Jets / Patriots Preview – Can Bellichick Do It Again?
by Thomas Quaynor – NFL analyst for Wannamakeabet.com
The New York Jets (6-3) travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots(5-4) in the second matchup between the AFC East rivals, the Patriots emerged with a 22-17 win the first time around on October 30th. Jets quarterback Zach Wilson threw three interceptions in the loss. This was the Patriots 13th straight win against the Jets, week 16 of the 2015 season is the last time the Jets beat the Patriots.
The Jets had a 4-game winning streak coming into that first matchup with the Patriots, and it was probably one of the few times(if not the only time) in the last 20 or so years that the Jets had reasonable expectations of beating Bill Belichick’s Patriots. The Patriots are a 3.5 point favorite in this one.
The Jets have been one of the worst run sports franchises for about 6 decades now, but some shrewd drafting and free agent signings in recent years appears to have the Jets future looking bright for once! Jets rookie cornerback Ahmad SAUCE Gardner is already one of the best at his position in the NFL.
The Jets leaders in receiving and rushing are also rookies in wideout Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall. Unfortunately, B.Hall suffered a season-ending injury 2 weeks ago but he was having a phenomenal season before getting hurt. Star defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is another high draft pick(3rd overall pick in 2019) that is now playing at a high level for the Jets.
The jury is still out on 2nd year quarterback Zach Wilson who the Jets selected number 2 overall in 2021 draft. Z. Wilson missed the first 3 games of the year due to injury and has 4 touchdown to five interceptions, he is 4-1 as a starter this year. Is Zach Wilson a game manager or a franchise quarterback.
Interestingly enough, the same questions and concerns about Zach Wilson, also apply to Patriots starting quarterback Mac Jones, who was also selected in the first round of the 2021 draft(15th pick) and also gets carried by an elite defense and strong running game in most games.
Mac Jones has 4 touchdowns to 7 interceptions, and argument could be made that Patriots back up QB Bailey Zappe(5 touchdowns to 3 interceptions) has outplayed Mac Jones and should be the starter. The Patriots have won 4 of their last 5 games after a slow start to the season, thanks in large part to the defense. Defensive Player of the Year candidate Matthew Judon(11.5 sacks), Defensive End Deatrich Wise Jr. and Safety Devin McCourty headline the defense.
The Pick:
The Jets are much improved this season and have the potential to be very good in future with the young core of talented players on both sides of the ball, but the Patriots are playing at home, the Patriots have an elite defense, the Patriots have won 13 straight over the Jets and Bill Belichick has a 35+ year track record of making young, inconsistent quarterbacks SEE GHOSTS, I say lay the 3.5…Patriots 27, Jets 10
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