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Providence – While it’s going to be very tough for the Jets to win on Sunday in Foxboro, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Let’s get into some things they need to do to make this happen . . .
The Tony Sparano factor will help.
This is one of those games where Sparano will come in handy a great deal.
And I’m not just talking about lording over the Jets’ offense, but in all aspects of the game.
He has tremendous insight on the New England Patriots.
Over his time as the coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2008 to 2011 (14 games), he faced them seven times.
That involved a lot of game-planning, and he was a great help to all the Jets coaches this week in preparation for this game.
When the Jets hired Sparano in the off-season, this is one of the reasons they did it – he is a great resource for them in their six division games . . .
A player who could be very helpful to the Jets in this game is CB Isaiah Trufant.
The Jets dime back is the quickest player on the Jets, and has a low center of gravity.
Whether it’s Wes Welker, Julian Edelman or Danny Woodhead, shorter guys who cut so well, Trufant is going to be a huge help covering one of these guys.
We think of this guy as a special team’s demon, but he’s a very good corner.
The UFL went out of business today, but in the three year history of that league, he was the best defensive player in their tenure . . .
We talked yesterday about the Pats’s average pass rush.
In New England’s 31-30 loss to Baltimore in Week Three loss, not only didn’t they sack Joe Flacco, they didn’t hit him . . .
According to one league source, q key to the Jets having a chance in this game is time of possession.
They need to keep Brady off the field.
“They have to drain plays from Brady,” the source said. “They’re averaging 79 plays a game. I believe they are on pace to shatter NFL marks for most offensive plays in the season, most offensive touches. They are first in yards per game.
“They’re not killing on every play (12th in yards per play). The key is third down. They are second in conversion rate. They Jets are 30th, and the Pats are second.”
Not only is time of possession huge, but field position.
“Special teams will be huge,” said the source. “The Jets need field position. They may need another fake punt. Robert Malone also needs to be on his game again like he was against the Colts. McKnight, Kerley returns would be helpful.” . . .
This is going to be a big game for DeMario Davis. He needs to be the coverage linebacker the Jets envisioned when they picked him out of Arkansas State in the third round. Bart Scott is a still a good run defender, but it’s hard to see him covering Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez.
Davis, and the Jets safeties, need to have big games in coverage.
The Jets have slowly, but surely increased Davis’ reps in recent weeks, perhaps with this game in mind.
Expect him to play a lot.
He was once clocked at 4.49 in the forty, so he has the wheels to keep up with the Pats tight ends . . .
October 20, 2012
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