On Sunday the New York Jets (0-1) take on the New England Patriots (1-o) at the new Meadowlands stadium (4:15 EST).\u00a0 The Patriots enter the game coming off of an impressive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Jets come in off of a disappointing loss to the Baltimore Ravens.\u00a0 It is very rare to call a week two match-up a “must win” game, but in the Jets case that is the scenario the team is facing as\u00a0 Gang Green cannot afford to go 0-2 with two conference losses.\u00a0 Lets take a look at some keys to the game.<\/p>\n
Offense<\/strong><\/p>\n Offensive line play-<\/strong> Last week was as bad as it gets in terms of offense for the New York Jets.\u00a0 Gang Green must bounce back with an attitude this week and that starts at the line of scrimmage.\u00a0 The offensive line must win the battles in the trenches and open holes for the running game.\u00a0 Of course when running the ball the Jets cannot turn it over, but that is a story for a different day.<\/p>\n Open up the passing game-<\/strong> Quarterback Mark Sanchez took a lot of criticism this past week, but the fact of the matter is that the playcalling did not help him much.\u00a0 The Jets must be willing to spread the field and take some deep shots.\u00a0 A predictable offense will not only kill the running game, but will get your quarterback knocked out of it as well.<\/p>\n Get Keller involved<\/strong>–\u00a0 The Jets offense seems to become more efficient when tight end Dustin Keller gets involved.\u00a0 Keller is a big, reliable target for Sanchez that can help take the pressure off of players like Cotchery and Edwards.\u00a0 Gang Green should Keller involved early and often to loosen up the Pats defense.<\/p>\n Defense<\/strong><\/p>\n Pressure,pressure,pressure<\/strong>–\u00a0 The key to beating the Patriots is to get to quarterback Tom\u00a0 Brady.\u00a0 If Brady has time to throw the ball he will pick apart any defense.\u00a0 Gang Green must do whatever they can to get to the quarterback and knock him around the pocket.<\/p>\n Limit Welker-<\/strong> While Randy Moss captures the headlines, wide receiver Wes Welker is the guy that moves the chains for the Patriots offense.\u00a0 The Pats move Wes all over the field and Gang Green must find a way to keep him under wraps.<\/p>\n Moss vs. Revis-<\/strong> This match-up captured headlines all week, especially when word leaked out about Darrelle’s “tight hamstring”.\u00a0 Moss remains one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL and is motivated now more than ever as he is playing for a new contract.\u00a0 Look for the Pats to go to Randy early and often to test out not only Darrelle, but the Jets defense as a whole.\u00a0 I think in the end Revis may regret calling Moss a slouch.<\/p>\n The entire team<\/strong><\/p>\n In order to beat the Patriots the Jets cannot afford to make stupid mistakes, which include turning over the ball and dumb penalties.\u00a0 Gang Green must play aggressive and feed off of the energy of the crowd, which will be more than ready for this match-up.\u00a0\u00a0 To quote Herman Edwards, the Jets must “play to win the game” not play to keep it close in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n Prediction<\/strong><\/p>\n The Patriots have to be chomping at the bit to drop a 40 spot on the Jets after all of the trash talking and Super Bowl predictions.\u00a0 This is a tough spot for Gang Green as there is going to be a ton of pressure on the offense, especially if the Pats score first.\u00a0 As much as I want to believe in Schottenheimer and Sanchez, I think in the end have to go with Brady and Co.\u00a0 Patriots 27-13<\/strong><\/p>\n