Jets RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge New England
Matt Forte has been the Jets workhorse this season but his age may be finally starting to catch up to him. He’s rushed for 813 yards on the season but is banged up with an injury and in his place has stepped Bilal Powell. Powell has been outstanding the past two weeks and has been a bright spot for Gang Green.
The Patriots run defense has been very solid the past month allowing just 50 yards per game in the past four games. Alan Branch and Malcom Brown are outstanding inside at defeating the run game and the defensive ends have done a great job at setting the edge. LB Dont’a Hightower is excellent at playing downhill and stopping runs for little to no gain once the linemen set the table. The Pats run defense is allowing just 87.9 yards per game
The Jets must get the running game going to help out their inexperienced (Bryce Petty) QB. Powell is a guy who has given the Patriots trouble in the past and his speed at hitting the holes will be an area to watch. But with a beat up offensive line with only one starter from Week 1 remaining, the Jets will be hard pressed to establish a consistent running attack. The Patriots will try to force the game into Petty’s hands.
Jets WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
The Jets passing game has struggled in 2016 because of injuries (Eric Decker on IR) and the offensive line. But mostly, it’s been the poor play of their QBs. Ryan Fitzpatrick was tossing too many interceptions and was finally replaced. Petty has flashed in small doses but he’s thrown six picks against just three touchdowns this season.
The Jets have the uber-talented Brandon Marshall and Quincy Enunwa as well as promising young WR in Robby Anderson outside. Powell is always dangerous out of the backfield, but the big question is, can the Jets inexperienced OL hold up to protect Petty this week?
The Patriots struggles against the pass are beginning to get under control. After giving Jonathan Jones some early snaps against Denver, he was replaced at the second cornerback spot by Eric Rowe. Look for Matt Patricia to mix things up and show different coverages and bring pressure from safeties and corners and drop linemen into passing lanes. Trey Flowers has been very good at rushing the passer with seven sacks in the second half of the season.
The key for Petty is to get Marshall and Enunwa involved early as well as Anderson. If the Patriots blitz, then he’ll try to make them pay with dump offs to Powell. Chung will probably be assigned to Powell along with linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Petty’s patience may be tested if the Patriots get off to a quick start. That will be another key to monitor.
Special Teams- Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots special teams had a very strong game on Sunday. Stephen Gostkowski was perfect from the field and seems to have hit a groove finally this season. His kicks were all right down the middle. Ryan Allen pinned the Broncos deep a few times and the coverage unit got a turnover. They just need a boost in the return game where Julian Edelman has been forced back into service after Cyrus Jones’ season has been utterly forgettable.
The Jets injury issues are being felt on their special teams’ units. Kicker Nick Folk has had three field goal attempts blocked. Lachlan Edwards ranks near the bottom of the league in punting and had one blocked and returned for a touchdown against Miami last week. Their kickoff return unit has eight players on it that weren’t on the team at the beginning of the season.
Next up, who wins and why…
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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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