There’s no secret that if Mike Wright and Albert Haynesworth are back in action for the Patriots this weekend it should provide a huge boost. As dominant as Haynesworth has been in spots, it’s really Wright that would most benefit the Patriots in their area of weakness, aka pass defense.
The 4-3 defense should be in full effect at the start of the game with the Jets threatening to get back to their “ground and pound”. With the ability to rotate Wilfork, Love, Warren and Haynesworth on the inside they should have success in shutting down the Jets run game.
The question will be who fills in for Jerod Mayo in the base. Gary Guyton has the experience, but Dane Fletcher possibly has more talent. If I was constructing a base front for the Pats I’d guess something like this:
Ellis-Haynesworth-Wilfork-Carter
Ninkovich-Spikes-Fletcher
The key will be to put as much pressure on the Jets offensive lineman as possible. The Jets will not be able to double both Wilfork and Haynesworth and that will leave one of their struggling offensive lineman with a difficult assignment.
If the key is to shut down the run and put the game in Mark Sanchez’ hands the Patriots will need to take a page from last year’s 45-3 beatdown. The Pats D was consistently walking around the line of scrimmage and it seemed to confuse Sanchez and put him on his heels.
From the reports of what the Jets were doing at practice this week it sounds like their offensive game plan will be all about running the ball and short, quick passes. If that’s the case I’d love to see the Patriots challenge all the short stuff and force not only the Jets protection to hold up, but also Sanchez to make excellent decisions.
Of course the Pats have been burned deep plenty this year, but the return of Wright and Haynesworth could make a huge difference in that area.
The Jets offensive line is the key area of the entire game. If the Patriots are able to win the battle in the trenches it will be hard for the Jets to match the Patriots offense.
