Jets vs Patriots

The Battle of the Rookies

By Mark Halpern

 Last week the Jets faced off against the Panthers, and in the first half was kind of like the old Jets we know. In the second half, I saw a young team come together and put up some good numbers. Rookies Zach Wilson had a decent game throwing for 258 yards 2 tds and 1 interception. Wilson moved the ball around, he scrambled well, and it seemed like the team was starting to find its rhythm. This week they take on the New England Patriots, one of the best battles in the division. However, this year’s first matchup is unique as it will be Zach Wilson vs. Mac Jones. Jones had himself a decent week one throwing for 281 yards and a touchdown. Jones was pretty on target with taking the starting position from Cam Newton. He seemed confident and in tune with his team.

      This weekend, the Jets offense has a huge challenge going up against a defense that has been tops in the NFL for the last decade. One area that needs to be worked on is the Jets running very nonexistent game. Tevin Cole, who drew the start for the Jets, managed just 24 yards, and rookie Ty Johnson ran for 15 yards. This forced the Jets hands to switch to the pass in the send half, and Wilson met the challenge. Corey Davis led the team with 97 yards and 2 touchdowns. Corey Davis is a very experienced receiver, and I think he will be a leader to the likes of Mims and Berrios. However, if you can’t run the ball efficiently, then you can’t control the clock.

    How do the Jets win this all-important matchup against a stout New England defense is to move the ball. Everyone likes to see the deep ball and the long runs, but you have to move the chains more to free up these plays. The New England defense is going to put pressure on Wilson all day. If Wilson is on his back, then winning this game will not happen. The offensive line must give Wilson more than 3 seconds to throw the ball. I think it would be advantageous to play out of the shotgun more this week, giving Wilson a little more time to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. On The defensive side, the Jets need to pressure Jones first, next they have to contain rookie running back Damien Harris, who had a 100-yard game last week and helped move the chains a lot even though the Pats dropped their first game to the Dolphins last week. I see this game being a close one but, in the end, I foresee the Patriots winning this one 24-21.