ESTABLISH GROUND ATTACK
The Jets are currently 31st in rushing after averaging 82.4 ypg through seven games. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen must run the ball effectively to get the offense going. In the first meeting vs. New England, Hall and Allen combined to rush for 133 yards and a TD in a 24-3 victory. Considering Aaron Rodgers currently has several injuries (knee, ankle and hamstring), the Jets can’t have him throwing the ball over 40 times, especially if right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker misses the game after suffering an ankle injury during the loss against the Steelers. New England’s defense is allowing 136.1 rushing yards per game this season. So, there should be opportunities for explosive plays for the Jets offense.
CONSISTENT PRESSURE ON MAYE
In September’s win against the Patriots, the Jets registered seven sacks against a shorthanded offensive line. However, in their previous four games, the Jets have just seven sacks combined against the Broncos, Vikings, Bills and Steelers. This time, the Jets’ defensive line will face Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye, who, in two starts, has thrown for five TDs and two interceptions. If the Jets can consistently pressure Maye, that could lead to turnovers, something the Jets’ defense has been lacking this season. The Jets have just six takeaways in seven games, tied for 22nd in the league. After ending his holdout this week, the Jets hope Haason Reddick‘s presence will help.
GET WILSON GOING EARLY
Davante Adams might be the new shiny offensive weapon in the Jets locker room, but the passing game also needs Garrett Wilson, who is third in the league in receptions (46). Against the Pats in Week 3, Wilson only registered four catches for 25 yards on eight targets. Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez shadowed Wilson most of the game and did a tremendous job during their one-on-one matchups. New England could look to have Gonzalez mostly on Wilson again while having the rest of the secondary adjust their coverage toward Adams.
