BOSTON SPORTS CHICK
  • BLOG
  • DEFLATEGATE
  • GUEST BLOGS
  • GENERAL SPORTS/HOT TOPICS

WEEK 17 ESSENTIALS: PATRIOTS VS. JETS

12/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Get ready for another heavy running game by the Patriots. In other words, two more weeks of the talking heads telling you that Brady is falling off the cliff and Gronk sucks.
In reality, it’s all about taking the safer route to the likely two seed. While the Jets’ defense isn’t nearly as good as the Bills’, they are ranked just outside the top 5 with opponents completing only 62.5% of their passes. Yes, they give up their fair share of yards in the air and on the ground, but they do keep completions to a minimum.
The last time the Patriots faced the Jets, they had solid running games from both Sony Michel and James White. Michel averaged 6.3 yards per touch (21 for 133 and 1 TD) and White averaged 8.3 (9 for 73). Both players had two runs for over 20 yards a piece.
REMIND DARNOLD THAT HE’S A ROOKIE- Darnold has put up some solid numbers in his last two games. While that shows that the kid can play at home, having a big game on the road is another thing. Doing so in Gillette when the Patriots and fans are treating this like a playoff game, would be quite a feat.

Coming into the league a big knock on Darnold was his decision making. Recently Darnold has used his athleticism to extend plays and make good decisions. Of course, the difference between a good decision and a bad decision is the result. Assuming the Patriots play until the whistle and make tackles in the open field, extending plays may not be a good decision.
New England Patriots 2018 AFC East Champs Gear
SPECIAL TEAMS- While being worried about Andre Roberts having some big returns is en vogue this week, his having any opportunities to return lies solely on the legs of Gostkowski and Allen. Should Joe Judge call for any kickoffs which do anything other than go through the endzone, he should be disbarred.

If the Patriots need to punt, I’m pretty confident in both the coverage unit and Allen’s ability in using the sideline as needed. Of course, not needing to punt and risk injuries is also a great option.

My real concern with special teams this week is if Edelman is returning punts. While he seems to have a lot of drops in the passing game, his decision making with punt returns has been awful this year. Last week’s boneheaded decision to block a guy after calling for the fair catch, was just the icing on the cake.
OFFENSE- Keep it simple. Feed Michel and James early and often. If we need to keep the Jets’ defense honest, trickle in some passing plays with the top options beyond the sticks. And for the love of god, can we at least look at Hogan once or twice and lay off Burkhead.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture

    ARCHIVES

    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013

    OTHER BLOGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT

    New England Sports Talk
    Kap Lifestyle

    RSS Feed

    Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo from Eric Kilby