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

2. Take All Available Shots

Bilal Powell is banged up. Matt Forte may not play. The status of the running game is not great. Elijah McGuire is likely going to get the start, but behind him there isn’t much thanks to the injuries. So yes, it will be important to control the tempo and not get in a shootout. It also is important to note that the Jets won’t simply be able to run the ball down New England’s throats.

The Patriots have not been able to stop the ball through the air all year. They have allowed 323 yards per game through the air which is good for last in the league. Quarterbacks have a 109.2 passer rating against the New England defense. Malcolm Butler and friends have not been as good as they have been in the past. The Patriots are giving up 28.4 points per game. That is second most in the NFL.

The cast of characters at linebacker has changed. Chandler Jones is no longer there and neither is Rob Ninkovich. Veterans like Dont’a Hightower have not been the same. This means there will be available passing windows in the intermediate game. Austin Seferian-Jenkins and others will have openings over the middle. Am I expecting Josh McCown to throw for 300 yards? Of course not. That would be a minor miracle. But the offense is going to have to make plays, and they will have the chance to do so.