Jets-Pats Preview

Rarely as fans do we have the privilege of enjoying a Week 2 matchup that runs as deep with storylines as today's Patriots-Jets game at the Meadowlands. Despite a 4-12 record last season, the Jets have a golden opportunity to make a statement not only to the Pats, but to the rest of the AFC. Head Coach Eric Mangini made drastic changes over the course of the offseason, culminating with a trade for all-time great QB Brett Favre. For better or for worse, the Jets are built to win now.
Meanwhile, the Patriots had the greatest regular season in the history of the NFL, which they followed by being on the losing end of the greatest upset in the history of the NFL. Coming into this season they were still considered the class of the AFC, who would be ultra-motivated to avenge the loss that prevented them from being known as the greatest team ever.
But in the NFL, things can change in the blink of an eye.
The Patriots leader and reigning NFL MVP Tom Brady has been lost for the season after tearing both his ACL and MCL last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. Now the Patriots hopes will rest squarely on the shoulders of career backup (both in college and the NFL) Matt Cassel. Suddenly, the Patriots aren't viewed as a sure thing to win the AFC East anymore. Thus opening the door for none other than the New York Jets (along with the Buffalo Bills, and for the sake of being politicially correct, the Miami Dolphins).
Although it is still very early, a win from the Jets would immediately show that the Brady-less Pats have lost that aura of invinciblity that they had last season. It would also show that the Jets now have to been taken seriously as contenders in the AFC East.
On the other hand, a win from the Patriots would show that despite the loss of Brady, this is still very much the same team that went undefeated in the regular season last year. Any Jet fan would tell you they have a very tough time counting out Pats Head Coach Bill Belichick; no matter the circumstances.
The potential for dramatics in this game has been boiling over all week, causing an abundance of excitement, especially in New York. But the game must be played on the field, and here's what I'll be looking for out of both teams:

• We'll start with the obvious one, and that will be the play of the Pats' Matt Cassel. Don't expect Belichick to "over-adjust" simply to suit an inexperienced QB. They will still work the ball around to WRs Randy Moss, Wes Welker, etc. Belichick will find different ways to protect Cassel, but he will also be responsible for making his share of plays.
  

• The most intriguing battle may be between the Jets new-and-improved offensive line and the Patriots front seven, which has been a model over the past decade for teams that run a 3-4 defense. Last week against the Dolphins, the Jets' O-Line looked solid. RB Thomas Jones ran for over 100 yards and had noticeably more wiggle room to work with than last season. The pass protection was also good, minus a few miscommunications with Favre. But the Patriots are a completely different animal, led by their mammoth defensive line. Vince Wilfork and company have the ability to dominate, despite only using three lineman with their hands down. Don't overlook the contributions of the Jets' new fullback, Tony Richardson.

• In order to disrupt Cassel's timing and rhythm, Mangini will package a variety of different blitzes together. The Jets pass rush looked much improved last week, but again, they were playing the Dolphins. Free agent signee OLB Calvin Pace looks to be a nice fit in Mangini's defense, which demands versatility. First round pick Vernon Gholston is not trusted enough yet to play on first and second down, but he was used as a fourth defensive linemen on third downs for pass rushing purposes last week. Look for the Jets to get after Cassel early and often.
  

• The Patriots' secondary suffered significant losses in the offseason, with Pro Bowler Asante Samuel headlining the list of departures. Samuel will surely be missed; his playmaking ability created crucial turnovers for the Patriots last season. The question now will be how the replacements perform, and Belichick has been known for his ability to pull rabbits out of his hat. Favre and the Jets will undoubtedly test this group with the deep ball, as long as the O-Line provides enough time to do so. Keep an eye on the left cornerback spot, where Deltha O'Neal and rookie Terrence Wheatley will receive the majority of the playing time.
  

Players to Watch for New England:

• WR Randy Moss: Duh...

• RB Sammy Morris: While Laurence Maroney will start, the Patriots are going to work hard to establish the run, and Morris has shown his effectiveness when healthy.
  

• DE Richard Seymour: He had a down year last season while playing hurt, but will be counted on to play like the Seymour we've been accustomed to while lined up over LT D'Brickshaw Ferguson and Pro Bowl LG Alan Faneca.

Players to Watch for New York:

• TE Dustin Keller: The Jets second 1st round pick was quiet last week, but could be a viable weapon for Favre up the seem.

• NT Kris Jenkins: He was a monster last week against the Dolphins, limiting their running attack significantly. Let's see how he stacks up against the Pats experienced O-Line.

• CB Dwight Lowery: The rookie played great against Miami after earning the surprise start due to Justin Miller's injury. If he does the same against the Pats he could make the starting gig his, permanently.
  

I'll be blogging during the game so stay tuned...