Jets v. Patriots Pregame

We have reached the point in the season where at 4-5 the Jets playoff chances are pretty much non existent.  However, I always keep some sort of faith as long as it is a possibility.  If the Jets can pull of a highly improbable win today in New England they can pull  within a game of 1st place and hold the tie breaker over the Patriots.  This game is going to come down to whether the Jets defense can rebound from a terrible game next week and contain a very very good Patriots offense.  Again, the one player I am concerned with the Jets containing is Kevin Faulk.  This guy always seems to find ways to beat us and is prolific on third down.  The Jets can't allow Maroney or Faulk to get going because if the Patriots have both the running game and the passing game going they will be impossible to stop.  Mike Devito has been great filling in for Kris Jenkins and he will have to continue that today.

What to watch for....

• The fire alarm at the Jets hotel was pulled last night at 1 A.M last night.  I am no conspiracy theorist but here is what  few of the Jets players had to say:

• The Jets will have to come out strong early and take the crowd out of the game.  The fans will be pumped for this one after the Jets beat them earlier in the season.  If the Jets can open the game with either a long touchdown drive or a quick defensive stop it could do wonders for their confidence and take the crowd out of the game early.

•  Rex Ryan has shown that he is a rookie coach so far this year but he will have to be on top of his game if he hopes to outsmart Bill Belichick.  

Who to watch for...

•  Darelle Revis will once again be given the task of containing Randy Moss.  Moss had a huge game last week and will be looking to get back at Revis who shut him down in Week 2.  Revis has shut down pretty much every big time receiver he has faced this season and there is no reason to think he can do it again today.

• Mark Sanchez is going to have to deal with figuring out an improved Patriots defense from Week 2.  Belichick will have schemes designed to confuse the rookie quarterback and try to expose his weaknesses.  Sanchez will have to be on top of his game at 4 PM today.

• Kerry Rhodes has faced a ton of criticism from Jets fans in recent weeks about his lack of big plays.  He always seems to get to plays a second too late and is never in a position to make a big interception.  If Rhodes can break out of his slump and make a big play in this game it could be a turning point in the game.

Game Thoughts:

I think the Patriots will come out and show that they are the best team in the AFC East.  They should handle a Jets team that is struggling in all aspects of the game.  If the Jets can keep this close by halftime they may have a chance to gain some momentum and win this game.  However, look for the Patriots offense to come out on fire and this could get ugly early.

Game Prediction:

Patriots- 28
Jets- 13