New York Jets: Full Jets vs. Patriots Preview

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What the Jets have to do.

Todd Bowles and the Jets can win, but need their best performance of the 2015 season. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

As mentioned before, these Jets/Patriots have come down to the wire recently, and each of the last five contests between these two teams have been decided by less than a touchdown. The only reason why the Patriots were able to sneak out with a victory is because of the clutch gene that runs in the blood of Tom Brady.

Brady conducted a pair of 10-play touchdown drives in the fourth quarter back in Week 7 against the Jets. But since then the narrative has changed. New York has gone three straight games without allowing a touchdown in the fourth quarter, with also putting together two comebacks. If they have any chance to bring down the Patriots today, they will have to outplay them in the fourth quarter.

An obvious impact will be Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Due to his size (6-foot-6) and chemistry with Brady, he’s an absolute monster in the short field, so the Jets have to focus and eliminate him as a weapon in the red-zone. New York leads the league in opponent red zone scoring percentage with a 32.35% but Gronk has 11 receptions and seven touchdowns inside 20 yards.

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There’s hope for the Jets due to there defensive efficiency in the red zone, but have to avoid a repeat of what happened back in Week 7. A busted coverage resulted in an uncovered Gronkowski hauling in a 15 yard touchdown pass during the 30-23 Jets loss.

Along with shutting down the big bodied Gronkowski, the Jets have to create turnovers this afternoon. Gang Green is 7-0 when they force more than one turnover and 2-5 when they do not. This is a tall task for the Jets because Tom Brady is very careful with the football. In fact, the last time he had a two interception game was against the Jets back in 2010.

The key is to disrupt Brady’s timing. If he holds onto the ball a split-second longer than he wants, there’s a greater chance he makes a mistake. Again, it’s not an easy task as Brady delivers the ball in 2.25 seconds, the second-fastest average in the league.

On the offensive side of the ball, New York has to avoid putting on a three man show. As good as Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker have been, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has to get more players involved, especially early on. Chris Ivory needs to play a big role, of course.

In Week 7, Ivory was dealing with a hamstring injury and only ran for 41 yards on 17 carries. If Ivory can get it going, New York will stretch the New England defense, eventually creating chances for Marshall, who was a also non-factor in the first meeting.

Again, winning the fourth quarter, bringing Gronk to a halt, forcing turnovers and being more two dimensional on the offense won’t be easy, but is key for New York. They have to play their best football if they are going to have any chance at pulling the upset.

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