New York Jets vs. New England Patriots Preview: Key players, injuries, & more

The New York Jets are set to take on the New England Patriots this week in what should be a very difficult challenge. Here is a complete preview of this Week 7 matchup.

The New York Jets are fresh off an exhilarating 24-22 victory over the Dallas Cowboys last week as the team notched their first win of the season.

However, following up on that success should prove to be difficult this week.

The Jets are set to take on a New England Patriots team that has been nothing short of dominant this season. As one of just two undefeated teams remaining, the Patriots have looked like the most complete team in the NFL through six games.

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Sure, there will be some who question their strength of schedule, but it’s hard to not be impressed with what they’ve done so far this season.

The Jets squared off with New England back in Week 3 but fell short losing 30-14 in a game that was more one-sided than the final score would indicate. But Gang Green didn’t have Sam Darnold under center for that one.

Can Darnold lead the Jets to a shocking upset victory in his second game back or will the Patriots remain undefeated while the Jets fall to 1-5?

Let’s take a look at a complete preview for this Monday Night Football matchup.

Next: Jets Players to Watch

Jets Players to Watch

Chuma Edoga, OT

It’s no secret that the Patriots defense has been nothing short of phenomenal through six games. And at the core of their success has been their outstanding pass rush, led by breakout star Kyle Van Noy.

Van Noy will be matched up with third-round pick Chuma Edoga in this game and the rookie should have his hands full. It will be another tough task for the rookie who has shown potential, but plenty of growing pains through his first two starts.

C.J. Mosley, LB

The Jets are expected to return their defensive play-caller and stalwart this week as linebacker C.J. Mosley has stated his intentions to play after missing the last four and a half games with a groin injury. And his return comes at a very fortunate time.

New York will be down both Neville Hewitt and Albert McClellan in this game making Mosley and rookie Blake Cashman the only two healthy inside linebackers on the roster. Look for Mosley to make a huge impact in his first game back as the Jets defense attempts to halt Tom Brady and the Patriots offense.

Next: Patriots Players to Watch

Patriots Players to Watch

Julian Edelman, WR

The Patriots are expected to be without wide receiver Josh Gordon in this game which could make Julian Edelman‘s role all the more valuable. But interestingly enough, he should be matched up with the only Jets cornerback who has exceeded expectations this year.

Brian Poole will likely be the man to cover Edelman out of the slot in what should be a very intriguing matchup. Poole has impressed this season while Edelman is listed as questionable but is expected to play. This should be one of the key matchups in this game.

Stephon Gilmore, CB

While New England’s pass rush has been incredible, there is no better player on this defense than cornerback Stephon Gilmore. If he’s not the best cornerback in the league, he’s a consensus top-three player and he’ll be matched up with Robby Anderson in this one.

Gilmore has absolutely owned their four prior matchups but the Jets will be hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself. Anderson is fresh off a breakout game last week in which he hauled in a 92-yard bomb. With Darnold back under center, perhaps Anderson could finally get the upper hand on his adversary.

Next: Jets Injury Report

Jets Injury Report

Doubtful/Out

Albert McClellan (Out), Henry Anderson, Kelvin Beachum, Trenton Cannon, Chris Herndon, Neville Hewitt, Kelechi Osemele

The Jets roster is once again decimated with injuries, perhaps this week more than any other week. Inside linebacker Albert McClellan is the only player listed as “out” while the others are all doubtful and unexpected to play.

Expect Kyle Phillips, Quinnen Williams, and Folorunso Fatukasi to fill in for Henry Anderson, Brandon Shell to fill in for Kelvin Beachum, and Vyncint Smith to fill in as kick returner for Trenton Cannon.

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The aforementioned Blake Cashman should start alongside Mosley with Neville Hewitt out while Ryan Griffin should continue to receive playing time while Chris Herndon is out.

Questionable

Nate Hairston, Ryan Kalil, Alex Lewis, Steve McLendon, C.J. Mosley, Darryl Roberts, Demaryius Thomas, Brian Winters

The Jets also have a heap of players currently listed as “questionable” although the hope is that all of them could play. Three starting offensive linemen (Ryan Kalil, Alex Lewis, and Brian Winters) are all listed as questionable but the team hopes each can suit up.

Nate Hairston missed last week a knee injury but should be able to play after returning to practice in a limited fashion. The same goes for Darryl Roberts, Steve McLendon, and Demaryius Thomas who were all limited throughout the week.

Mosley, as already discussed, intends to play.

Next: Patriots Injury Report

Patriots Injury Report

Out

Josh Gordon, Ryan Izzo, Matt LaCosse

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The Patriots aren’t nearly as beat-up as their rivals — as has been a common theme with the Jets’ opponents — but they will be without wide receiver Josh Gordon. Expect players like Jakobi Meyers and Phillip Dorsett to pick up the slack with the talented Gordon out.

New England will also be down two tight ends with both Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse out with injury. The Patriots re-signed veteran Benjamin Watson and he’ll likely receive the brunt of offensive snaps while former Jets tight end Eric Tomlinson was signed earlier in the week as well.

Questionable

Rex Burkhead, Patrick Chung, Phillip Dorsett, Julian Edelman, Gunner Olszewski

The Patriots will have five players listed as questionable in this game, but much like the Jets, the hope is that all of them could play. Three of those players are receivers with Edelman, Dorsett, and Gunner Olszewski all listed as questionable.

With Gordon out, the Patriots could ill-afford to be down any more receivers and if Olszewski is unable to play, New England will have to find another return man. Both Rex Burkhead and Patrick Chung are also listed as questionable but are expected to play as well.