New York Jets Week 2: Preview

Weekly Story Line

Last week, the New York Jets started the season on a high note in Houston, defeating the Texans 24-7. This week, the Jets host their division rival, the New England Patriots.

Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan make their home debuts as starting quarterback and head coach, respectively—a duo Ryan himself admits isn't as good as the Patriots at those two positions.

Nonetheless, they want to make good first impression to their home fans. A few months ago, Ryan said in a press conference that he didn't come here "to kiss Bill Belichick's rings." 

On Monday, the Patriots barely escaped with a victory against the Bills and they look forward to improving on the mistakes they made in that game.

Player Profile

This week's player profile is going to Sean Ellis, who will be making his season debut this week following his one-game suspension. Ellis, the longest-tenured Jet, has been with the organization since they drafted in him 2000. Among his accomplishments is a Pro Bowl selection.

Although Ellis is among the oldest players on an already old defensive end corp, he has the best chance of becoming an impact player among the defensive ends. In order for the Jets to defend against New England's explosive offense, Ellis must be aggressive this week in stopping the run and applying pressure to Tom Brady.

Matchups

Jets Passing Offense vs. Patriots Passing Defense

Sanchez was impressive last week, especially on third down. This week, expect Belichick to provide lots of pressure and disguise coverages to confuse Sanchez, which could turn into mistakes. The Patriots' young but talented secondary should able to handle the inexperienced receiving corp of the Jets.

 

Jets Rushing Offense vs. Patriots Rushing Defense 

It took them awhile, but the Jets were able to muster several big runs late in the fourth quarter in Houston. In Week Two, Jones and Washington face a battered linebacking corp that lacks last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jerod Mayo, due to injury. Expect Adalius Thomas to pick up the slack and provide leadership up front. If Shonn Greene can make his regular-season debut this week, the Jets will be even more explosive in the running game.

 

Patriots Passing Offense vs. Jets Passing Defense 

There were times last week where Tom Brady looked unpolished. This week, expect Brady to be more accurate and to spread the ball around more often. This could be very dangerous for the Jets. With Sean Ellis returning, the Jets must provide pressure to the quarterback. Last week, Revis did an outstanding job defending Andre Johnson, but this week he has his hands full against Randy Moss.

 

Patriots Rushing Offense vs. Jets Rushing Defense 

The Patriots running committee, including Fred Taylor and Laurence Maroney, needs to show improvement this week to take the pressure off Brady. But it's facing a tight Jets corp that hammered the Texans the week before and shut down Steve Slaton. It's going to be tough at times for the New England running game.

Weather

Sunny. High in the mid-70s.

 

Fantasy 

Start: Tom Brady

He's one of the best for a reason and always a must-start.

 

Sit: Mark Sanchez

Don't expect Sanchez to put up the same numbers this week as he did last week. He's only a backup QB in the fantasy world.

 

Sleeper: Joey Galloway

The Patriots will use Galloway more often this week. If your league starts three receivers, he's worth a look.

 

Final Prediction

The Patriots will continue their winning streak in the Meadowlands. The Jets lose, 30-10. The Jets' running game will help out, but Sanchez and the Jets defense will come up flat.