The New England Patriots have won their last seven home matchups against the New York Jets, but don’t tell Sheldon Richardson that.
The Jets defensive end, who returned Sunday from a four-game suspension for marijuana, saw his team improve to 4-1 after a 34-20 win against the Washington Redskins. And he said the Jets already are looking forward to facing the Pats at Gillette Stadium in Week 7.
“We’re licking our chops,” Richardson said, per NJ.com. “He’s run this division for a while now, so I’m kind of happy we’re getting after it.”
It wasn’t clear whether Richardson was talking about Patriots quarterback Tom Brady or coach Bill Belichick, but the pair has been running the AFC East for over a decade. Still, Richardson has faith in his squad.
“Our confidence is really high,” Richardson said. “We’re not on no high horse, but you’re supposed to have confidence in yourself.”
The Jets certainly beefed up their defense this offseason with additions like cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, but New England has been playing some pretty incredible football. The Patriots were 4-0 headed into Sunday night’s matchup with the Indianapolis Colts and averaging 37 points per game. New York’s offense isn’t as potent as New England’s, nor has the Jets’ defense faced one quite like it.
The Patriots beat the Jets by just one and two points in their matchups last season, but both of these teams are different animals in 2015. So despite what Richardson might think, this game likely won’t be a cakewalk for either club.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images
