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New England Patriots vs New York Jets: Five Players to Watch

By Nick Ziegler

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fans celebrate an overtime victory over the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fans celebrate an overtime victory over the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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New York Jets
Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi /

Malcolm Mitchell

One of the things that make the Patriots one of the most dangerous teams in the league is their talented weapons on offense. Led by Tom Brady, the Patriots can hurt a defense a variety of ways because of their depth at wide receiver, tight end, and running back.

Against the San Francisco 49ers, the Patriots were without tight end Rob Gronkowski. After getting hit hard on Sunday Night Football by Earl Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks, Gronkowski didn’t suit up with the team for their game in San Francisco.

While Gronkowski is certainly the best weapon that the Patriots have, they are known for having players step up when called up. Last week, it was wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell who did that. Despite barely playing this season, Mitchell had his breakout game of the season against the 49ers. In the win, Mitchell totaled season-highs of four receptions, 98 receiving yards, and his first receiving touchdown of the season.

If Mitchell is going to be a serviceable weapon for the Patriots, it just means one more player the Jets will have to stop. As shown against the 49ers, Mitchell is capable of making plays if given the opportunity. While Bill Belichick is unpredictable, Mitchell figures to have a sizable role in the offense on Sunday.

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