Patriots – Jets Key Matchups, Who Has the Razor’s Edge?
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Jets RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge New York
The Jets signed Matt Forte this offseason and he’s been their workhorse carrying the ball 189 times for 732 yards and seven touchdowns. Bilal Powell is the Jets second back and he gives them some impressive production, with 272 yards on the ground averaging 6.8 yards per carry. When the Jets run effectively, they win. When they don’t they lose. It’s been as simple as that. When Forte carries 25 or more times the Jets are 3-0. When he carries less than that, they’re 0-7.
The Patriots run defense has been up and down this season and they’re allowing 103.1 yards per game which is middle of the pack in terms of NFL ranking. They were doing a lot of mixing and matching last week in San Francisco but whenever Dont’a Hightower was out of the game, they struggled to stop the run. Rookie Elandon Roberts has had issues lately and he may split time with Shea McClellin. Alan Branch is facing a four-game suspension, but due to his appeal, he should play on Sunday. The Patriots have he and Malcom Brown in the middle.
The Jets will try to keep this one close where their versatile running game will make a big difference. Powell is the “X-Factor” for the Jets this week. He’s so valuable in both the running and passing games, he will be a key player to watch. In the second game between the two teams in 2015, he gained a total of 90 yards on just 12 touches.
Jets WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
The Jets passing game has struggled in 2016 with Fitzpatrick leading the league in interceptions with 13. After going thru contentious salary negotiations this spring and summer, he’s failed to reproduce the season he had in 2015.
The Jets really miss Eric Decker who was placed on IR earlier this season. Thus, the numbers for the talented Brandon Marshall and Quincy Enunwa have taken a downturn the last few weeks. But both Powell and Forte out of the backfield help alleviate the situation especially this week.
The Patriots have struggled at times in 2016 defending the pass allowing 252.1 yards per game and part of the reason has been the pass rush has not been nearly as effective as last year. In a trickle-down effect, turnovers are way down this year. Questions still abound as to who the #2 corner is and who will cover backs out of the backfield.
Look for the Jets to get Marshall and Enunwa involved early in this one. It will be interesting to see if the Patriots and Matt Patricia opt to be a bit more aggressive in their pass rush this week. The Patriots did opt for that a bit against SF last week and it helped. Facing a non-mobile QB for a change may be a key. Covering the Jets backs will be another key area to watch.
Special Teams- Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots special teams had an uneven game on Sunday. Stephen Gostkowski missed another extra point and Ryan Allen’s first two punts were forgettable but Danny Amendola returned a punt 30 yards to kick things off and Cyrus Jones handled a wet ball with no issues so there was good as well.
The Jets have had issues as well. Kicker Nick Folk has missed two extra points and had two field goal attempts blocked. Lachlan Edwards hasn’t stood out in his rookie season as the Jets punter. Their kickoff coverage unit allowed a 98-yard touchdown against Miami after a penalty forced a re-kick.
Next up, who wins and why…
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