The New York Jets and New England Patriots have a lot to prove in their Week 2 matchup at New Meadowlands Stadium. The Patriots have to show that they can show again the offensive firepower they showed against the Bengals. And suffice it to say that the Jets need to get their offense going and show that the off-field issues revolving around the team aren’t affecting their game on the field. These divisional rivals would like nothing more than to make a statement on Sunday and gain an edge in the competitive AFC East. Before we can consider what the NFL predictions for this game would be, let’s take a closer look at both teams’ offense.
Patriots on the offensive
The Patriots were extremely impressive on Sunday against the Bengals. New England’s passing offense really came into its own as Tom Brady went 25-35 in the game with three touchdown passes and four receivers catching at least four balls. More importantly for the Patriots, Wes Welker seemed already on the same page with Tom Terrific in his first game back from a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee.
New England has the scoring ability on New York’s vaunted defense. Just as Baltimore went after Kyle Wilson and Antonio Cromartie for any offensive advantage, Tom Brady will do the same for the Jets. New York’s cornerbacks need to be more disciplined than Monday night and resist the urge to go for the flashy play. If New York sticks to the same defensive scheme as Monday and blitzes the Patriots and Brady almost constantly, New England has a veteran offense that can tear them apart in midfield. I expect the Jets to put in a good defensive effort and be more disciplined than last week, but New York will need more than one game to plan a defensive scheme that works and get the players back into shape for the regular season. As long as New England is able to successfully run the ball, they will have a solid day on offense.
jets on offense
The Jets’ offense was pathetic Monday night, managing just six first downs and passing for just 60 yards. Brian Scottenheimer and Rex Ryan need to be willing to take more risks on offense and be more creative. All the Jets’ offense seemed to consist of in their first game were screen passes and runs up the middle. If Mark Sanchez hits midfield and deep shots when appropriate and avoids consistently going to his first choice, New York can slice and dice the Patriots, who lack depth in their secondary and have often been burned by the Bengals. As long as the passing offense has some success, Ladanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene should be able to put together the long runs that eluded them on display on offense in Game 1, and I expect it to show plenty of growing pains.
Prediction
The Jets can’t completely shut out Tom Brady and one of the NFL’s best offenses on defense, and on offense they’re too changeable to take advantage of the Patriot’s shortcomings. Sorry New York fans, Mark Sanchez isn’t second yet. He expects a low-scoring game, but Brady will eventually put it out of his reach.
NFL Predictions: Patriots at Jets
NS 21
New York 14