Metaphors
In the Starting Line-Up
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1) OL Stability
Not only getting Mankins but the OL (including TEs) has really come together with pass protection and run blocking. If the Jets don't get pressure bringing just 4, the Pats should be in good shape.
2) Offense in Rhythm
The Pats don't need balance...but they do need to show balance. Being in the shotgun all the time makes life easier on the edge rushers and safeties. While Brady finished with a rating in the 70's, his rating was about 120 when throwing to players who will be in the game on Monday. On that final fumble, Brady looked off an open Gronkowski to find Moss (double-covered) on the right. I feel pretty confident that won't happen again.
3) Maturity
Hernandez can legally drink now. Gronkowski has Brady's confidence, particularly in the red zone. McCourty is comfortable as the #1 CB. Cunningham is finding his groove and will be matched against a less-than-100% Woody. Hadn't even dusted off Deaderick in September yet. These players are better just by playing these last 2+ months.
4) About 60 Degrees
Sanchez has so few games in freezing temperatures that you can't even spot trends. Last year, he was a mess against the Falcons and didn't have to do much in the 2 Cincy games. Thiis year he has been lucky with the weather situations. That changes on Monday and shouldn't get any better for the rest of the season. Your body reacts differently when you are sweating in freezing weather. The ball feels significantly different with temps in the 20's. With the Jets running game not dominating, I would expect Sanchez to have to make a number of plays to win.
5) Extra Days
I don't anticipate the Jets doing anything different than they have done all year. Extra prep probably doesn't mean much to them besides some extra rest for the players. I have no doubt that Belichick will use the extra days to devise, install and practice a gameplan with wrinkles the Jets will need to adjust to on the fly. Belichick has a pretty solid record of turning around an early division loss.
Not only getting Mankins but the OL (including TEs) has really come together with pass protection and run blocking. If the Jets don't get pressure bringing just 4, the Pats should be in good shape.
2) Offense in Rhythm
The Pats don't need balance...but they do need to show balance. Being in the shotgun all the time makes life easier on the edge rushers and safeties. While Brady finished with a rating in the 70's, his rating was about 120 when throwing to players who will be in the game on Monday. On that final fumble, Brady looked off an open Gronkowski to find Moss (double-covered) on the right. I feel pretty confident that won't happen again.
3) Maturity
Hernandez can legally drink now. Gronkowski has Brady's confidence, particularly in the red zone. McCourty is comfortable as the #1 CB. Cunningham is finding his groove and will be matched against a less-than-100% Woody. Hadn't even dusted off Deaderick in September yet. These players are better just by playing these last 2+ months.
4) About 60 Degrees
Sanchez has so few games in freezing temperatures that you can't even spot trends. Last year, he was a mess against the Falcons and didn't have to do much in the 2 Cincy games. Thiis year he has been lucky with the weather situations. That changes on Monday and shouldn't get any better for the rest of the season. Your body reacts differently when you are sweating in freezing weather. The ball feels significantly different with temps in the 20's. With the Jets running game not dominating, I would expect Sanchez to have to make a number of plays to win.
5) Extra Days
I don't anticipate the Jets doing anything different than they have done all year. Extra prep probably doesn't mean much to them besides some extra rest for the players. I have no doubt that Belichick will use the extra days to devise, install and practice a gameplan with wrinkles the Jets will need to adjust to on the fly. Belichick has a pretty solid record of turning around an early division loss.
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