So reading the Globe's "Jet's - Patriot's Matchup" article

[BTTA]

I'm amazed by this statement: "The Patriots can’t match Smith’s big-play potential on returns." They not only take the position that the Jets are better on special teams, but that Smith is better than Edelman, Tate, and Welker.

Anyone else think this is nuts? Even if Smith is healthy?

 

[karguy85]

I'm amazed by this statement: "The Patriots can’t match Smith’s big-play potential on returns." They not only take the position that the Jets are better on special teams, but that Smith is better than Edelman, Tate, and Welker.

Anyone else think this is nuts? Even if Smith is healthy?

I heard on NFL Network (I think) that while Smith may be active, there is almost no chance he returns kicks.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I'm amazed by this statement: "The Patriots can’t match Smith’s big-play potential on returns." They not only take the position that the Jets are better on special teams, but that Smith is better than Edelman, Tate, and Welker.

Anyone else think this is nuts? Even if Smith is healthy?

??

Smith - 50 ret- 1432 yds - 2 TDs- 28.6 ave
Tate- 41 ret- 1057 yds- 2 TD- 25.8 ave

I'd say that on returns, Tate has not been as effective as he was during the first few weeks of the season, but you could also say that they've been kicking away from him big time. With that, he may have been pressing a little to try an make a big play. But to make the assertion that NE's KR game is not in the same league is ridiculous.

Let's talk about punt returns where the Jets have no answer for Edelman.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I heard on NFL Network (I think) that while Smith may be active, there is almost no chance he returns kicks.

People talk about the Pats DL injuries and rightfully so but on their side, the Jets are managing some injury issues as well.

Sanchez- shoulder
Woody-out
Smith-hurting
Coleman- hurting
Ihedigbo- should play but hurting and hes another one of those special team nuts and blitzers Rex likes.

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

Tate vs Smith...phewy...Patriots have someone better than both of them.

Dan Connelly averages 30 yards per return.

 

[ausbacker]

Today's age of "journalism" is great. It should actually be renamed to "write whatever the hell you want without bothering to research because I'm a lazy bastard" sector.

 

[karguy85]

I'm going crazy waiting for this game to start. Too much analysis and trash talking. I am way too neurotic for this.

 

[jczxohn1]

IIRC, in a 45-3 beatdown, Smith returned 9 or so kicks and didn't get past the 35. Or was it Smith? Maybe it was Eric? Thought we shut them down pretty well, not so much as advertised.

 

[billdog3484]

I'm amazed by this statement: "The Patriots can’t match Smith’s big-play potential on returns." They not only take the position that the Jets are better on special teams, but that Smith is better than Edelman, Tate, and Welker.

Anyone else think this is nuts? Even if Smith is healthy?

not only is the article silly...smith (1) May not play because hes injured; (2) if he isnt injured, he still might not return kicks *cromartie may

 

[billdog3484]

just adding to my last post.....i think tate needs to be better on kick returns...hasnt done much in a while...maybe hes saving it for the playoffs.

also, edelman has looked great on punts, but really...would you rather have his explosiveness on kick returns or someone we are more sure will catch the ball and go down without fumbling

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

I'm not sure how the Jets could really have the edge at so many offensive positions.

Sure, you can say Brady is 100x better than Sanchez, but that just means the Jets receivers still haven't proven they are elite. This is all in theory. In reality, the Pats offense is an all-time juggernaut that gets consistently incredible results. The Jets are an average offense at best.

Pats WRs> Jets WRs
Pats OL> Jets OL

Don't care about the individual accolades. Players are worthless if their talent doesn't lead to points.