NY Jets: Scouting the New England Patriots ahead of Week 17 matchup

The NY Jets will fly to New England to conclude their 2020 season against the Patriots.

This season has surely been one to remember, though not for reasons traditionally mentioned. The NY Jets will finish the season with either two or three wins, and enter the 2021 NFL Draft organically selecting second overall.

This wasn’t the way many envisioned this year going, obviously. After finishing with seven wins the previous season and having high hopes for the future, the Jets have plummeted to the bottom of the barrel.

How can a team with such high aspirations the year prior, fall so low in league rankings? Plenty of reasons — poor coaching, inconsistent quarterback play, defensive over-achievement, etc.

After surveying all available options regarding why the Jets will pick in the top-two in the coming draft, it’s hard to pinpoint one sole reason for the mismanagement of a team that was flying steady heading into 2020.

Just look at New England, a dynasty that was built to last over 20 years in a league that is constantly evolving to today’s fashion, finally fell not six months ago.

The Patriots are a perfect example of what the Jets need to do to find sustainable success in a league that prides itself in hard-nosed, competitive football.

Find a future Hall of Fame quarterback that can carry the team to multiple Super Bowl victories over the span of two decades? Not really. More so, find a coach that can fit with the organization for more than four years.

It’s about building a culture that players emulate once they leave the program. Joe Douglas is the guy to get it done — he’s done it in Philadelphia, and fans are certain he can do it here. Find the guy, and stick with him until the ultimate goal is achieved.

The NY Jets don’t have a lot of injuries going into the week

The injury report for the Jets this week is rather short. Cornerback Blessuan Austin, who has felt a bit under the weather to start the week, is listed as questionable for Sunday. Austin’s issue is not COVID-19 related.

Cornerback Javelin Guidry, who is still working his way back from a knee injury, has been limited in practice for the week and stands as questionable for this coming Sunday.

Wide receiver Jeff Smith, who is continuing to work back from a shoulder injury, is listed as questionable, though expected to play. Smith was active in last week’s contest against Cleveland, though he didn’t get many looks.

The Patriots are heading into this game with a plethora of injuries that will certainly affect the outcome of this one.

Expect the Jets to take an early lead on a depleted New England defense — New York is surprisingly efficient at scoring on the first possession of their opening drive.

Score Prediction: NY Jets 17, Patriots 15