OH, THOSE PATRIOT
These four matchups will decide Jets-New England
1.
Mac and Cheese vs. Broadway Zach: Round
When the divisional rivals face off on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, the noise will center around the Mac Jones and Zach Wilson.
And rightfully so: Both played well in their career debuts, even though they lost. But as is almost always the case, the matchups that will determine Jets-Patriots will come around the QBs.
Going into Week 2, the Jets will try to pull off the upset and drop the Patriots to 0-2 and snap a 10-game losing streak to their AFC East rival in the process.
Here are four things to watch for Gang Green.
STOPPING PATRIOTS IN RED ZONE
The Patriots are going to move the ball; it’s about whether they can hold them to field goals instead of touchdowns.
Gang Green’s defense doesn’t want to allow explosive plays, so they’re content with a team marching up the field.
It’s the Jets’ philosophy, according to their defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
“Our commitment is to eliminating explosive plays,” Ulbrich said. “So, I know that might be frustrating to some at times because we will give up some stuff, but I’m committed to the fact that you win this game with turnover margin and explosive plays. Those are two most telling statistics in this game. If you can limit those, you typically got yourself a chance at the end of the game.”
Explosive plays, according to head coach Robert Saleh, are 16 yards in the pass game and 12 yards in the run game.
It’s a bend but don’t break mentality, meaning that the Patriots enter the red zone, the Jets have to hold them. If Gang Green can do that, they’ll have a chance to pull off the upset. Red zone struggles were one of the main reasons why the Patriots lost to the Dolphins in Week 1.
The Patriots entered the red zone four times and only scored one touchdown, and that came after a questionable roughing the passer call on a third-down sack.
The Jets’ red zone defense was strong against the Panthers, allowing one touchdown and recovering a fumble on four trips.
Strong end zone defense will increase the Jets chance for a win.
BETTER PASS PROTECTION
The Jets allowed six sacks against the Panthers and there was blame to go around. Some plays Wilson held the ball longer than he should have. Other moments the offensive line had miscommunications against a disguised looks which allowed free rushers.
Expect the Patriots to see those issues from Week 1 and try to exploit it. Their defensive 3-4 odd front will feature Deatrich Wise Jr., Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Matthew Judon and Kyle Van Noy. In the Patriots season opening loss, they were able to generate 13 pressures.
Unfortunately for the Jets, the offensive line is hampered after suffering a major blow by losing Mekhi Becton for a minimum of 4-8 weeks with a knee injury. His replacement will be George Fant and Morgan Moses will start at right tackle.
Regardless of health, the Jets feel their issues are correctable since the majority was due to miscommunication.
This matchup is the most important of the game. They have no chance of winning this game if this doesn’t improve because Bill Belichick will make Wilson’s life miserable otherwise.
RUN THE ROCK
One aspect that flew under the radar in the Jets’ Week 1 loss to the Panthers was how putrid their running attack was. They totaled 45 yards on 17 carries for a 2.6 yard per carry average, worst in the NFL.
“There’s a lot of things that we need to improve,” Saleh said. “From communication to execution, the footwork, the hand placement. When you’re talking about the run game and creating space and trying to find running lanes. The backs have to be better with their tracks. It was all-encompassing.”
The offense is run-first, which explains why the Jets were in 12 (one running back, two tight ends, two receivers) or 21 (two running backs, one tight end, two wide receivers) personnel for 45% of their snaps. They wanted to establish the ground attack and create explosive plays through play action.
Saleh believes there was progress in that aspect after this week of practice. That needs to carry over; the last thing the Jets need is Wilson throwing 37 times against a Belichick defense.
OTHER RECEIVERS STEP UP
Expect the Patriots to try everything to remove Wilson’s favorite target, Corey Davis. After having five catches for 97 yards with two touchdowns against the Panthers, anticipate double coverage.
If the Patriots succeed, then it’s on Elijah Moore, Jamison Crowder, Keelan Cole, Braxton Berrios and Denzel Mims to get open.
This is a big opportunity for Moore, who had a quiet debut with one catch for negative-three yards. He couldn’t coral a deep bomb in the first quarter, which would have changed the trajectory of the game. He also had a 20-yard catch negated because of a penalty.
In other moments when the Ole Miss standout was open, Wilson was under duress and either got sacked, or had to throw the ball somewhere else.
The Jets still have trust in Moore and expect a big performance from him.
“He’s a guy that we have so much confidence in that I do truly believe is going to have a big year,” Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said. “I think he’s going to have a big one this week in terms of just having opportunities if the ball comes his way. We have so much confidence in him.”
Crowder and Cole returning after missing Week 1 would give Wilson more targets he trusts. That will help him to get through his reads faster and allow him to get rid of the ball quicker, which equals a more efficient offense.