That number (Jets run defense rank) is exaggerated by the performance Mcfadden had. The Jets had a bit of trouble last night with Williams/Rice but overall the run defense hasn't been that much of a problem imo. Based on past performance I'd expect the Jets to do fine against Welker and the Run. I expect one of the other WR's to have a good game, or the TE's to go off. Of course if we lost Bryan Thomas last night, then maybe the Jets will be more vulnerable to the pats run game.
I'm not confident about the game by a longshot, but you know better than this. Our rush defense went against MJD, Run DMC (I really hate that nickname) and Ray Rice. NONE of your RBs come close to that talent.
In your honest opinion, can the Pats get a first down? Based on this years performance from both teams..
I wouldn't even suggest that.. Pats got a long way to go to match that talent, but to suggest the running game gets "shut down" ... silly ..
we are talking about the running game, and passing game regarding this upcoming game.. feel free to join in at anytime ..
Time to cherry pick some stats regarding the Pats defense. One of the interesting things regarding the defensive rankings is that while NE has given up a the most yards in the league (it is crazy to watch their pass coverage - at times it seems like they have nobody within 5 yards of any receiver - avoiding illegal contact I guess), their points given up isn't nearly as bad. For example they have given up only 3 more points than the Jets, and the same number as the Bears. One more than the Packers. So WTF? Small sample size? Something else? I think some of this is due to decent special teams play plus the offense putting the opposition in bad field position, and some to limiting the number of turnovers. So something important to look at in this game is going to the where the Jets get the ball.
Defensively the Patriots will try to make the Jets throw to win the game. Sounds crazy with the leaky secondary, but the Belichick MO is to always take away what the opposing team likes to do the most, even if that hurts you a little along the way. Sanchez will probably have a good game and will dictate whether the Jets win or lose. If he stays relatively mistake-free, NY has a great shot. If he doesn't and coughs up a couple of turnovers, they can't keep up with the Patriots' offense. Offensively, a lot of it depends on who's in the lineup for NE. If Hernandez is out again, look for the Pats to try to run the ball early with Ridley. (BJGE is more of a grinder, and he doesn't have the kind of speed that matches up better against you guys.) If they have everyone, then the balance we saw yesterday shifts back to a pass-heavy offense. The Raiders did a nice job on Gronkowski, limiting him to two catches I think, so without Hernandez around he'd get a lot more attention. What happened back in January aside, I think the Patriots edge this one out by a close margin because the game is in Foxboro. But I don't think it's a blowout by any means. I'm talking 31-28 or something like that. Tough slate for the Jets going back-to-back with the Ravens and Patriots... I know Baltimore plays hard and this week is going to fly by for the players.
I think the pats have a better chance of winning a blowout than a close game against the Jets. If you get up by a big margin early on the Jets that takes away some of the running and play action threat. Sanchez plays well when he runs play action and just reads half the field. I saw a big breakdown of last season somewhere, but I can't find it now. I did find this: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/9389/play-action-remains-sanchez’s-friend To make a long story short, if you take away play action and the run threat, then Sanchez has to throw to beat you and that can make the game even more ugly. If the pats let the Jets hang around then the Jets will give them trouble.
