Week 3: Jets vs Patriots
Patriots run defense vs Jets running game
The Patriots run an old school 3-4 front in which both defensive ends and nose tackle use a 2 gap technique. Inside, the two linebackers are tasked with getting downhill to fill both the A and B gaps against base runs, and the linebackers on the outside are tasked with playing contain. The Patriots have gotten superb contributions from everyone along the defensive line as well as their linebackers in the running game. They are only allowing 37 yards per game and 2.6 yards per carry.
The New York Jets' running game has been anemic through the first two weeks of the season, and it begins with the poor play of their offensive line. They made several changes over the off-season in an attempt to fix this position group, but it is clear that they have not yet been able to gel. The Kalil signing has not worked out as expected, and their OL has exhibited miscommunication and just overall subpar performances. As they continue to work together, it's possible that they may improve, but they will have their hands full with a stout New England defensive front.
Match-up edge: Patriots
Patriots pass rush vs Jets pass protection
The Jets' OL struggles extend to the pass protection. Sam Darnold and Trevor Siemian have both been under duress this season, as the line has failed to offer any safety for the team's quarterbacks.
The Patriots' versatile front 7 has been able to generate pressure from a variety of areas. Their defensive tackles, defensive ends, and linebackers, have all contributed to a strong pass rush. The creativity in their pass rush schemes, which is something we saw a lot of in the second half of last season, has been on display in the first two weeks of 2019.From simulated pressure, to stunts, to disguised blitzes, the Patriots have been able to keep opponents on their toes.
Rookie DE Chase Winovich leads the team in QB pressures, and has seemingly already mastered the complicated Patriots playbook. They've entrusted him with significant playing time, and he has not disappointed. He's only going to get better with more experience.
Jamie Collins, in his second stint as a Patriot, looks to be a more mature player, and has been a very valuable piece of this defense. His speed as a pass rushers has already paid dividends, and he will be a handful for the Jets on Sunday.
Match-up edge: Patriots.
Patriots pass defense vs Jets passing game
The Jets run a West Coast / Air Coryell hybrid scheme. They use a lot of motion and they like to target the defense's weakness with precise route combinations. Adam Gase also likes to us formations in which the TE is isolated in order to create matchup advantages for his offense. He also frequently uses his RBs as part of the passing attack.
The Jets' WR duo of Jamison Crowder and Robby Anderson has played fairly well considering the struggles of the offense. However, beyond that, they have not received much production from their WRs. Newly acquired RB, Le'Veon Bell has been used effectively as a receiver, and will no doubt receive a lot of attention from the Patriots' defense.
New England's secondary continues where it left off at the end of last season. They've been very dominant. Their defensive backs are so versatile, which allows them to play different positions, not only from game to game, but from play to play. This makes it difficult for the opposing offense to diagnose what the defense is doing. The Patriots play a lot of man coverage, especially Cover 1, but as we saw in Super Bowl 53, they can go zone heavy if the matchup calls for it.
Match-up edge: Patriots.
Patriots running game vs Jets run defense
The Jets, much like the Patriots, run a 3-4 defense. Their run defense in 2019 has been solid, but they will be without CJ Mosley, who is their best defender. Even so, they looked competent on Monday against the Browns, so they will not be easy to run on.
The Patriots run game has not been as dominant at the start of this season as it was down the stretch in 2018. A lot of that has to do with injuries across the offensive line. Center David Andrews was lost for the season and replaced by Ted Karras. Karras had some ups and downs in week 1, but overall he has looked good, and he will get even better as he develops more chemistry with Brady. Marcus Cannon went down in week 1, but is set to return soon, possibly even on Sunday against the Jets. Isaiah Wynn has been placed on IR with the possibility of returning in week 8.
Match-up edge: Even.
Patriots pass protection vs Jets pass rush
The Jets' pass rush has looked subpar through the first 2 weeks of the season. The injuries they've dealt with may be responsible for that, but the lack of creativity in their pass rush schemes have not done them any favors, either.
The Patriots offensive line has faced some injuries of their own, but the pass blocking has been very good for the most part, in spite of that. Brady has generally had enough time to find the open receiver.
Match-up edge: Even.
Patriots passing game vs Jets pass defense
The Jets secondary has held its own this season, but they are susceptible to giving up big plays in the passing game. Odell Beckham burned them for an 89 yard TD on Monday. Trumaine Johnson seems to be struggling, but Nate Hairston and Darryl Roberts has been solid on the outside. Safety Jamal Adams is an elite player as well.
After a good debut for Antonio Brown last week, including a TD reception, the team has decided to release him in the midst of more off field drama. The team will now ride with Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett, and Jakobi Meyers as their wide receivers. N'Keal Harry will factor in as well once he recovers from injury. Edelman and Gordon have both looked good this season, and so has Dorsett, after a quiet 2018. Jakobi Meyers had a solid training camp, showing great knowledge of this complicated Patriots offense. This passing attack has been deadly on deep passing plays, but they can attack every area of the field. When you add James White and Rex Burkhead to this passing game, it becomes very difficult to stop.
Match-up edge: Patriots.
