Patriots - Jets II Keys, Who Has the Razor's Edge?

Patriots RBs vs Jets Front Seven – Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots rushing offense is averaging 117.0 yards per game. LaGarrette Blount is in the middle of a career year with highs in rushing yardage 1060, and rushing touchdowns with 15. He and Dion Lewis are making a dynamic tandem that can keep the opponent’s defense off balance.

The Jets were one of the best run stuffing teams in the league, but have been fading down the stretch. They gave up nearly 250 yards in the win over the 49ers and are now allowing an average of 99.9 yards per game. The big men inside haven’t been nearly as dominant and injuries, as well as poor play, are taking their toll.

Look for the Patriots to make an even bigger effort this time to mix things up and run the ball more against the Jets front seven to open play action passing. Blount should see more of the ball this week as Josh McDaniels will look to setting the tone early in this one.

Patriots WRs vs Jets Secondary – Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots passing game will look to get untracked after a slow week in Denver against a Jets secondary that has had its issues in coverage this season. Tom Brady is having an MVP type of season and will be looking to exploit mismatches in coverage.

And they have too many weapons for the Jets to cover. Julian Edelman will work the short area of the field across the middle and move the sticks. While Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell work the intermediate routes on the perimeter. Dion Lewis and James White can catch out of the backfield and can split out wide when they recognize mismatches on linebackers. Newcomer Michael Floyd may see a bit of action in this one and if he does, Brady will try to test the waters deep.

The Jets pass defense has taken a big step backward this season. They’ve had trouble getting after the QB without blitzing and have logged just 23 sacks. Darrelle Revis has gone from being on an island to being picked on. The middle of the field will be a big area to target.

Look for Tom Brady to go to Martellus Bennett more in this one. He and the backs will keep the Jets linebackers and safeties occupied. And then they’ll take some shots down the field. With the running game opening play action, Brady should be primed for a big afternoon.

Next up the New York offense:

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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