Pats Preview week 2:

The rivalry of rivalries begins a new chapter this week with our first of two regular season meetings with the New England Patriots. In some ways it is a huge game, but it's also important to not make it bigger than it is. We need a win if we plan to be a contender. However, if we do win we shouldn't celebrate like it's the Superbowl, and if we loose we shouldn't feel like the season is over. It's only one game.

So, why is there so much hype? Well, you have two head coaches who are respected as great defensive minds, but couldn't be more different in their overall approaches. You have the best active QB in the NFL today going head to head with the #1 draft pick from USC who has been making all the headlines. Two savvy offensive lines, two defensive lines in flux, and two revamped secondarys. These two teams are as much alike as they are different.

New England has a much superior passing game and of coarse their head coach is far more accomplished and experienced. But, the Jets hold the advantage in most other areas. I think our offensive line and assistant coaches hold a slight edge on their Patriot counterparts. I think our D-line, with a healthy Ellis and Jenkins, is better, as is our secondary. Our running backs are far superior and the Pats defense minus Vrabel, Bruschi, Mayo, and Seymore is no match for Jones and Washington.

I am totally perplexed by Belichicks decision making process this offseason. He had no control over Bruschi's decision to call it a career, but trading Seymour and Vrabel looks really foolish when you loose your top young LB in Gerard Mayo week 1 with a significant injury. They also dumped Matt Cassel and they didn't score a decent veteran QB in free agency. So if Brady and his HUGE left knee brace go down, the Pats could be looking at their first sub .500 season in a long time.

Who do I need to see step for the Jets in this game? The first name is Rhodes. Yes, Kerry Rhodes and his machine gun mouth need to start walking the walk. He is so intent on "embarrassing" the Patrots and the best passing attack in the NFL, he better focus on not embarrassing himself. If you want to have your picture in the paper and give all the sound bytes you better be able to back it up. Players like Troy Polamalu keep their mouths shut and do all their talking on the field. I hope Kerry spent as much time in the film room as he did updating his twitter account.

Next up on my list of players who need to make a big impact, Shaun Ellis. Nine seasons with this team, a former first round pick, and the big multi-million dollar contract. He's coming off a one game suspension so I'd like to see two games worth of effort this Sunday, he should be well rested. I am looking for our two yong LB's Gholston and Westerman to cause some havoc, and our two 4th round draft picks, Washington and Cotchery, to continue making plays. One other guy on my radar is Dwight Lowery. I have a feeling that as the nickel back he will have a great impact this week. He will either make some big plays or he may get beat big.

Because of the Pats superior passing attack I would try to take some of the pressure off of our secondary by blitzing Brady as aggressively as possible. I'm sure that wouldn't be a tough sell to Ryan and company. I'd also challenge that Patriot D-line. Our running game should be able to to dominate especially with a one two punch of Jones and Washington. One final request, please take a few shots with Clowney! He needs to get some touches. If you get him in single coverage let the ball fly, make them respect the deep ball.

I have already predicted this game as a loss. I would say it will be something like 31-17. Neon Leon will score, our defense will score and the Pats light it up in the second half. Lets see how our coach and young QB respond to their first loss. This can actually be a good thing for us. If we loose this week and come back and fight strong against Tennessee and the Saints it will show we are the real deal.

I will be praying for a win, but I don't think we have enough experience yet to get it done.