their secondary signal caller and punt returner (Jim Leonard) a few days before the game, AFTER they had installed their game plan. This time they will be much better prepared, and they were able to play good coverage against Manning all night (did they even try to sack him? It didn't look like it, they just blanketed his receivers).
I think the key to our game plan may not be Tommy per se, but BJGE and Woodhead. They will have to get the running game going and catch some good RB screens to make the Jets cover everybody. Manning's receivers weren't open, so I don't think we can count on Branch or Welker being open either. And, I cannot believe the Jets won't try to account for Gronk on every play with the way he's been playing. Our run D will have to be stout, and that is a worry with all the injuries to the DL. Also, our special teams will have to be great. The Jets won on a last second FG because Santonio Holmes had a great kickoff return that put the Jets at mid-field. If Sanchez had had to drive them from the 20, I don't think he could have done it. Short kickoffs are a worry that is sure to continue on Sunday, especially with bad weather in the forecast.
Sanchez played BAD, like he did here, but the difference is they were able to get LT and Greene going, esp. in the 2nd half. They were able to do that because Manning couldn't do anything in the 1st half, except that one long TD pass. Making Sanchez win the game with his arm is really the key. I don't usually watch his post-game pressers, so I don't know if he always has the demeanor he had last night, but you could have sworn he lost the game. He seemed almost pained that he had to go on. That, coupled with his almost laughable inaccuracy tells me his shoulder is a big problem.
Like us, if the Jets win the toss they always defer. I wish for once we'd win the toss, surprise them by taking the ball first, and drive down the field with some dazzling never-before-seen screens and toss-sweeps to the RBs or something (although I hate toss sweeps!). Getting up by 7 on the opening possession might scare the Jets out of their game plan.
What say you?