Defensively, the Jets secondary will be tested facing Tom Brady. Rob Gronkowski was allowed eleven receptions for 108 yards at the last meeting, and the Jets will need to contain the big tight end a bit more on Sunday. Danny Amendola had eight catches for 86 yards and Julian Edelman added five catches for 54 yards.
The good news for the Jets is their secondary has seen a resurgence and playing better football, then it was back in October. Marcus Williams is healthy and his six interceptions on the year have proven he has a nose for the ball. Darrelle Revis is an elite corner in the league and proven it all season by shutting down the opposing team’s number one receivers. Antonio Cromartie has seemed to get a “second wind” after looking slowed and banged up early in the season. His play has been more consistent in recent weeks as the Jets seemed to have worked out a few of the wrinkles. Buster Skrine has played well throughout the season, as has Darrin Walls when he’s been given the opportunities.
Up front, the Jets are as good as anyone at stopping the run. They had little trouble stopping the Patriots run game the first time around, and odds are good that will be the case on Sunday. Forcing Brady to drop back and throw the football may sound crazy, but it will allow Jets defenders to pin their ears back and rush him. It is not easy to get a sack on Tom Brady, but the Jets will need to be in his face and hitting him at every opportunity. This Jets front undoubtedly has the talent to bring the pressure, and Tom Brady could be in for a long day.
The Jets linebackers will need to make major adjustments if Inside Line Backer David Harris can’t go on Sunday. Harris left the Dallas game with what was later described as a back contusion by Todd Bowles. Harris is the leader of this group and if he can’t go, expect the Patriots to test the group early.
The Jets defense has the talent level to get the job done, but they will need to execute and apply the pressure to Tom Brady. The secondary is playing at a high level and should match up well with the Patriots receivers. Jets linebackers will need to play at a high level and tackle well. Again, the talent is there to win this game, now the Jets will need to get it done if they have any hopes of the playoffs being in their future.
