Wow are Jets getting the Pats at the right time

Concord -The Jets-Pats game could have been lopsided – a raw rookie quarterback vs. Tom Brady. But considering certain factors, the Jets should be able to hang around.

If the Patriots had a more experienced, more established group of targets for Tom Brady, this game had blow-out potential.

But since New England’s top wide receiver, Danny Amendola, is likely out this week with a groin injury, three of the Patriots’ primary wideout weapons in the game are rookies – Kenrell Thompkins, Josh Boyce and Marshall, and their tight end position is a mess (Rob Gronkowski isn’t going to play, and rookie Zach Sudfeld is likely out with a hamstring), this factor makes the game a toss-up.

With the typical requisite weapons, I think this game would be lopsided.

The Jets winning formula with Geno Smith at quarterback is pretty apparent – keep the score low, and win with a total team effort – offense, defense and special teams. He’s not ready to pull a Brady or Manning and carry a team to win. He needs to be buttressed.

And if the Patriots had better weapons (and in time this group might turn out to be fine, but the kids are making a lot of mistakes right now), I think this game would be a blowout.

Smith isn’t ready to engage in a shootout with a top-shelf quarterback.

I had an epiphany watching the Giants-Dallas game Sunday night. It was a shootout – Eli Manning vs. Tony Romo. I’m watching saying, “The Jets afford to let this happen – a scoring-fest.” Dallas beat the Giants 36-31.

18-17 is more like it.

And another reason why the Patriots nondescript offensive weapons is a big help for the Jets is related to Gang Green’s defense.

Let’s not put this defense in Canton yet. If the Patriots were locked and loaded with tons of top-shelf weapons. I think the Jets defense would be in a lot of trouble Thursday night.

Think about it – neither Antonio Cromartie or Dee Milliner played very well against Tampa Bay. Cromartie’s hip seems to still be an issue, and Milliner is way behind in his maturation due to all the time he missed from the draft until the opener.

Also, Kyle Wilson has had issues in the past against the Patriots quick players in the slot.

And the jury is still out on DeMario Davis, and his ability to diagnose the myriad offensive looks the Pats present that include a lot of throws to running backs and tight ends.

So on so many levels, the Jets are catching a huge break facing the Patriots now.

There is an old expression in sports that is so apropos, “It’s not who you play, it’s when you play them.”

The Jets are getting the Pats at the right time.

Buffalo isn’t very good, and they took the Pats to the bitter end. Once again, a big reason this game was close is because of the Pats’ weaponry issues right now.

There is a good chance this game is close as well.

If this was a typical Pats offense – I think this game could be a disaster for the Jets.

But considering the current issues the Pats have, I think it’s a toss-up.

September 11, 2013

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