New England travels to the Jets with a collection of offensive skill players who can cause some problems for the Jets. Everyone in the league will take shots down the field on the Jets’ defense, as it is vital to make big plays against this team. The Jets are not going to allow many 12-play drives, therefore it is vital to make big plays. The Patriots have a unique collection of tight ends, drafted with the Jets in mind. The Jets safeties do not match well on good receiving tight ends, and if the Pats protect they will make plays down the field.
I heard Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez this week say that everything is going to be fine with his team’s offense. And I am sure they will start off well Sunday against New England. But Sanchez must make plays in the game; he will have to take some chances and show mental toughness and leadership to win the game. These are the kinds of games in which only the strong survive – as evidenced by Tom Brady’s 7-1 road record against the Jets.
The Jets are the best screen defense in the league, which limited Baltimore from utilizing a huge portion of thier playbook. The Patriots are a quick-screen team that uses the outside screen to help defeat overload pressure. Last year in the Meadowlands, the Patriots had 197 yards in the first half, but failed to make plays in the red zone. –> Duss’ note: according to my research at Football Outsiders the Jets gave up more yards to the screen pass (10.9 avg) than anyone in 2009. Not sure where Lombardi’s gets his stats but this is one that I’m not so sure about.
» Speaking of the Meadowlands, I am told New Meadowlands stadium is very quiet, very sterile and does not provide the loud home field advantage that can enhance a pressure defense.