The Patriots vs. Jets clash this Thursday at MetLife Stadium. Both teams are currently 1-1 and struggling to get their offenses moving. Jacoby Brissett and the Patriots haven’t lit up the scoreboard, but that’s unsurprising. Given New England’s recent offensive woes, a slow start was expected. With a coaching change and less-than-stellar offensive talent, their sluggish performance also makes sense.
The Jets, however, had higher expectations. Even with Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury in Week 1 of 2023, the offense was supposed to be a work in progress. Adding to the disappointment, their defense hasn’t performed well either, leading to a rather lackluster start to the season.
Historically, the Patriots have dominated this rivalry. Since 2011, the Jets have only managed to beat them thrice, with two wins coming in overtime. The last Jets victory over the Patriots in New York was back in 2015. The game will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on September 19, 2024. Fans can catch all the action live on Prime Video and NFL+. But if there’s ever a chance to turn things around, it’s now. Can Rodgers and the Jets make a statement in this crucial early-season game?
Here Are Four Major Things To Look At Ahead Of Patriots vs. Jets
1. Rodgers Faces a Tough Task
Aaron Rodgers has another significant challenge ahead as the Jets prepare to face the Patriots. After a challenging season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, the Jets managed a bit more offensive success against the Tennessee Titans. However, they didn’t turn that into a high-scoring game. Despite some issues in their recent loss to the Seahawks, the Patriots’ defense has been notably effective in certain areas. New England has tightened up its run defense over the past two weeks and is currently allowing only 16.5 points per game, which ranks among the league’s best.
Rodgers, who faced Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo back in 2010, now sees Mayo tasked with devising a strategy to neutralize him. The Jets’ offense has struggled with inconsistency, performing well on third downs and in the red zone but failing to sustain drives effectively. Rodgers has frequently targeted wide receivers Allen Lazard and Breece Hall, with both seeing nearly as many passes as the struggling Garrett Wilson.
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Despite the Patriots’ solid coverage provided by cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones, recent defensive lapses against the Seahawks could give the Jets a glimmer of hope. Rodgers must navigate the Patriots’ pass rush while finding ways to exploit their coverage through quick, efficient passes.
2. Patriots Need to Tackle Pressure and Big Plays
Jacoby Brissett continues to lead the Patriots but faces a difficult situation. While Brissett has shown an ability to escape pressure and protect the ball, the Patriots’ offensive line has struggled with pass protection. Brissett has been under duress on nearly half of his dropbacks and has completed only one pass longer than 17 yards this season. Wide receiver Demario Douglas, expected to be a key offensive weapon, has managed just two short catches on three targets, highlighting the Patriots’ ongoing issues with the passing game.
Moreover, the Patriots might be on their third left tackle in as many games. Chuks Okorafor started in the opener, and Vederian Lowe took over in Week 2, but rookie Caedan Wallace could step in with Lowe now injured. Wallace, who primarily played right tackle in college, has limited experience on the left side in the NFL.
The Patriots have relied heavily on their run game, which remains a strength, but with a compromised offensive line, generating big plays through the air is a pressing concern. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt faces the challenge of finding ways to mitigate the pressure and unlock more explosive plays from a struggling passing game.
3. Jets Defense Must Step Up
The Jets’ defense needs to deliver a strong performance to support their team. Last season, the defense had moments of top-10 caliber play but was inconsistent overall. The current situation is less than ideal with several key players missing: Jermaine Johnson II is out for the season with a torn Achilles, John Franklin-Myers was traded in the offseason, and Haason Reddick remains unsigned. The defensive front, once seen as a strength, now faces difficulty.
Against the 49ers, the Jets managed to contain San Francisco in the red zone but allowed eight consecutive scoring drives, which was a significant letdown. In their game against the Titans, while the defense made some crucial plays, it also permitted Will Levis and his offense too many opportunities.
With linebacker C.J. Mosley potentially sidelined for Thursday’s game, the Jets’ defensive task becomes even more challenging. If the Jets fail to step up defensively against a struggling Patriots offense, it could signal severe issues for the team moving forward.
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4. The Patriots Need to Contain Breece Hall
The Patriots’ defense must focus on stopping Breece Hall, who has been a dynamic force despite playing behind a restructured offensive line. Hall has averaged 3.9 yards per carry this season, which is expected to improve as the line gels and Aaron Rodgers’ passing game becomes more effective. Hall has also impacted the passing game, including a memorable touchdown catch against the Titans.
The Patriots’ defensive scheme typically mixes zone and man coverage without assigning a specific player to cover running backs, a strategy that may prove inadequate against Hall. His ability to contribute significantly in the passing game, combined with his previous success against the Patriots—evidenced by his 50-yard touchdown run and two-point conversion in Week 18 last season—makes him a significant threat. The Patriots will need to find a way to contain Hall’s dual-threat capabilities, and it will be up to Jerod Mayo to craft a game plan that effectively works on him.
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