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.
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.
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.
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.
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