New York Jets Week 7 Know Thy Enemy: The New England Patriots

It’s the morning of the big day. Tonight, the Jets take on the New England Patriots in the first of our two rivalry games, this time from Foxboro. The Jets try to stop their five game skid against our old friends, Tom Brady and company.

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We talked to Cyrus Geller, editor of Musketfire, the Fansided site covering the Patriots. Turn the page and begin our discussion:

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

THE JET PRESS: Word is spreading about Tom Brady’s ankle being worse than originally thought. What’s his status for Thursday night, and if he plays, will his effectiveness be hampered at all?

MUSKETFIRE: He will be playing, and I would worried if I were a Jets fan. He has been on fire in the last two games, showing signs of that 2011-12 Brady we all know and love. With that said, the Jets always give New England trouble, and with their worst offensive line in years, Brady might spend a good portion of the game on the ground.

Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

TJP: Talk about the loss of Jerrod Mayo. What, if any, are the concerns about vulnerability with Mayo out of the lineup and how does the defense compensate?

MF: Losing Mayo is huge for the Pats, not only from a physical standpoint, but from a mental perspective. He was the heart and soul of this defense, and was loved by everybody, even newcomers, like Darrelle Revis (remember him?). I think the Pats will go back to a 3-4 defense to try and lessen the blow, but make no mistake about it, the Pats will miss Mayo.

Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the side line during the fourth quarter against Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

TJP: We know the level of this rivalry. However, with the Jets sitting at 1-5, is there any concern that the Patriots will overlook the Jets, falling into the “trap game” scenario?

MF: I don’t think so, and that is because they know the Jets are going to come out firing, and give them their best shot. Rex Ryan knows how to defeat a Tom Brady-led offense, and I know number 12 won’t be taking this game lightly. I am preparing for a dogfight in the rain.

Sep 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end

Muhammad Wilkerson

(96) reacts after the Detroit Lions scored a touchdown at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

TJP: How does the Patriots line stop the Jets’ near-NFL leading pass rush?

MF: Run the ball early, and start from the inside and work their way out. Giving up interior pressure early in the game is far worse than giving edge pressure, because it completely screws up the rhythm of the offense, and it is hard to get it back. I’m not saying it is okay to allow the edge guys to hit Brady, but containing the middle is the top priority.

Nov 22, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan (left) shakes hands with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick after the game on Thanksgiving at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

TJP: Prediction for the game?

MF: I’m going Pats by 10. Let’s say 24-14. It’s going to be a sloppy game, but Brady gets his offense in gear late, and scores two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull away.

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