With two weeks of regular season games to play before the playoff picture is complete, we have a full lineup of games today, Christmas Eve. While Vegas has the Patriots as 17 point favorites, the game will not be a cakewalk if the Patriots don't take care of business.
TAKE CARE OF THE BALL- It's going to be a wet one out there today, which makes for a slippery football. When it comes to opponents fumbling the ball this season, the Jets and Patriots are first and second in the league respectively. While holding onto the ball when you go down is clearly a point of emphasis today and every day, being ready to pounce on any loose balls should be at the front of the other Patriots' minds during all 3 phases of today's game.
STOP THE RUN- Although the Jets have no passing game and can't score, they have been able to run the ball. With this possibly being the last meaningful regular season game for the Patriots' defense, they need to have another strong showing. When the teams played in November, the Pats' D held them to 64 yards on the ground. With a wet field and a wet football, both teams are likely to have a game plan of running the ball. Assuming the Patriots stop the run initially, and put some points on the board, the Jets will need to abandon that plan.
FLAWLESS SPECIAL TEAMS- I think last week's performance in Denver has put Gostkowski right in the head. Hopefully Cyrus Jones will be inactive today,so we don't have any surprises when the Jets are forced to punt.
SOLID PLAY CALLING FROM JOSH AND TOM- For the most part Josh McDaniels has had solid game plans this season. While he used to drive me crazy with calling plays for players which were beyond their skill set, he really has started to mature. Hopefully, with trying to get Michael Floyd into the mix he doesn't revert back to his previous play calling flaw.
EXTRA- While it isn't likely to affect today's game, win or lose the most important think is to avoid injuries.
FLAWLESS SPECIAL TEAMS- I think last week's performance in Denver has put Gostkowski right in the head. Hopefully Cyrus Jones will be inactive today,so we don't have any surprises when the Jets are forced to punt.
SOLID PLAY CALLING FROM JOSH AND TOM- For the most part Josh McDaniels has had solid game plans this season. While he used to drive me crazy with calling plays for players which were beyond their skill set, he really has started to mature. Hopefully, with trying to get Michael Floyd into the mix he doesn't revert back to his previous play calling flaw.
EXTRA- While it isn't likely to affect today's game, win or lose the most important think is to avoid injuries.
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