Here are three keys for the Patriots to make sure they're on the right side of those difference-making snaps.
Contain the Blitz
Tom Brady isn’t going to be able to throw the ball if linebacker Bart Scott spends most of the afternoon lying on him like he's a chaise lounge. Brady, the offensive line, the running backs and tight ends all have to be in perfect sync when it comes to containing the Jets' pass rush. And picking up those blitz packages is more about recognition and communication than man power.
Brady was hit seven times during the Patriots' loss to the Jets in 2009, but he was only hit five times (including two sacks) in the Pats' victory. Just as important in the win was the return of Wes Welker, who caught 15 passes for 192 yards after missing their initial affair of the season.
If Brady and Co. stop the pass rush for just long enough, they'll be able to hit their underneath guys like Welker, Julian Edelman, Aaron Hernandez and the running backs.
Stopping a relentless blitz isn’t about five linemen. Rather, it's about everyone staying in perfect harmony, and when there's one missed note, the Jets have been known to pounce. Ball control and security are of the utmost importance because it will also go a long way toward keeping the Jets' offense at a disadvantage.
Stop the Jets' Ground Game
New York had the top rushing attack in the league in 2009, but it's taken a step back personnel-wise this year. The Jets parted ways with left guard Alan Faneca and replaced him with Matt Slauson, and they added running back LaDainian Tomlinson in place of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington.
The Jets remain a run-first offense, accumulating 116 of their 176 yards on the ground in Week 1, and they absolutely need that running game to be successful to drive their offense. Quarterback Mark Sanchez isn’t going to light up the Patriots' defense on his own.
If the Patriots can neutralize the ground game — starting running back Shonn Greene had a poor outing against the Ravens and was essentially benched in favor of Tomlinson — the way they did against the Bengals, they'll make it a real struggle for the Jets to put up any points.
Stay Special
Special teams will be vital for a few reasons. First, since the Jets' defense is so stout, it would be beneficial for the Patriots if they could shorten the field with some big returns from Brandon Tate, who took one to the end zone in Week 1.
On the other side of that, the Patriots have to keep Jets return specialist Brad Smith at bay because New York's offense has enough trouble moving the ball as it is. By forcing the Jets to cover a lot of ground, the Patriots will increase their chances of keeping their rivals off the scoreboard, as well as open up the likelihood that Sanchez makes a mistake.
The Jets' special teams were one of the very, very few bright spots during their 10-9 loss to Baltimore. Nick Folk hit all three field goals, and punter Steve Weatherford dropped four of his six punts inside the 20-yard line. Also, Jim Leonhard took both punt returns — for 32 and 22 yards — into Baltimore territory.
