The unthinkable nearly happened in Week 7 when the New England Patriots faced off against the New York Jets.
Coming off a road win against the Buffalo Bills, the Jets almost beat the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Down 27-25, the Jets attempted a 58-yard field goal, which Patriots defensive tackle Chris Jones blocked, earning him special teams player of the week. The Patriots walked away with the victory, but head coach Bill Belichick knows his team will have to play better this Sunday when they travel to MetLife Stadium.
“This will be a big week for us,” Belichick said. “I think we need to play better than we did the last time we played them. I just don’t think that will be good enough — barely was good enough last time. I don’t think it will be good enough this time.”
The Patriots’ biggest issue was defending against the Jets’ impressive run offense. They allowed 218 yards and a touchdown on 43 carries and lost the time-of-possession battle 40:54 to 19:06.
Things have changed since that matchup. Over the last six games, the Patriots have allowed just 412 yards on 127 carries for 3.2 yards per carry and 3.0 yard per carry against running backs.
The Jets are ranked second in rushing offense and fourth in run defense, so despite their 3-11 record, they still present a challenge for the Patriots this Sunday.
Thumbnail photo via Seth Wenig/Associated Press
