FAST START FROM THE OFFENSE
The slow-starting Jets have had too many three-and-outs to start the season. Against a stout defense like the Patriots, Gang Green needs to score early. They can do that by getting Aaron Rodgers involved from the outset. In the first two games, the first play was a run with Breece Hall. The Jets need to set the tone early by opening up the passing game and getting the ball to their best receiver, Garrett Wilson. By getting an early lead, the rowdy home crowd at MetLife Stadium could affect the Patriots’ offense.
STOP STEVENSON & PATS RUSHING ATTACK
The Jets’ defense is allowing 155 yards per game on the ground, which is 24th in the NFL. This week, the road won’t get any easier because they’re facing Rhamondre Stevenson, one of the more physical running backs in the league. Gang Green already faced a RB with a punishing style like Stevenson in San Francisco’s Jordan Mason, and all he did was rush for 147 yards and a TD during the team’s 32-19 victory. The Jets defensive line will be shorthanded after Jermaine Johnson tore his Achilles.
ESTABLISH THE GROUND GAME
While the Jets and Rodgers need to get the aerial attack going early, they must also establish the ground game with Hall and Braelon Allen. Against the Titans, the Jets only rushed for 17 yards in the first half and were down 10-7 at the time. During the final 30 minutes of the game, the Jets finished with 84 rushing yards, including Allen’s 20-yard game-winning TD run. If Gang Green can attack the Patriots secondary early and get a lead, that should back the defense off the line of scrimmage and provide running lanes for Hall and Allen.