The Patriots handled San Francisco about as well as we all hoped they would. The defense redeemed themselves in a pretty solid overall performance and the offense proved they could be just as intimidating sans Gronk and Chris Hogan. Now, here might be where the trap game comes. The Jets, while only having won three games, should not be overlooked. No team in the NFL is a gimme but this one might look pretty tempting. There is something about an away division game that could make for a more exciting game than Pats Nation may be comfortable with.
Here’s everything you need to know about the New York Jets, aka, “The Team of Many QBs (none of which are good).”
Week 12 at New York Jets
Sunday November 27
4:25 pm EST, CBS
High 40’s, 20% chance of rain, 9 mph winds
[table id=13 /]
Opponent/Patriots Stats:
New York Jets 3-7
Notable Games: Last week vs the Rams was a 6-9 snoozefest loss by NY. Generally speaking, the Jets lost the games they should have lost and the won the games they should have won, with the exception of their Week 7 victory against the up and coming Ravens. Baltimore has become a team worth worrying about in the AFC North and in the playoffs to come. The Jets defense held them to 16 points and forced 3 turnovers while then QB Geno Smith was relieved by Ryan Fitz(insert pun here) and put a total of 24 points on the board.
Common Opponents:
- Arizona Cardinals (Pats won, Jets lost)
- Miami Dolphins (Pats won, Jets lost)
- Buffalo Bills (Pats split the series, Jets won only contest)
- Cleveland Browns (both teams won)
- Cincinnati Bengals (Pats won, Jets lost)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Pats won, Jets lost)
- Seattle Seahawks (Both teams lost)
History: The Patriots and Jets have a long history but the contention is much less vicious since Rex Ryan left. The Patriots haven’t lost in regulation to the Jets since 2011, the playoff loss. Since 2012, the Patriots are 1-2 in 3 OT contests, with both of those losses coming in East Rutherford NJ. The 2012 blowout game (49-14 NE) was the last time a game between the two teams was decided by more than a touchdown. This is the first meeting between the teams in 2016.
Notable Players
Ryan Fitzpatrick QB: 168/298 comp (56.4%), 1,983 yds, 8 TDs, 13 INTs 7(!) fumbles, and somehow, 0 lost fumbles
Matt Forte RB: 189 carries, 732 yds (3.9 avg), 8 total TDs, 1 fumble, 23 catches, 179 yds, 9.1 YAC avg.
Brandon Marshall WR: 43 catches, 601 yds, 2 TDs, 3.9 YAC avg
Eric Decker WR (in 3 games): 9 catches, 194 yds, 21.6 YPC, 3.3 YAC avg, 2 TDs
Quincy Enunwa WR: 38 catches, 534 yds, Long of 69 yds, 6.8 YAC avg, 3 TDs
Injury Alerts
Patriots
Matthew Slater was in a walking boot with crutches after the game against the 49ers. The perennial Pro Bowl Special-Teamer left the game with a left foot injury. Originally deemed questionable to return, he was later ruled out. Slater is a key player and a team captain. I would be surprised to see him active this week.
Rob Gronkowski is still dealing with a chest injury he suffered at the hands of Earl Thomas. Gronk wasn’t even cleared to fly last week because of the complications of his injury so football shape seems a ways away. There is very little news on this floating around in terms of a time table for Gronk to return so who knows when he will return. Hopefully, Marty will be up to the challenge of replacing Gronk in the offense.
Chris Hogan was inactive last week after gutting it through the Seattle game with a back injury. Malcolm Mitchell filled in admirably for Hogan so it wouldn’t be awful if Hogan had to sit another game out to get totally healthy. No need to rush him back in this game.
Jets
Nick Mangold, the stalwart starting center for the Jets, has been inactive the last three games. Mangold is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered during the Ravens game. Look for him on the injury report this week, as his return would be a huge boost for the NY starting OL.
Key Matchups:
Patriots:
vs. WR1: 18th—– vs. Logan Ryan vs. Brandon Marshall
vs. WR2: 12th—– Malcolm Butler vs. Eric Decker
vs. other WR: 14th—– Justin Coleman vs. Quincy Enunwa
vs. RB: 25th—– Pat Chung vs. Matt Forte
Jets:
vs. WR1: 7th—– Julian Edelman vs. Darrelle “Old Man” Revis
vs. WR2: 31st —– Malcolm Mitchell vs. Buster Skrine
vs. TE: 15th —– Martellus Bennett vs. Marcus Gilchrist
vs. RB: 18th —– James White vs. Eric Henderson
What’s at stake?
I’m about to drop everyone’s favorite sports cliche, ready?
If the season ended today (I know, I know, put down your pitchforks) the Raiders would have home field advantage throughout the playoffs. NE would be 2nd with the Chiefs and the Broncos right on their tail. This is a division game (not that anyone is concerned the AFC East will go to another team) so the fire will be under the Jets to win, especially with their season slipping away from them. If the Patriots lose and the Raiders win again, it’d be difficult to get back in position to control their playoff fate.
Early thoughts:
The Jets are always a fun game whenever we get them and I look forward to watching these games every year. There is a lot of fun in this rivalry and it usually produces a good game to watch. The Jets have 3 good WRs so it’ll be up to whoever the team decides to line up out there at 2nd and 3rd CB. I think Logan Ryan will play well against the 6’4″ 230 lbs Brandon Marshall. Ryan himself said that he plays better when he can key in on one receiver and play aggressively. The Patriots can be exploited by a shifty, pass-catching RB and Forte fits that bill so he will be one to watch. You also have to wonder if Sheard can work his way out of the doghouse and onto the field. I think we’re all itching to see Dion Lewis go off in a game, and for one of the LBs other than Hightower to have a “WOW” play. I’m hoping this is the week we finally get to see at least one of those.