The New York Jets’ Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots is their second divisional game of the season. Coming off a beatdown by the Dallas Cowboys featuring an inept offensive display, the Jets will be looking to bounce back with a win at Metlife Stadium. Both teams are coming off Week 2 losses, though the Patriots only lost narrowly by one score.
The Jets are sitting at 1-1, while New England holds a 0-2 record for the first time since 2001. On the topic of history, the Jets have lost 14 straight games to New England. Dating back to 2011, the Jets have lost 22 of their last 24 matchups against the Patriots, with their only two victories coming in overtime (2013, 2015).
Gang Green has been in limbo after Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. However, the Jets overcame the scary sequence with their elite defense and game-winning punt return to grab their home-opening win. This past Sunday was a different story as the Cowboys offense and elite pass rush were too much for the Jets, as they lost 30-10 to Dallas.
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What the New York Jets Must do to Ensure Victory in Week 3
The Jets will have their work cut out against a good New England defense. The Patriots only gave up 20.4 points last season, ranking 12th in the NFL. They also had the second-most takeaways in the league with 30, and ranked eighth in yards per game.
Although New England are without Devin McCourty, due to retirement, the Patriots still have formidable forces like Kyle Dugger, Deatrich Wise, Matthew Judon, and Josh Uche.
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Jets Defense and Winning the Turnover Battle are Crucial
To beat New England, the defense must show up and be much better. The Patriots have few weapons on offense, so they will have to neutralize an improved Mac Jones at quarterback. The 2023 superstar Jets defense will have to rise to the occasion with a struggling backup quarterback under center.
The Jets must protect the football and not give New England opportunities off turnovers. Belichick’s defense prides itself on getting pressure and takeaways. The New England defense has looked even better this year with top rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez has had impressive performances in the first two games of the season.
A turnover-free offensive game can help the Jets move the ball more effectively. Against the Cowboys, they failed at protecting the football, which ruined their chances of a comeback. In his matchups, Zach Wilson has been torched by Belichick’s defense, so it is crucial that the Jets do not turn the ball over.
Jets Offense Must Get Going
The Jets offense has to get going in the passing game and involve wideout Mecole Hardman. Hardman was a non-factor last week with one catch for six yards. He also did not play a single snap in Week 1. Hardman was signed for a reason, so the Jets must use him for the role they signed him up for.
Running the football will be an effective way to get creative on offense. Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall must be used to tire the opposition front seven. Successful runs can help the Jets spread the ball and wear down the defense.
Both offensive and defensive lines were bullied at the line of scrimmage against the Cowboys. Thus, winning the battle in the trenches will be key. This will help neutralise New England’s pass rush, giving Wilson more time to pass.
If the Jets will have any shot against their division rivals, they will need to show up on offense and generate points on the board. Yes, the Jets defense needs to rebound and dominate New England’s offensive line. However there must be points on the board to accompany good defense.
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Main Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
