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

3. No Big Plays

What killed the Jets in 2016? Big plays allowed on defense. How often did we see plays getting made over the top against the team last year? It seemed like all the time. Smartly, the team has gotten younger and they have vastly reduced this problem in 2017. Budding stars Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye have led the way in keeping opposing offenses in front of them. The defense has been able to bend but not break and keep the Jets in games.

The Patriots have created an entire era around making big plays. According to Pro Football Focus, Tom Brady has produced a passer rating of 132.6 on deep passes, second in the NFL. The team’s bread and butter is to hit players like Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan in stride and have them pick up big yardage after the catch. The Jets are going to have to keep these guys in front of them and make quick tackles.

Next: Flashback to the 2010 playoffs

This will be, by far, the Jets biggest test of the young season. I’m not sure there are too many people predicting a victory, and neither am I. But victory is not impossible. This Patriots team has very visible weaknesses. Can you imagine what this town will be like if the Jets somehow pull off the upset? They should be competitive. Time will tell in just a couple of days.