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

Oct 13, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan and New York Jets quarterback

(7) shake hands during the pre game warmups for their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Possibly for the last time in the Rex Ryan era, the New York Jets take on their arch rivals, the New England Patriots. It has been a year that has been diametrically opposite for these two teams. The Jets enter the game with a 3-11 record, looking to play spoiler, while the Patriots enter the game with the exact opposite 11-3 record. A win over the Jets would clinch a first round playoff bye, so we know the Jets will be looking to spoil that.

You know that Rex Ryan will have the Jets ready to play this one, so despite the records, there could be a good one in store tomorrow. Here are keys for the Jets to come up with the improbable.

Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end

(95) puts on his helmet prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

KEEP GENO SMITH UPRIGHT: The offensive line is going to play a key role tomorrow for the Jets. Last time these two teams met, Geno Smith was sacked three times. If the Jets want to have any chance to win this one tomorrow, Geno Smith is going to have to have a clean game. If he gets banged around, it will get ugly.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets running back

(33) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

RUN THAT FOOTBALL: The Jets are going to have to keep Tom Brady off of the field. That means, run that ball. Run it hard, run it often. Then, run it a little more.

Chris Ivory did an excellent job last time these two teams met, running it 21 times for 107 yards and a score. He is 95 yards of his career high of 833 yards. It would be beneficial for the Jets if he gets close to or passes that total. Chris Johnson has been good of late as well, averaging 71 yards per game over the last three.

The Jets must win the time of possession battle. Run the ball down the Patriots throats, and it can be done.

Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws the ball over Miami Dolphins defensive tackle

(98) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

GET TO TOM BRADY: The best way to adversely effect the play of Tom Brady is to get to him. If he has time to throw, the Jets are in for a long day. Per Pro Football Focus, on 158 drop backs under pressure, Brady completes barely 47% of his passes. His passer rating when under pressure is 58.1 and has been sacked 16 times. The Jets need to knock him around.

What keys do you have in order for the Jets to win?