Patriots – Jets Key Matchups, Who Has the Razor’s Edge?

Steve Balestrieri

6 years ago at 9:00 am ET

Ed Mulholland - USA TODAY Sports

Patriots RBs vs Jets Front Seven – Razor’s Edge New York
The Patriots rushing offense is averaging 118.3 yards per game behind LeGarrette Blount who leads the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns. He also has added 802 yards rushing. He, James White and now Dion Lewis give the Patriots a three-headed monster in the backfield that can pound the ball between the tackles, have shiftier backs that give them a change of pace back and catch the ball out of the backfield.

The Jets run defense has been a bright spot for them in 2016. With a big, physical front seven they allow opponents to average just 85.4 yards per game and just 3.5 yards per rush. It starts up front with their big 3-4 defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams. They have done a great job of disrupting and penetrating up front and blowing things up in the backfield.

The Patriots will try to keep their offensive balance this week and having Lewis back in the fold will help things by not allowing the Jets to pin their ears back by mixing in some quick hitters to slow down the pass rush. But they’ll find the going tough here. This week, they’ll have to pass to set up the run.

Patriots WRs vs Jets Secondary – Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots passing game has plenty of weapons for Tom Brady to bring to bear on the Jets secondary. Even without Rob Gronkowski, who is said to be missing his second game in a row with a chest injury, they have plenty of targets for Tom Brady.

The quicker, shiftier wide receivers of NE Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and Chris Hogan will give the Jets a tough matchup underneath. Malcolm Mitchell after a strong game last week will see some snaps as well. Martellus Bennett has had a very strong season although the Patriots don’t use him to attack the seams like they do with Gronk. White and Lewis out of the backfield, give Brady more options to work with

The Jets pass defense has been struggling for much of 2016 and they are allowing 260.5 yards per game. Darrelle Revis has struggled for much of the season as his body is breaking down on him. Teams no longer fear to tread on Revis Island, in fact, have been targeting him. Williams leads the way with 6 sacks on a defense that has just mustered 19.

With Brady, getting the time is almost everything, the key is the middle of the pocket. If Williams can come up the middle and disrupt things, it will be a win for the Jets. Brady’s biggest asset is his ability to step up and slide in the pocket. If he can do that, he’ll have a big day.

Next up the New York offense: