NY Jets coaching staff faces crucial test in New England

This Sunday, the NY Jets (1-4) are seven-point road underdogs against the New England Patriots (2-4). Outside of some of the team's staunchest supporters, very few people expect New York to win this game.

Even though only a half-game separates both teams in the standings, the Patriots have a different feel than the Jets do.

Despite their record, the Pats have been competent and competitive. New England is coming off a thrilling overtime loss to one of the NFC's best teams in the Dallas Cowboys. A few weeks back, the Pats also stood toe to toe with the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

To no one's surprise, despite having a rookie quarterback in Mac Jones and a roster in transition. Bill Belichick's team has been competitive and well-coached.

In their defense, the NY Jets have also had some good moments in their first five games. They rallied in Week 1 on the road in Carolina to lose by only five to the Panthers.

The Jets won an overtime thriller of their own against the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans, and despite the team's sluggish start in London, Gang Green made a game of things late in their loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

However, the Jets' new coaching staff has struggled mightily in the team's first five games, just as much as its young roster has in a painful learning curve for everyone on the team.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. The Jets have been outscored 30-0 in the first quarter and 75-13 in the first half of games this season.