Behind reigning NFL MVP Tom Brady, the New England Patriots (5-3) have the top-ranked passing offense, averaging 326 yards per game. But against the New York Jets (5-3) and stud cornerback Darrelle Revis, the Pats will have their work cut out for them on Sunday Night Football.
The Jets rank sixth in pass defense, giving up only 196 yards per game. They also have eight takeaways in the last three games, and Brady is third in the league in thrown interceptions with 10.
So can the New England rushing game get it done if the passing game isn’t progressing? The Jets’ defense is ranked 21st, significantly lower than what was expected from it when the season began. That includes a Week 5 performance when the Jets traveled to New England and loss, 30-21, and Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis carved up New York for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
But Green-Ellis has been pretty quiet as of late, going scoreless over the last three games. The Pats also have veteran running back Kevin Faulk back, who missed this season’s first meeting, as well as rookies Stevan Ridley and Shane Vareen and former Jet Danny Woodhead.
With that, New England needs to balance its offensive attack against a hungry Jets D that hasn’t lost to New England at home since Rex Ryan took over as coach.
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