New York Jets: Upcoming opponent is not what it used to be

It’s Patriots week, and the New York Jets long-time rivals aren’t the invincible force they once were.

Welcome again, New York Jets fans, to Patriots Week. For any of our very young fans that might be new, it’s the first of two annual weeks when the Gang Green take on their hated rivals from Massachusetts. They have been a thorn in the Jets side for many years now, and this is the annual renewal of that rivalry.

Oh what a rivalry it has been. From the “Butt Fumble” to the Santonio Holmes catch in the corner of the end zone and everything in between, there have been memorable moments. Not all have been so good for us Jets fans. But the games have often found a way to be memorable.

This year was supposed to be very different than it has turned out so far. Heading into the year there was no perceived way that the Jets could play with the Patriots. They are rebuilding in New York and there was talk of an undefeated run by the Patriots. The only thing the Jets were competing for was the first overall pick in the 2018 draft.

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It still could be in the cards for the Jets to pick first. That remains to be seen. What we have right now is a competitive football team that is in a three-way tie for the division lead. The Patriots have the same record, for anyone who hasn’t noticed.

Now take a real look at the Patriots so far. I am not going so far as to predict a victory like I said earlier in the week. But it’s hard to ignore the fact that this isn’t the same team it has been in the past. Maybe they turn it up this week but it just hasn’t been there so far.

They are the number one scoring team in the league, but only one of their three wins is by more than ten points. If Nick Folk remembered how to kick a football the Patriots would be 2-3. Now wouldn’t THAT be a kick in the pants?

Look at how the defense has played. They have allowed the opposing quarterback to throw for 300 yards in each of the first five games to date. Does that mean Josh McCown has 300 yards in him? Not necessarily. But it does mean there will be openings and there will be chances.

The Patriots have allowed 28.4 points per game, good for second to last in the NFL. 447.2 yards allowed per game is good for dead last. They are allowing 323 yards per game through the air, also last in the NFL. Belichick’s bunch is a bit better defending the run, ranked 24th in the league allowing 124.2 yards per game.

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That doesn’t mean the Jets offense is going to go nuts all of a sudden. Remember, they had difficulty against the Cleveland Browns. All this means is that there will be openings for McCown and company. If they figure out a way to win the line of scrimmage and control the tempo, they have the chance to make things happen.

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