Jets at Patriots
THE STORY: Thus far, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan’s team’s bark has been louder than its bite. For all its brash talking, New York is just 2-2 and was embarrassed by Baltimore last week. Their biggest problem is an offensive line that couldn’t compete with Ravens’ pressure defense last week. While New England certainly doesn’t feature that type of defense, its offense will pose more than enough of a test for the Jets in their AFC East battle at Foxborough on Sunday.
TV: CBS, 4:15 p.m. LINE: New England -9.5, O/U 49
ABOUT THE JETS (2-2): New York managed just 150 yards in total offense in last week’s 34-17 loss at Baltimore. Beleaguered quarterback Mark Sanchez was blindsided on two sacks leading to fumbles and intercepted another time, and Baltimore returned all three of Sanchez’s turnovers for touchdowns. Both of New York’s TDs last week came on returns – one on a kickoff and the other on an interception. Its offense accounted for just a field goal. Center Nick Mangold’s expected return from an ankle sprain could help solve some of the problems. Mangold’s replacement was overmatched last week and Sanchez has been sacked 11 times this season. Ryan’s defense has been good against the pass this season, ranking second in the NFL, but teams have run at will against the Jets.
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (3-1): The powerhouse passing attack featuring Tom Brady and Wes Welker leads the NFL in total offense with 507.5 yards per game and New England’s 135 points tops the AFC. The Patriots have scored 31 points or more in each game, including last Sunday’s 31-19 victory at Oakland. Welker has 40 catches in his first four games and 615 total yards. He’s certain to draw the coverage of Jets’ star cornerback Darrelle Revis. While Brady is virtually unbeatable at home, the Jets knocked New England out of the playoffs last season at Gillette Stadium and are the last team to beat him in the regular season in Foxborough, that coming at in 2006. Otherwise, at home, Brady has won three straight games vs. the Jets and 29 straight starts overall.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. New York’s ground game has been virtually non-existent. Ranked 30th in the league Shonn Greene leads the team with a paltry 157 yards.
2. The two teams have combined for at least 42 points in each of their last four meetings. Sanchez threw three TD passes against the Patriots in New York’s 28-21 playoff win last season.
3. Tight end Aaron Hernandez and running back Danny Woodhead are questionable for Sunday’s game.