Head coaches and quarterbacks aside, the most anticipated matchups that will unfold between the Patriots and Jets in the AFC Divisional Round on Sunday will be between the teams' wide receivers and cornerbacks.
The Jets feature two of the game's biggest names in coverage, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, and also two dangerous, but controversial receivers for the Patriots to cope with in Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards.
Many would argue that Revis' ability to shut down any opposing receiver — stranding him on the proverbial Revis Island — impacts a game more than any other receiver could. Against the Patriots, though, that may not be the case. Tom Brady distributes the ball far too well for Revis, who will likely be blanketing either Wes Welker or Deion Branch, to come into play. Even if one man is covered, Brady will be fine.
Revis' counterpart, Cromartie, is a high-impact player — and not always for the best. As a more physical, ball-hawking corner, the former Charger is highly capable of getting burned, but also of jumping routes and taking it back for six. Brady hasn't thrown an interception in forever, so it's hard to believe that Cromartie would end his streak, but if anybody can do it, it's the man who called Brady an a—– on Tuesday. That, however, may be all the more reason for Brady to embarrass Cromartie come the weekend.
On the other side of the ball, Patriots rookie standout Devin McCourty will likely be facing the Jets' top receiver, Holmes, while Kyle Arrington will probably face the No. 2, Edwards. More importantly, they will be facing the passes of Mark Sanchez, who not only seemingly threw every pass 10 yards too long against the Colts last Saturday, but also has a history of struggling in Foxboro. Each of the Pats' corners will likely be given opportunities to make plays. The only question is whether or not they convert.
Which cornerback will have the biggest impact in the Patriots-Jets divisional game?online survey