I could tell you the Patriots have absolutely white washed the Jets when it came to drafting this year but you’ll probably think I’m biased, so I’ll let the excellent Jets blog “Turn on the Jets” tell you. It’s also worth noting that they fail to mention Brandon Deaderick, Kyle Love, and Dane Fletcher, all rookies who have played multiple games and contributed…
New England
- Corner – Devin McCourty – 61 tackles, 5 INTs, 12 PDs
- Tight End – Rob Gronkowski – 25 receptions, 310 yards, 6 TDs
- Tight End – Aaron Hernandez – 36 receptions, 462 yards, 3 TDs
- Linebacker – Brandon Spikes – 54 tackles
- Punter – Zoltan Mesko – 43.7 yards net average
- Linebacker – Jermaine Cunningham – 26 tackles, 1 sack
Jets
- Corner – Kyle Wilson – 20 tackles, 4 PDs
- Guard – Vladimir Ducasse – Inactive every week but one
- Running Back – Joe McKnight – Normally inactive, 4 carries, 12 yards
- Fullback – John Conner – 2 receptions, 9 yards
Let’s be honest, to this point Wilson, Ducasse, and McKnight have all been major disappointments. Drew Coleman has outplayed Wilson all season, who has struggled both at corner and punt returner. Ducasse was easily beaten out by Matt Slauson in training camp for the starting guard job and is the team’s 3rd backup OL behind Wayne Hunter and Robert Turner. McKnight…well, what can you even say about him? At least we have The Terminator leading the way for years to come at fullback.
I don’t know who’s going to win Monday night. But I do know that the Patriots have a lot more talented young players who are locked up long term. Doesn’t mean the Jets won’t continue to sign quality free agents, and from the sound of it every player in the NFL wants to play for Rex Ryan.
While this young Patriots defense has struggled what’s clear is that there are young playmakers at every level, and that bodes very well for New England’s future.