New York Jets: Three keys to victory over the New England Patriots

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Todd Bowles (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Todd Bowles (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

1. Get to the Quarterback

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As we started to mention on the previous slide, the Patriots offensive line is not close to what it once was. Tom Brady has already been sacked 16 times, which is once more than he was all of last season. The guys up front simply don’t protect Brady as well as they used to.

How have the Jets achieved success against him in the past? They have done it by using pressure, especially up the middle. Any time the Jets have either beaten or stayed with New England, they have moved Brady off of his spot. When he gets to stand still is when they get blown out. He gets rattled, eventually, after getting hit.

They don’t necessarily have to get there for the sack but they must contact Brady. Hurries and knockdowns are almost as important as the sack itself. It means the footsteps are there and they are getting close. The Jets will need Muhammad Wilkerson to finally make an impact on passing downs. The same goes for Leonard Williams, who we haven’t heard much from all season.

If the Jets can move Brady off of his spot they will have a chance. If they can’t they might just be burying that football after the game ends.