Throw out the last game between the Jets and Patriots.
This is the playoffs so expect a different game between these two. I'm expecting the Jets to make a game of it because let's face it...the Patriots pass defense is less than stellar. They ranked 25th in the NFL. That's not so great.
Braylon Edwards was a monster against the Colts. If he and Holmes can get open on the outside and stretch the field, the Jets can make a game of it. Now the Jets have Cromartie returning kicks and he can be a huge difference, too.
Patriots 24- Jets -13.
I agree that this game will be much closer. A week 11 game(with the playoffs and the division on the line) is certainly relevant to a playoff matchup, imo.
The Patriots defense has played extremely well over the second half of the season. Yes, they give up a lot of yards, but they turn the ball over a ton, and they don’t give up a lot of points. While the Pat’s rank low in pass defense (they give up a lot of yards) they lead the league in int’s and as mentioned, they don’t give up a lot of points/big plays. Devin MCourty is a legit shutdown corner, the safeties are very good, and Arrington is at worst an average NFL cb. The Jets don’t win games on the pass, and that’s why they got blown out the last time they played. They win games when they use their running game, and stick to their bread & butter ground and pound and play action.
The Jets need to establish the running game early, work off the play action, and pressure Brady with a four man rush. They also need to hope the patriots break their trend and turn it over a couple times. I see the jets losing this game for several reasons. They can’t and have not rushed the passer consistently, the patriots threats out the backfield can neutralize the blitz, Cromartie was beat like a drum by Branch and has trouble with smaller wr’s….Welker and Woodhead can motion Revis out of plays, and if the Pats get up on them by a few scores, they can’t work of their ground game, and Sanchez has shown to melt in this situation. I still don’t see how the jets will stop gronc and hernandez. And on the flipside, Keller can exploit the middle of the field against the Pats. He’s the key guy…him and the running game. believe it or not, the pats running game is almost as good as the jets.
Pats: 31
Jets: 27
