PATRIOTS (8-2) VS. JETS (3-7)
SUNDAY, 4:25 P.M. ET, METLIFE STADIUM, EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. uTV:
Announcers: Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Jamie Erdahl
The milestones continued to pile up for QB in a 30-17 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Even without injured TE in the lineup, Brady enjoyed his second four-touchdown game of the season. He also notched his 199th victory, tying him with Brett Favre for second-most quarterback victories (regular season and playoffs combined) all-time. Brady needs two more wins to break Peyton Manning’s record. One of Brady’s touchdown tosses Sunday was a 56-yarder to rookie WR
It was his first NFL scoring reception and the fifth pass play of more than 50 yards by the Patriots this season. RB
had his fourth 100-yard game of 2016, gaining 124 on 19 carries. RB
tied a career high with his fourth receiving TD of the season, and RB
had five carries for 23 yards and three receptions for 26 more in his first game since coming off injured reserve. The Patriots tied a team mark with five first-half sacks.
About the Jets: With their playoff chances dead, they’re expected to spend much of the remainder of the season in evaluation mode. The Jets must determine what to do at quarterback. A year after setting a franchise record for touchdown passes in a season, journeyman QB has struggled mightily with an NFL-leading 13 interceptions and seven fumbles to go with a 67.6 passer rating. Second-year QB threw a touchdown and interception while starting in place of Fitzpatrick in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams two Sundays ago, but Fitzpatrick will get Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams has flourished in his second season.
the start this week. At some point, coach
will have to decide if he can build an offense around Petty, a second-year pro from Baylor, or if the Jets will need to move in a different direction. There have been reports they will make a play for veteran Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo in the offseason.
The 2015 first-round pick from Southern Cali-
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
fornia has been the Jets’ MVP. He has a teamleading six sacks, two forced fumbles and has been stout against the run. The Jets like to move Williams around. He’s versatile, strong and fast enough to play nose tackle or end.
The 31-year-old showed signs of decline last season, but the drop this year has been dramatic. Teams no longer are afraid to throw in Revis’ direction. He has been burned several times for big plays and has no interceptions.
Number of passing yards Brady needs to become the fifth quarterback in history to throw for 60,000 yards. Should Brady continue at his current pace, he’ll pass Dan Marino (61,361) for fourth place by season’s end.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Bruise Brady: The Patriots quarterback gets rid of the ball faster than most and has been more elusive this season. He wriggled out of two sacks against the 49ers, resulting in touchdowns. After recording seven sacks in the opener, the Jets have 12 in their last nine games.
2. The Jets’ forte: Versatile, veteran RB Matt Forte has been their most reliable player on offense with 732 rushing yards and 179 receiving. He’s a matchup problem and can take stress off his harried quarterback.
3. Neon Dion: Coach loves Lewis’ elusive running and pass-catching skills. Look for him to continue to increase Lewis’ workload as the Patriots prepare for the playoffs.
Scott Pitoniak