Jets looking to get a bye (2 Viewers)

[Chase Stuart]

The Jets-Pats winner certainly has the inside track on getting the #2 seed and a bye in the AFC. The Jets have a better passing offense, a better passing defense and a better rushing defense than New England. The teams are pretty close to even, but I think the Jets are a slightly better team and NY has fared much better in Foxboro than at home over the last five to ten years against the Patriots. I think they'll eek out a victory on Thursday.

And after that? The Jets play @Tenn, Den, @SF, Buf, @Sea and Mia. That screams 4-2 to me, which puts them at 11-5 in the AFC. 11-5 will win the AFC East, and the Jets should have the tiebreaker if some other AFC-E team matches them.

SD already has five losses and seems unlikely to run the table; Denver has an uphill battle to going 6-1 to match the Jets, and they'd have to win in NY to get that tiebreaker. It looks to me like the AFC North winner will be challenging the Jets (or Pats) for the bye, and not the AFC West winner.

Baltimore is 6-3, but has the entire NFC East still to play and Pittsburgh. The Steelers have the Ravens, the Titans, the Pats, the Chargers and the Cowboys. While either Balt or Pitt might get to 11-5, it looks to me like the Jets have a much easier path to 11-5 or 12-4, and thus, have to be considered the favorites at this point to get the #2 seed in the AFC.

 

[-baller]

plz refer to "are jets favorites to win afc east?" thread.

 

[bostonfred]

The Jets play @Tenn, Den, @SF, Buf, @Sea and Mia. That screams 4-2 to me

Which four?

 

[shake zula]

Dolphins have the easier schedule why are we ruling them out already?

 

[Boston]

The Pats have beaten the Jets 11 of the last 12 games so outside of that one win in Foxboro (thank you Doug Gabriel) I really don't see where they've been anything special against the Pats be it in Foxboro or New Jersey.

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Jets play @Tenn, Den, @SF, Buf, @Sea and Mia. That screams 4-2 to me

Which four?

0.2 wins against Tennessee, 0.8 wins against Denver, 0.8 wins against SF, 0.7 wins against Buffalo, 0.8 wins against Seattle and 0.7 wins against Miami.

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Pats have beaten the Jets 11 of the last 12 games so outside of that one win in Foxboro (thank you Doug Gabriel) I really don't see where they've been anything special against the Pats be it in Foxboro or New Jersey.

The Jets certainly haven't been good against NE the last six or seven years, but they're only two wins came in NE and they've played better there in most of the losses than at home. This is one of the only times the Jets have played NE when they've actually had the better team, so I expect the results to be different on Thursday. It should be a great game either way.

 

[-baller]

didn't the jets get their ### smoked by oakland?

 

[Kleck]

A bye would be nice for the NY Favres.

Anything to help get 80% of the snaps and the Jets making it to the Superbowl.

 

[Boston]

The Pats have beaten the Jets 11 of the last 12 games so outside of that one win in Foxboro (thank you Doug Gabriel) I really don't see where they've been anything special against the Pats be it in Foxboro or New Jersey.

The Jets certainly haven't been good against NE the last six or seven years, but they're only two wins came in NE and they've played better there in most of the losses than at home. This is one of the only times the Jets have played NE when they've actually had the better team, so I expect the results to be different on Thursday. It should be a great game either way.

Since they have the same record and the Pats have already beaten the Jets in New Jersey I'm not sure why you're so confident the Jets are the better team. The Pats this year are a team that's not going to have big time stats, that won't be their style. Right now they are improving each week and if they play like they have against Denver, Indy and Buffalo I feel very good about their chances (although the injury factor isn't helping). This is a must win for the Jets. If they lose than the Pats have the tie-breaker meaning the Jets have to have a better record than the Pats to finish ahead of them.

 

[NoFBinLA]

If they end up with that record I think I owe you a beer next time I am in the tri state area, Chase.

We'll see if they get there. Pats first - worry about the rest later....

 

[phthalatemagic]

Jets looking to get a bye

Week 5, Chase.

 

[LBH]

Lets take it one week at a time. Especially this week. I think the Pats/Jets game could go either way. Also think the Jets could lose any of the games remaining on their schedule. When the Jets face Seattle they will be traveling across the country and Hasselbeck/Branch could be at full health by then which would change their offense a lot. I dont think Denver will be easy because you have to respect their passing game which has been the Jets weakness on defensse this year, especially defending the slot wrs. When is the last time the Jets swept Buffalo? 98? Miami scares me more this year than in previous years despite the Jets 17-4 record vs them over the last 21 games. I could see them going 4-2 but being a fan of the Jets for over 30 years, I know how they can dissapoint. Im not sure how much I trust Favre either. His decision making is really really bad sometimes.

 

[Jercules]

They lost to Oakland, and they very narrowly beat KC. The Jets aren't bad, they're one of several AFC teams that has a chance to take it to the next level and earn that 2nd bye. But if they go 4-3 instead of 5-2 for the rest of the year (as the OP suggests), that's 10-6, which may not even be good enough for a playoff spot if they don't win the East.

This is gonna be another year that begs for 16 playoff teams. The difference between the bye teams and wild card teams will be miniscule, and the team that makes a big fuss will likely have some archaic tiebreaker to thank for even getting into the playoffs over 3 other teams that had the same record.

 

[Bri]

if they lose to Pats and Tenn, their confidence will be shaken. Could seem quite different then.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

This team will be exposed soon enough.

 

[zamboni]

Come on, Chase, you should know better as a Jets fan than to start looking ahead. Cautious optimism, but let's get past the Pats first.

 

[JMJ]

As a Jets fan, our head coach and our offensive coordinator are still bumbling idiots, but I will tell you what, we are not running the risk of "being exposed." The team is getting better as the season goes on, not worse. It is all because of the offensive line. 4 of our 5 starting OLineman are former 1st round picks and the only guy who isn't (Brandon Moore) is a converted DT who mauls people in the run game. Thomas Jones has had holes the size he hasn't seen in his career the past few weeks and with guys like Faneca, Mangold, Woody, and D'Brick blocking for him each week, these will continue.

We're beginning to win games NY Giants style. Blow teams off the ball in the run game, allow your QB to manage the game, throw for under 200 yards on less than 25 pass attempts.

And don't even get me started on the defense. They are the 5th best run defense in the NFL giving up only 3.2 yards per rush and they are the #2 team in all the NFL in sacks trailing the Steelers by 1.

I'm not going to go out on a limb and say we will surely be 11-5, but we are in no way going to "get exposed" and the team is in no way a fluke. When we lose, it is because of our coaches. When we win, it is despite them. They are the only thing holding us back.

 

[g5jamz]

I've been watching the draft very closely the last few years and it was only a matter of time for this team to really put it together. Mangold/D'Brick came from one draft alone. Mixing in Faneca...new QB...stud DT you all stole from Carolina ...and it's a recipe for a great year. Stay healthy and I think this team can go far. But don't get down early...as Favre will fark you.

 

[Max Power]

While Baltimore has a tough schedule ahead, I'm picking them as my favorites to grab a bye.

Team started out slow and kept it close against two tough teams @ Pitt and vs Tenn. (one can argue that Tenn only won because a bad late hit call - not me though )

The D is playing lights out, the running game is finally turning it on, and Flacco is looks better each game he plays.

Personally, I think they will roll through the NFC east. 3-1.

 

[Reaper]

Playoffs... PLAYOFFS!!!!

Sheesh, the next 2 games will tell us a lot....

While I agree with people here about the Raider and KC games - It's foolish at times to play that game and KC just gave SD a scare. Hey, the Raiders played a real good game that day. The Jets play calling was atrocious.

But, All along, Football people knew this was a team with a lot of new parts where, IF they were going to be a contender, they would look alot better in the 2nd half compared to the 1st. The 2nd half started Sunday.... One game at a time... STAY HEALTHY... My heart fell when I saw Mangold holding his back last week... Jenkins needs to continue being a beast...

I'd like to see David Harris back soon - Who I considered one of the top 3 people on the defense.

But, yeah, it's exciting to see this team blow people off the Line.. And the last Jets win in Foxboro was done just that way - The OL played an incredible game and the DL hit Brady a lot and ended the game with him in the mud.

 

[TLEF316]

at "ready to be exposed".

I dont believe this Jets team is an elite team (ala the titans) but at this point, they have as good a chance as anyone to be #2 in the AFC.

The run defense has been very stout lately (although not against elite competition) and they've been doing it without their 2nd best run defender (David Harris). I believe we are 3rd in the league in sacks, and thats with ZERO contribution from our first round pick (and i dont expect any contribution for the rest of the year). The Jets also have 2 pro bowl players in the secondary(Revis and Rhodes). The other safety spot is weak, although Elam has made HUGE plays 2 weeks in a row. Lowry is a rookie who has been passable. This defense is an upper echelon unit. Jenkins has made all the diference.

Offensively, the coaching is a problem. the game plans against Oakland and KC were god awful. Brian Schottenheimer is a mediocre coach. Finally got Keller involved this week. It was about time. This thursday will tell us everything about how good of a running team the jets can be. The holes have been huge lately and TJ has looked like a 25 year old. We'll see how big those holes are on thursday night.

For the record, I think the jets will beat NE. The loss of Thomas is huge. He destroyed NY in week 2.

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Pats have beaten the Jets 11 of the last 12 games so outside of that one win in Foxboro (thank you Doug Gabriel) I really don't see where they've been anything special against the Pats be it in Foxboro or New Jersey.

The Jets certainly haven't been good against NE the last six or seven years, but they're only two wins came in NE and they've played better there in most of the losses than at home. This is one of the only times the Jets have played NE when they've actually had the better team, so I expect the results to be different on Thursday. It should be a great game either way.

Since they have the same record and the Pats have already beaten the Jets in New Jersey I'm not sure why you're so confident the Jets are the better team. The Pats this year are a team that's not going to have big time stats, that won't be their style. Right now they are improving each week and if they play like they have against Denver, Indy and Buffalo I feel very good about their chances (although the injury factor isn't helping). This is a must win for the Jets. If they lose than the Pats have the tie-breaker meaning the Jets have to have a better record than the Pats to finish ahead of them.

I'm not so confident the Jets are the better team. I am confident that the Jets are better at passing, stopping the pass and running, and those things usually make you a better team.This game is almost a must win for the Pats, too. If they lose then the Jets most likely have the tie-breaker meaning the Pats have to have a better record than the Jets to finish ahead of them.The loser of this game might need to go 6-0 afterwards to win the division.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

They lost to Oakland, and they very narrowly beat KC.

I think the last two weeks where KC gave Tampa Bay and San Diego all they could ask for shows that narrowly beating KC doesn't mean the same thing taht it did earlier in the season when that team was a mess. The loss to Oakland was unforgivable despite having to travel across the country to play it.

 

[Workhorse]

The key to Thursday's matchup is if anybody on the Jets can stop Welker. Signing Ty Law seems to be a signal that NY is most concerned about that matchup and might look to double-team him with Law helping over the top. If that's the case, you could see a guy like Faulk have a huge game on dump-offs across the middle.

On the other side of the ball, Favre needs to really tighten it up against the Patriots. Those wild throws into zone coverage are Favre's nemesis and nobody does a better job of mixing it up than Belichick.

As a Pats fan, my single biggest concern is Thomas Jones. Without Thomas to set the edge in the 3-4, the Jets could have a field day running against Pierre Woods.

I think this is going to be a low-scoring grind of a game. Coin flip.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Dolphins have the easier schedule why are we ruling them out already?

At 5-4 here is the Dolphins remaining schedule.vs Oakvs NE@ STL@BUFvs SF@ KC@ NYJAll of those are very winnable games. And lets not forget Week 1 when the Jets squeeked one out vs the Dolphins with a Favre prayer as he was hit that was caught by Clowney.Week 16 MIA @ NYJ just might be for the division.CRAZY - especially considering the Dolphins were 0-9 at this point last year.

 

[brady2moss]

didn't the jets get their ### smoked by oakland?

if you call an overtime win by a field goal, I guess the raiders put a smackdown on the jets

 

[Chase Stuart]

Dolphins have the easier schedule why are we ruling them out already?

At 5-4 here is the Dolphins remaining schedule.vs Oakvs NE@ STL@BUFvs SF@ KC@ NYJAll of those are very winnable games. And lets not forget Week 1 when the Jets squeeked one out vs the Dolphins with a Favre prayer as he was hit that was caught by Clowney.Week 16 MIA @ NYJ just might be for the division.CRAZY - especially considering the Dolphins were 0-9 at this point last year.

Sure, Miami has a chance. But considering they would need to win @ the Jets in late December to do it makes me think they're the underdog, not the favorite. Meaningless trivia: Miami has won one road game against the Jets in December ever, and that was when the Jets were 1-15.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Dolphins have the easier schedule why are we ruling them out already?

At 5-4 here is the Dolphins remaining schedule.vs Oakvs NE@ STL@BUFvs SF@ KC@ NYJAll of those are very winnable games. And lets not forget Week 1 when the Jets squeeked one out vs the Dolphins with a Favre prayer as he was hit that was caught by Clowney.Week 16 MIA @ NYJ just might be for the division.CRAZY - especially considering the Dolphins were 0-9 at this point last year.

Sure, Miami has a chance. But considering they would need to win @ the Jets in late December to do it makes me think they're the underdog, not the favorite. Meaningless trivia: Miami has won one road game against the Jets in December ever, and that was when the Jets were 1-15.

Good point but this ain't your momma's Dolphins any more. I just get the feeling that the division will come down to the last week.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I still think the Jets are a borderline playoff team, at best. We'll see.

I don't think they beat the Patriots on Thursday.

 

[MCguidance]

Dolphins have the easier schedule why are we ruling them out already?

At 5-4 here is the Dolphins remaining schedule.vs Oakvs NE@ STL@BUFvs SF@ KC@ NYJAll of those are very winnable games. And lets not forget Week 1 when the Jets squeeked one out vs the Dolphins with a Favre prayer as he was hit that was caught by Clowney.Week 16 MIA @ NYJ just might be for the division.CRAZY - especially considering the Dolphins were 0-9 at this point last year.

The pass was actually caught by Stuckey.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Patriots are going to smoke the Jets on Thursday. I'm predicting 4 picks for Brett Favre, 2 in the final 6 minutes.

 

[dumervil]

Do you realize that if the Jets run the table (that includes beating Tenn on the road) and Tenn loses 3 games (say Jets, Steelers, Colts), the Jets are the #1 AFC seed? Don't laugh, the Jets will be the Titans' toughest matchup left.

This Jets team is elite. The defense (#3 in FF scoring ytd) stops the run (#5 in NFL), sacks the QB (#2 in NFL), and forces turnovers (#3 in NFL). Whatever they're paying Kris Jenkins, it's not enough. When your team's biggest weakness is Brett Favre, that team must be pretty good.

They remind me of the NFC East teams of the 80's. Dominating defense, strong running game, and a QB good enough to make plays if needed.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Do you realize that if the Jets run the table (that includes beating Tenn on the road) and Tenn loses 3 games (say Jets, Steelers, Colts), the Jets are the #1 AFC seed? Don't laugh, the Jets will be the Titans' toughest matchup left.This Jets team is elite. The defense (#3 in FF scoring ytd) stops the run (#5 in NFL), sacks the QB (#2 in NFL), and forces turnovers (#3 in NFL). Whatever they're paying Kris Jenkins, it's not enough. When your team's biggest weakness is Brett Favre, that team must be pretty good.They remind me of the NFC East teams of the 80's. Dominating defense, strong running game, and a QB good enough to make plays if needed.

Exaggerate much?The Jets are 10th in the NFL in forcing turnovers, not 3rd. Also, the defense is 10th in the NFL in total yardage and 14th in points allowed. That is hardly a dominating defense. Lastly, if the Broncos run the table and the Titans lose 4 games, the Broncos could be the #1 AFC seed! Amazing how often this game can be played, isn't it? And if you really think that Brett Favre is the team's biggest weakness, you need help (and I am not a Favre apologist by any stretch of the imagination).

 

[-baller]

should we go ahead and crown their asses?

 

[BassNBrew]

Sure, Miami has a chance. But considering they would need to win @ the Jets in late December to do it makes me think they're the underdog, not the favorite. Meaningful trivia: Miami has won one road game against the Jets in December ever, and that was when BassNBrew bet on the JETS.

Editted for accuracy.

 

[NYRAGE]

Dolphins have the easier schedule why are we ruling them out already?

At 5-4 here is the Dolphins remaining schedule.

vs Oak

vs NE

@ STL

@BUF

vs SF

@ KC

@ NYJ

All of those are very winnable games. And lets not forget Week 1 when the Jets squeeked one out vs the Dolphins with a Favre prayer as he was hit that was caught by Clowney.Week 16 MIA @ NYJ just might be for the division.

CRAZY - especially considering the Dolphins were 0-9 at this point last year.

The Jets controlled that game imo and didn't even have a kicker. The Jets had kick-offs travelling to the 50 yard-line and couldn't even try fg attempts. The Jets have won 17 of the last 21 games against Miami and I expect them to continue that streak. The home game in December is to the Jets advantage. It definitely won't be easy, it never is.To be fair though, I'm not ruling out Miami of the division race either. They are much improved this year and have an easy remaining schedule, but I don't think they have enough talent to be a contender this year. Nice job by BP though.

 

[PatsFanCT]

Do you realize that if the Jets run the table (that includes beating Tenn on the road) and Tenn loses 3 games (say Jets, Steelers, Colts), the Jets are the #1 AFC seed? Don't laugh, the Jets will be the Titans' toughest matchup left.

This Jets team is elite. The defense (#3 in FF scoring ytd) stops the run (#5 in NFL), sacks the QB (#2 in NFL), and forces turnovers (#3 in NFL). Whatever they're paying Kris Jenkins, it's not enough. When your team's biggest weakness is Brett Favre, that team must be pretty good.

They remind me of the NFC East teams of the 80's. Dominating defense, strong running game, and a QB good enough to make plays if needed.

You. You're good you. How did you know I was laughing?

 

[Reaper]

Do you realize that if the Jets run the table (that includes beating Tenn on the road) and Tenn loses 3 games (say Jets, Steelers, Colts), the Jets are the #1 AFC seed? Don't laugh, the Jets will be the Titans' toughest matchup left.

This Jets team is elite. The defense (#3 in FF scoring ytd) stops the run (#5 in NFL), sacks the QB (#2 in NFL), and forces turnovers (#3 in NFL). Whatever they're paying Kris Jenkins, it's not enough. When your team's biggest weakness is Brett Favre, that team must be pretty good.

They remind me of the NFC East teams of the 80's. Dominating defense, strong running game, and a QB good enough to make plays if needed.

You. You're good you. How did you know I was laughing?

Laugh it up Fuzzball.

 

[PatsFanCT]

I hate to punch a hole in the "Jets have a better rush defense" theory, but the Patriots have allowed exactly one player in nine weeks to rush for a TD against them. Granted, it was Ronnie Brown who did it four times, but that was when the Dolphins opened up the "Wildcat" offense and took the NFL by surprise. It doesn't help losing Thomas, but the stats say the Pats had a better rush defense than the Jets 8 out of 9 games this season.

Of course the Pats can be passed on all day long, but fortunately, Brett Favre is the ultimate equalizer.

 

[munchkin]

The Jets offensive line has not played well against the Pats. D'brick has troubles with Seymour and the rest of the line seems to have trouble as well. I am sure Faneca is fitting in better than earlier in the year but they will have to prove they can control the line play. Not having to face Thomas on the outside will help the Jets; at least Favre will be able to keep his shirt on for the whole game.

On the Pats side Koppen will have his hands full with Jenkins. He will need help form a hopefully healthy Neal and Mankins.

This game should be decided by special teams and the passing game. My guess is Man-genius finds a way to lose this one in a close contest.

 

[dumervil]

Do you realize that if the Jets run the table (that includes beating Tenn on the road) and Tenn loses 3 games (say Jets, Steelers, Colts), the Jets are the #1 AFC seed? Don't laugh, the Jets will be the Titans' toughest matchup left.This Jets team is elite. The defense (#3 in FF scoring ytd) stops the run (#5 in NFL), sacks the QB (#2 in NFL), and forces turnovers (#3 in NFL). Whatever they're paying Kris Jenkins, it's not enough. When your team's biggest weakness is Brett Favre, that team must be pretty good.They remind me of the NFC East teams of the 80's. Dominating defense, strong running game, and a QB good enough to make plays if needed.

Exaggerate much?The Jets are 10th in the NFL in forcing turnovers, not 3rd. Also, the defense is 10th in the NFL in total yardage and 14th in points allowed. That is hardly a dominating defense. Lastly, if the Broncos run the table and the Titans lose 4 games, the Broncos could be the #1 AFC seed! Amazing how often this game can be played, isn't it? And if you really think that Brett Favre is the team's biggest weakness, you need help (and I am not a Favre apologist by any stretch of the imagination).

I stand corrected, I just realized ESPN stats went from overall NFL to AFC only in that category. They are only 3rd in the AFC in forced turnovers, not the entire NFL. But the other numbers are correct. They are the second best team in sacks and the fifth best team in rushing yards allowed. Are you going to argue that a defense that is great at stopping the run and rushing the passer isn't dominant?Favre has 14 out of the Jets' 17 turnovers this year which is why I think he has been the Jets' weakest link. If he can cut down on those mistakes, the Jets would be even tougher to beat.

 

[theplayer11]

LO at this thread...BYE??? with 7 weeks to go....just hope your team makes the play-offs at this point

 

[Ghost Rider]

They are the second best team in sacks and the fifth best team in rushing yards allowed. Are you going to argue that a defense that is great at stopping the run and rushing the passer isn't dominant?

If they are so good at stopping the run and rushing the passer, why are they middle of the pack in points allowed? A dominant defense stops the other team from scoring. The Jets have gotten better as the season goes on, I will definitely agree with that, but they haven't exactly gone up against any great offense lately. The best two offenses they have faced this year are SD and Arizona, and they allowed a combined 83 points in those two games. I am just saying...

Favre has 14 out of the Jets' 17 turnovers this year which is why I think he has been the Jets' weakest link. If he can cut down on those mistakes, the Jets would be even tougher to beat.

That is a pretty meaningless statistic since the majority of turnovers from any team is going to come from the QB position (since they touch the ball on every offensive play). For example, last year, 9 of NE's 15 turnovers came from Tom Brady. And do you really think that Favre, even with the mistakes he has made, hasn't elevated the overall play of the Jets offense? Or given the entire team more confidence as a whole? His presence alone makes a difference. Ask any current Jet, and I'll bet he would say that, without a doubt.

 

[Chase Stuart]

They are the second best team in sacks and the fifth best team in rushing yards allowed. Are you going to argue that a defense that is great at stopping the run and rushing the passer isn't dominant?

If they are so good at stopping the run and rushing the passer, why are they middle of the pack in points allowed?

Because points allowed isn't a perfect indicator of defensive quality.For example, the Jets have a bunch of turnovers returned for scores. They also allowed a ton of meaningless points to the Cardinals.

 

[Ghost Rider]

They are the second best team in sacks and the fifth best team in rushing yards allowed. Are you going to argue that a defense that is great at stopping the run and rushing the passer isn't dominant?

If they are so good at stopping the run and rushing the passer, why are they middle of the pack in points allowed?

Because points allowed isn't a perfect indicator of defensive quality.For example, the Jets have a bunch of turnovers returned for scores. They also allowed a ton of meaningless points to the Cardinals.

Okay, but sacks aren't a perfect indicator of defensive quality; neither is rushing yards allowed. You have to look at everything. Also, had the Jets offense not kept scoring in the second half of that game, those points to the Cardinals would not have been so meaningless. The Jets defense let the Cardinals get back in the game, and the Jets offense had to keep scoring to maintain the lead. Had they not, the Jets defense might have been responsible for blowing a 34-point halftime lead.

 

[Reaper]

The Jets offensive line has not played well against the Pats. D'brick has troubles with Seymour and the rest of the line seems to have trouble as well. I am sure Faneca is fitting in better than earlier in the year but they will have to prove they can control the line play. Not having to face Thomas on the outside will help the Jets; at least Favre will be able to keep his shirt on for the whole game.

IMO, this OL is much different than their 2nd NFL game together.... Like night and day.

IMO they took that goal line stand to heart and all the media attention on how that should have been a Favre pass.... I think the OL has a chip on their shoulder for this game.

 

[NoFBinLA]

I hate to punch a hole in the "Jets have a better rush defense" theory, but the Patriots have allowed exactly one player in nine weeks to rush for a TD against them. Granted, it was Ronnie Brown who did it four times, but that was when the Dolphins opened up the "Wildcat" offense and took the NFL by surprise. It doesn't help losing Thomas, but the stats say the Pats had a better rush defense than the Jets 8 out of 9 games this season.Of course the Pats can be passed on all day long, but fortunately, Brett Favre is the ultimate equalizer.

Well the Jets haven't given up so many TDs that it's much of an advantage - plus the pats give up 100yds per game on the ground, the jets 76.They aren't that far off but you can't just cherry pick the one stat they have over the jets and say that's it. The Pats give up longer runs (5 runs of 20 or more yards to the jets' three) and are allowing 4.1 a carry vs the jets 3.2.Sorry - no advantage for the pats in any category but one. And frankly, the jets score in the red zone through the air when they need to as well.Now here's the thing - almost none of this matters Thursday - these two teams wil bring everything they got as they always do. Both teams will play hard and the team which makes fewest mistakes overall will win this game.Gonna be a fun game.

 

[munchkin]

The Jets offensive line has not played well against the Pats. D'brick has troubles with Seymour and the rest of the line seems to have trouble as well. I am sure Faneca is fitting in better than earlier in the year but they will have to prove they can control the line play. Not having to face Thomas on the outside will help the Jets; at least Favre will be able to keep his shirt on for the whole game.

IMO, this OL is much different than their 2nd NFL game together.... Like night and day.

IMO they took that goal line stand to heart and all the media attention on how that should have been a Favre pass.... I think the OL has a chip on their shoulder for this game.

We'll see if the chip on their shoulder is bigger than the monkey on their back!!!!!

 

[dumervil]

They are the second best team in sacks and the fifth best team in rushing yards allowed. Are you going to argue that a defense that is great at stopping the run and rushing the passer isn't dominant?

If they are so good at stopping the run and rushing the passer, why are they middle of the pack in points allowed? A dominant defense stops the other team from scoring. The Jets have gotten better as the season goes on, I will definitely agree with that, but they haven't exactly gone up against any great offense lately. The best two offenses they have faced this year are SD and Arizona, and they allowed a combined 83 points in those two games. I am just saying...

Favre has 14 out of the Jets' 17 turnovers this year which is why I think he has been the Jets' weakest link. If he can cut down on those mistakes, the Jets would be even tougher to beat.

That is a pretty meaningless statistic since the majority of turnovers from any team is going to come from the QB position (since they touch the ball on every offensive play). For example, last year, 9 of NE's 15 turnovers came from Tom Brady. And do you really think that Favre, even with the mistakes he has made, hasn't elevated the overall play of the Jets offense? Or given the entire team more confidence as a whole? His presence alone makes a difference. Ask any current Jet, and I'll bet he would say that, without a doubt.

The Jets went on a major FA shopping spree this offseason. Those key new players inlcuded a starting QB, 2 starting OL, a starting DT, and a starting OLB. I assume you'd agree that it would take time for all those new players to adjust and make an impact with their new team. The biggest adjustment was the one Favre had to make but the two new OL also needed time to gel.Because of all these new players making adjustments, the Jets were vulnerable early in the season. I think after their recent play, you can see the new players getting more comfortable, especially the OL. They're an extremely dangerous team and teams that underestimate them because of their past will regret doing so. Just as teams underestimated the Pats before they started winning Super Bowls.I'm not attacking Favre. The guy is a first ballot Hall of Famer. It is a compliment to the Jets that he is to me the weakest part of their team right now (because he hasn't fully adjusted yet?). Another poster predicted multiple INTs from Favre in a Pats' win so that poster agrees with me that the Jets lose if Favre turns the ball over.Imagine how good the Jets would be if Favre starts to get hot.