It feels like there’s been a full off-season between when the Patriots last played and today. The major media outlets have gone from writing the team off to realizing that a now healthy Patriots team will be tough to beat. I guess they spent some time reading Patspulpit.com recommendations.
So here we are week 12, what do you need to know pre-kickoff?
BYE WEEK- You may have heard that the Patriots have not been that awesome after bye weeks as of late. While that is true, they haven’t been as bad as you may be thinking. If you go to the teamrankings website you’ll see that regardless of how many seasons we decide to look at, past 3, past 10, etc. , the Jets have been one of the worst teams, while the Patriots are still one of the best.
BYE WEEK- You may have heard that the Patriots have not been that awesome after bye weeks as of late. While that is true, they haven’t been as bad as you may be thinking. If you go to the teamrankings website you’ll see that regardless of how many seasons we decide to look at, past 3, past 10, etc. , the Jets have been one of the worst teams, while the Patriots are still one of the best.
HEALTHY- Aside from Brady, today may be the healthiest the team has been all season. Of course even if Brady isn’t in tip top shape, having a healthy line, Gronk, and Michel will make him look better than in recent weeks.
THIRD DOWN- In games involving the Jets this season there haven’t been many 3rd down conversions. As an offense they’ve only converted 28.8% of them (worst in the league). Amazingly enough, on defense they’ve allowed for only a 33.3% conversation rate (2nd best in the league). When it comes to Patriots games, as long as they don’t fall into a 3 and out competition, they’ll do just fine.
LOMBARDI- During the long break I’m sure you heard how Mike Lombardi said, “This is not a good Patriots team.” His son Mick is an offensive assistant with the Jets. I’m sure he’s wishing his dad could have not said that before this game.
BALL PROTECTION- Although it doesn’t show on the stats sheet, Tom Brady has had some pretty unlucky interceptions this season. While not throwing any in a game is always good, to avoid letting a wayward pass end up in Trumaine Johnson’s hands could be game changing. In his 18 NFL games, Johnson has picked off 19 passes. His team’s record during those games is 15-3.
DON’T FORCE THE OFFENCE- Against the Titans Brady was forcing the ball to Gordon. With a healthy Gronk he may start forcing it to 87. Today they need to go with what they’re given. If the Jets are going to let us run the ball, then that’s what we need to do. There’s no reason to “get guys going”.
THIRD DOWN- In games involving the Jets this season there haven’t been many 3rd down conversions. As an offense they’ve only converted 28.8% of them (worst in the league). Amazingly enough, on defense they’ve allowed for only a 33.3% conversation rate (2nd best in the league). When it comes to Patriots games, as long as they don’t fall into a 3 and out competition, they’ll do just fine.
LOMBARDI- During the long break I’m sure you heard how Mike Lombardi said, “This is not a good Patriots team.” His son Mick is an offensive assistant with the Jets. I’m sure he’s wishing his dad could have not said that before this game.
BALL PROTECTION- Although it doesn’t show on the stats sheet, Tom Brady has had some pretty unlucky interceptions this season. While not throwing any in a game is always good, to avoid letting a wayward pass end up in Trumaine Johnson’s hands could be game changing. In his 18 NFL games, Johnson has picked off 19 passes. His team’s record during those games is 15-3.
DON’T FORCE THE OFFENCE- Against the Titans Brady was forcing the ball to Gordon. With a healthy Gronk he may start forcing it to 87. Today they need to go with what they’re given. If the Jets are going to let us run the ball, then that’s what we need to do. There’s no reason to “get guys going”.
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