A formality game to end a disappointing season for Patriots fans. Whilst some will be hoping that the team does indeed lose against the Jets, to get a higher pick in the Draft, Bill will send out those who are healthy to try and win a game of football on Sunday.
Date: Sunday, January 3, 2021
Game Time: 13:00 EST
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Network: CBS
All-time record: Patriots lead series 68-54-1
How The Patriots Win
Almost two months on since these sides last met in November, the Jets have won a couple of games in a row and are no longer in the picture to draft Trevor Lawrence. And, with that now confirmed, the Patriots could very easily lose this game.
Firstly, they’ll need to make Sam Darnold, who, has looked good in recent weeks and was absent when these teams met earlier in the season. Pressure Darnold, force some mistakes and don’t let their passing game garner any consistency.
The Jets will be without future HOF’er Frank Gore, who’s out with a lung problem and La’Mical Perine, who tested positive for COVID-19. Usually a team would take some reassurance by this news, but given how bad the the Pats run defense has been this season, I still think backups Ty Johnson and Josh Adams can still deliver damage. If they want to win, they’ve got to contain these backs.
With no word on any change to the quarterback position for Sunday, I assume Newton will start in his final contractual game for the Patriots. If so, please go out with a bang and just try and make some plays through the air. Away from Cam, I think Jakobi Meyers is key to getting the W on Sunday, he’s been one of the most reliable offensive weapons this season, he is the passing game.
Whether it’ll be Damien Harris or Sony Michel leading the backfield on Sunday, they’ll need to run the ball well to put themselves into position to score points, with how bad the passing game has been, running the ball will be key.
TSM’s 5 Keys To Victory-
-Pressure Darnold
-Stop Jets backup RB group
-Cam goes out with a bang
-Jakobi Meyers
-Running the ball
Familiar Faces
Former Patriots
Players
LB Harvey Langi (2017)
WR Braxton Berrios (2018-2019)
Coaching Staff
DLC Andre Carter – Defensive End (2013)
Ast. HC/WRC Shawn Jefferson – Wide Receiver (1996-99)
Former Jets
Players
DB Terrence Brooks – (2017-18)
K Nick Folk – (2010-16)
Coaching Staff
HC Bill Belichick – Ast. Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator (1997-99)
WRC Mick Lombardi – Ast. Quarterbacks Coach (2017-18)
Broken Records
Here’s some records that could fall tomorrow evening.
QB Cam Newton
-Cam Newton needs to score three rushing touchdowns to break the NFL record for QB rushing touchdowns in a season. (Cam Newton 2011 – 14)
RB James White
-Needs two touchdown receptions to tie Larry Garron (26) as the most all-time in Patriots history for touchdown receptions by a running back.
S Devin McCourty
-With his next interception, Devin McCourty (28) will tie Ron Hall, Roland James, and Fred Marion for third all-time in Patriots history with 29 career
interceptions.
Score Prediction: Jets 10-13 Patriots
Another close affair like the game in November, settled once again by a field goal, the Patriots finish a dissapointing season at home with a three point victory. Happy New Year, and Go Pats!
