New York Jets vs. New England Patriots: Keys to Victory

It’s rivalry week, New York Jets fans. Time for the first of two meetings with our good buddies from up to our Northeast, the New England Patriots. Geno Smith, Chris Ivory, and the rest of our beleagured New York Jets head up to Foxboro to take on Tom Brady and the rest of his New England Patriots. The Patriots seem to have corrected things after some early missteps. After the blowout loss to the Chiefs, New England has scored 40 points per game in the last two, and enter the game with a 4-2 record.

On the other hand, the Jets enter on a five game losing streak, most recently falling to Peyton Manning and the Broncos last week by a score of 31-17. In spite of all of these odds against them, the Jets can have success tomorrow night, and have the ability to win this one.

It will be tough, they all are tough for the Jets these days, but it can be done. Here are some keys to the game:

Oct 12, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) rushes against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of their NFL football game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

ESTABLISH THE RUN: The Jets have to take the pressure off of Geno Smith to have any chance tomorrow night. How do they do that? Get the run game going. The Jets have been able to do that in 2014. Even including last week against the Broncos, where the Jets top running number was 11 yards for Geno, they are still averaging 4.5 yards per carry on the season.

The Patriots can be beaten on the ground. Their defense is only ranked 14th in the league against the run, giving up 111 yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry. Give me a steady diet of Chris Ivory, with a mixture of Chris Johnson and a side order of Bilal Powell. The Jets will have a chance to win employing that recipe.

Oct 12, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets tight end

Jace Amaro

(88) scores a touchdown defended by Denver Broncos strong safety

T.J. Ward

(43) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

CONTINUE TO ESTABLISH JACE AMARO: Jace Amaro leads all rookie tight ends with 24 receptions, and posted a career high ten catches for 68 yards and his first career touchdown last week against the Broncos. The Jets are targeting Amaro more often and he is responding.

There should be opportunities tomorrow night. Jerod Mayo is lost for the season. Dont’a Hightower is banged up, has been limited in practice. The same can be said about Chandler Jones. There will be opportunities in the intermediate passing game for the Jets. That means a heavy dose of Jace Amaro, at least we can hope.

Oct 12, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the 2nd half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 37-22. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

PRESSURE TOM BRADY: Despite being hurt with an ankle problem, I think we all know that this guy is going to play tomorrow night against the Jets. The Jets have had success against him in the past. I know it feels like 100 years ago, but it has happened. How? By getting in his face, and getting in it consistently.