New York Jets: Questions with the New England Patriots

When it comes to the New York Jets and the rivalry they have with the New England Patriots, it’s always going to produce some great games. I had the pleasure of doing a questions and answers segment with Connor Fulton, Editor of MusketFire.com which is the FanSided site dedicated to the Patriots. You can check out the segment I did with Connor in which we talked about many topics on the Jets that pertains to fans of the Patriots.

Here is his segment on the Jets-Patriots rivalry in which I asked him seven questions pertaining to it:

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LTJ: What grade would you give the off season so far with the Patriots? What was their best move and in your opinion, one that made you question their decision?

CF: I give the Patriots a B+ for the offseason. They suffered some serious losses, yes, but the fortification of the front seven and the bolstering of the aerial attack with tight end Scott Chandler will go a long way towards the Patriots staying on top in 2015. Their best move was the signing of Jabaal Sheard, a guy that Bill Belichick eyed in the 2011 NFL Draft. Sheard, Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones give the Pats three outstanding defensive ends, which will help compensate for the weaker secondary. And that’s what keeps the Patriots out of the “A” grade range, as their worst move of the offseason was losing four cornerbacks from last season: Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, Kyle Arrington and Alfonzo Dennard. The loss of Revis was more or less inevitable, but they should have found a way to retain Browner.

LTJ: What draft pick for the Patriots are you most excited for and why?

CF: I know the offensive line isn’t the most exciting thing to talk about, but I’m pumped about Tre’ Jackson, the guard the Patriots nabbed with one of their three fourth-round picks this spring. With Tom Brady inching closer and closer to 40, it is paramount that the Patriots have a steady offensive line. Jackson will step into recently retired Dan Connolly’s starting spot at left guard, and I don’t expect there to be any type of drop-off in performance at that position. Interestingly, Jackson will be playing alongside his fellow Florida State alum Bryan Stork, and their chemistry will only improve the offensive line as a whole.

LTJ: With the whole Tom Brady suspension, is Patriots Nation worried or not really considering the upside of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo?

CF: I think Patriots Nation is eager to see how Garoppolo could perform in a controlled environment (I view a two- or four-game span of filling in for Brady, rather than a whole season, as a controlled environment for the second-year quarterback). Patriots fans don’t like to think about life after Brady, but the day of reckoning will be upon us before we know it, and we want the heir to the throne to have some experience under his belt when it comes. Garoppolo flashed in limited action last season, completing 19 of 27 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown… he seems like a capable passer, and if he had to pilot the Patriots through the first month of 2015, he’ll win three of the four games.

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LTJ: Out of all the teams in the AFC East, which team do you consider to be a true threat against the Patriots this upcoming season? Could it be my beloved Jets?

CF: Although they improved significantly over the offseason, I believe that the Jets aren’t quite there yet. Sorry, Luis, but I think it is the Jets’ western neighbors in the state of New York that present the greatest threat to the Patriots in the AFC East. The Bills always give the Patriots headaches, but I think this is the season that they are within reach of dethroning the Pats. Matt Cassel is a capable starter, especially with LeSean McCoy at his disposal in both facets of the offense. On the other side of the ball, that defense will make their opponents sweat for every first down.

LTJ: After losing some key defensive pieces that without a doubt helped contribute to your Super Bowl championship last year, are the Patriots going to be the same without Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner at corner?

CF: The Patriots’ defense will be a far cry from what it was last year because the unit’s strength will lie in the front seven as opposed to the secondary. As long as Sheard, Ninkovich and Jones are able to apply constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and as long as Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower continue their ascendance as top-tier linebackers, the Patriots’ defense will get by. Increased pressure on the quarterback and a stifling run defense will provide a security blanket for the undermanned secondary. That being said, the Patriots won’t repeat as champs if Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan don’t grow into their own, or if Bradley Fletcher gets burned as often as he did in Philly.

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) celebrates after defeating the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

LTJ: What is the top positional battle for the Patriots heading into training camp?

CF: Without a doubt, cornerback. It will truly be a sight to see how it all shakes out between this group of nine players, only two of whom are Super Bowl XLIX ring bearers. Butler, Ryan and Fletcher will duke it out for the top two spots, and the slot job is Robert McClain’s to lose. After those four, it will come down to seventh-round pick Darryl Roberts out of Marshall and 2014 training camp standout Dax Swanson, with Derek Cox, Justin Green and Jimmy Jean rounding out the competition.

LTJ: Thanks again for everything Connor as this Jets fan can’t wait until our teams meet in the regular season to continue our interesting rivalry! Keep up the great work at the Musket Fire!

CF: Thanks for picking my brain, Luis. I’m also looking forward to the Jets-Patriots matchups this season, and we’ll have to do a Q&A before each of those games.

Next: New York Jets: Darrelle Revis to be featured on SI cover

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