Note: After intense deliberation, the writer of this blog has decided to only go in-depth for the Sunday Night football game. (in the play-offs it will be a different story). With the exception of this week, for the remainder of the NFL season there will still be picks. But no longer in-depth analysis of every game. Just this one. Don’t worry there’s still going to be picks each week.
The New England Patriots vs. The New York Jets. An interesting matchup. A rivalry. A game of strategic coaching. A game with high-profile receivers. One team has one of the best defenses in the NFL, while the other has the worst. One team has an all-star quarterback, while the other passer is a work in progress.
Patriots Offense: The New England Patriots’ attack, as usual starts with Tom Brady. Brady is having yet another fantastic year for the Pats. Wes Welker. Wes Welker is a monster. 66 catches on the year, 13 more than second place, [Dolphins receiver] Brandon Marshall. Welker also has 6 touchdowns thus far. In the running game, the Patriots have struggled to find a primary back. Rookie Stevan Ridley had a couple solid games, but has unable to gain the starting job. Kevin Faulk had a decent game, but went down with a knee injury. Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis also have carried the ball for the Patriots.
Jets Offense: Mark Sanchez has struggled for the Jets. He is ranked 20th in passing yards. Ouch. On the receiving side, Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes have combined for about 50 catches. Another ouch. Their receptions combined are less than Welker’s receptions by himself. Shonn Greene has also been running for the Jets. He has 502 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Jets.
Edge: Patriots
Patriots Defense: This is an extremely sad topic. The Patriots have the worst passing defense in the NFL. It probably is one of the worst in recent years. The passing defense has contributed to the team’s recent 2 game losing streak. Even though Sanchez is not exactly an All-pro, he could torch the defense tonight. Good news for the Patriots, the run defense is pretty top-notch. The team’s rushing defense is ranked 9th.
Jets Defense: The Jets’ defense is what has kept them in contention this season. The team is ranked 7th in total yards. Another bonus, the passing defense is fantastic. They are ranked 4th in yards per game. The secondary should give Tom Brady a hard time. The rushing defense is a work in progress, but is satisfactory enough to get by.
Edge: Jets
The Pick: Both of these teams have their strengths and weaknesses. The best offense in the league, against one of the top defenses. An okay offense, against the league’s worst defense. This game should be close. The game’s result comes down to the Patriots defense and Mark Sanchez. If the Patriots defense can hold up, the Patriots should rout the Jets. If it can’t, the Patriots will slowly drop out of contention. If Sanchez does his job, the Jets will remain in the game for a while. If he doesn’t, it could be a long game. I’m betting that the Pats’ defense holds up and snaps the team’s losing streak.
Patriots 31- Jets 20
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