Tomorrow the Patriots play the Jets in Foxboro. The winner of the game will be in first place in the AFC East. Should the Patriots win, they would still be undefeated on the season and have a 2 game lead on the Jets. If the Jets were to escape New England with a victory, they would technically be in first because of head-to-head games. While I do anticipate another Patriots victory and will give you my keys to the game tomorrow morning, here are my reasons for why the Patriots should run against the Jets.
Earlier this week I made a comparison between the 2014 and 2015 Jets and Bills teams. Looking at how well the Jets' defense is faring this season, I decided to look a little closer at which teams they have played so far. In doing so I concentrated on the yards the opponents earned on the ground. With this information, I feel that the Patriots should not shy away from running the ball tomorrow. While I obviously think that we should go with whatever is working during the game, I hope Josh McDaniels has plenty of running plays to select from.
Redskins- The Redskins ran the ball a total of 17 times against the Jets. In total they amassed only 34 yards. While this may make you wonder why I'm encouraging the Patriots to run the ball, you might consider that Alfred Morris and Chris Thompson were responsible for 16 of the carries. This season Morris is ranked 41st with 3.49 rushing yards per attempt. If not for his 7 big rushing plays this season, there is no telling how microscopic his average would be.
Dolphins- The Dolphins ran the ball only eleven times in their game against the Jets. They averaged 5.4 yards per carry which is .7 yards better than what they are averaging this season.
Eagles- The Eagles ran the ball 38 times for 123 yards. If we take out Sam Bradfords' "running plays", that gets us to 125 yards on 35 attempts. While 3.57 yards per attempt isn't as impressive of 5.4, the Eagles were without DeMarco Murray in that game. Nevertheless, Ryan Mathews did break the century mark with 108 yards on the ground.
Colts- The Colts are 22nd with 96.7 rushing yards per game. They ran for 93 against the Jets.
Browns- 28 running plays, 104 yards, in New Jersey. Cleveland is ranked 25th with an average of 91.8 rushing yards per game.
So, how are the Patriots with running the ball so far? They rank #1 with having been stuffed only 4.2% of the time. They rank #1 with rushing touchdowns per game (1.4). They are a little better than middle of the road (#14) with 4.1 yards per carry. Considering they haven't had many big running plays this season (13 total, ranked 25th), the Patriots likely get a true 4 yards per carry.
Dolphins- The Dolphins ran the ball only eleven times in their game against the Jets. They averaged 5.4 yards per carry which is .7 yards better than what they are averaging this season.
Eagles- The Eagles ran the ball 38 times for 123 yards. If we take out Sam Bradfords' "running plays", that gets us to 125 yards on 35 attempts. While 3.57 yards per attempt isn't as impressive of 5.4, the Eagles were without DeMarco Murray in that game. Nevertheless, Ryan Mathews did break the century mark with 108 yards on the ground.
Colts- The Colts are 22nd with 96.7 rushing yards per game. They ran for 93 against the Jets.
Browns- 28 running plays, 104 yards, in New Jersey. Cleveland is ranked 25th with an average of 91.8 rushing yards per game.
So, how are the Patriots with running the ball so far? They rank #1 with having been stuffed only 4.2% of the time. They rank #1 with rushing touchdowns per game (1.4). They are a little better than middle of the road (#14) with 4.1 yards per carry. Considering they haven't had many big running plays this season (13 total, ranked 25th), the Patriots likely get a true 4 yards per carry.
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