Finally I have questions I would like to ask of all Patriot fans out there:
1. Can we all agree that Tom Brady has to play perfectly in order for the Patriots to win games this season? When he hasn't...they've struggled because they're near average everywhere else on the team. Patriot fans are looking at the Sanchez vs Brady match-up to determine who's going to win. But I've demonstrated that not many quarterbacks have done that well vs the Jets this season. Why will Tom Brady have a better shot this time than last time?
In contrast to our 2nd game, we no longer have Moss around. Already in that game, he was no longer an aspect of the offense, and Brady targeted him 7 times for just one completion and two interception which is abysmal, and if you take that away, you have a very different game. At this point in time, our offense is much more spread, and more importantly, our playcalling is much more varied and unpredictable. Our play-calling has been lights out in the past few games, and we have demonstrated a consistent ability to go on clock-eating drives.
2. How will the Patriots get to Sanchez? Patriots have 20 sacks in 11 games, while the Jets have only allowed 19 in 11 games. The Patriots 32nd ranked pass defense says that either you'll have to get after him or you'll give up yardage. Backup Lions QB Shaun Hill passed for 285 yards vs this defense and put up 24 points despite 2 interceptions. That should worry Patriots fans when playing a MUCH better defense in the Jets. The only two times the Jets have lost this season is when they have failed to score touchdowns. What do you expect The Patriot defense to do with regards to the Jets offense in this game?
The first time we played the Jets, our defense was very one-dimensional since we had a new group, and also were starting a few rookies. Over the course of the season, we have succeeded in installing more intricate schemes which have worked effectively. And at this stage, we are seeing much more big plays made when we needed them, and stops occurring when we need them. We have improved in the red zone, whereas the Jets have remained at the bottom. Our run stopping has improved by leaps and bounds, to the point where we are able to dictate what the offense does. I really don't see us having trouble with Greene and LT.
3. Vegas odds put the Patriots as only 3.5 point favorites vs the Jets. Now, anyone who follows and cares about Vegas odds knows that the home field advantage is worth 3 points. So basically bet makers think that the Jets Pats game is a push. DO you agree or disagree? Why? (I know, I know it sounds like an English comp. question)
Vegas is only interested in making money, so to them, the closer a game is to push, the more ideal it is, because they make more money from both sides.
4. Last year in New England, Mark Sachez had 4 interceptions and 1 lost fumble in a 31-14 loss. This year he is much more judicious with the football. I've read some posts that think Mark Sanchez will have 3+ interceptions in this game. But unlike Manning and the Colts, you have to respect the running game of the Jets and cannot always tee off on the quarterback expecting a pass most of the time. If Mark Sanchez plays error free football (no picks, no fumbles) what percentage chance do you think the Patriots have of winning?
I expect Sanchez to play better here than his last year, but he will see new looks on defense, new alignments and disguises and different types of coverages that will keep him off balance. I think that we will go all out in taking away his first read and keeping contain on him so that he doesn't break out of the pocket where he is able to scramble and make plays. I just don't think he is at a position in his career or has the ability to decode or interpret coverages and alignment to stay one step ahead, like Manning would.
