Jets vs. Patriots: 10 Bold Predictions for Playoff Rivalry Showdown
Can the New York Jets and New England Patriots play already? This AFC Divisional Round game has been talked about and talked about and talked about some more.
On Sunday, we'll finally get to see the rubber match between theses AFC East rivals and the winner will be one step closer to the Super Bowl. There will be plenty to watch for in this physical match-up.
Here are 10 bold predictions for the game that can't come soon enough.
10. Brandon Meriweather Will Get Burned Once
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Brandon Meriweather has developed into one of the NFL's best safeties, thanks in large part to his aggressive and physical play.
That aggression will back fire in a big way at least once on Sunday. Meriweather is going to try to land a haymaker on a receiver coming over the middle.
He'll miss and there goes Santonio Holmes for a 45 yard gain and possibly a touchdown.
9. BenJarvus Green-Ellis Gets More Touches and Less Yards Than Danny Woodhead
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BenJarvus Green-Ellis is the New England Patriots' workhorse running back. He's the grinder and the chain-mover. That will be the same for the Patriots on Sunday.
Despite Green-Ellis getting more touches, Danny Woodhead will have more yards. Woodhead has the advantage of being a critical part of New England's passing game.
He gets the ball in space and works well with it. Woodhead will have bigger gains than Green-Ellis.
8. Jason Taylor Will Make at Least Five Impact Plays
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When Jason Taylor is on, he's a beast. Even at 36 years old, the defensive end/outside linebacker can be an incredible playmaker.
The New York Jets need Taylor to be so on Sunday. Taylor will step up and make at least four impact plays. Those plays could be tackles for loss, sacks, tipped passes or forced turnovers.
Taylor will be ready to go against the Patriots and will be a large part of the action.
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7. Nick Mangold Will Win Against Vince Wilfork
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Two Pro Bowlers will square off in the center of the field Sunday as New York center Nick Mangold and New England nose tackle Vince Wilfork battle.
Mangold will win this battle. Partially, Mangold will win thanks to play-calling that send the majority of New York's runs off-tackle. But Mangold is one of few center that has the ability to block an elite nose tackle without help.
Wilfork won't disappear. But Mangold will neutralize him, allowing the Jets to get the running game going.
6. Aaron Hernandez Will Be The Patriots Leading Receiver
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Wes Welker is typically the production receiver for the New England Patriots and Deion Branch has had some nice games this season. But the New York Jets are going to be ready for those two with corners Darrelle Revis and Anotonio Cromartie.
But Revis and Cromartie can't cover everyone. Tight end Aaron Hernandez has proven a reliable threat even as a rookie. He'll have five catches or more and make big first down catches that will keep the Patriot offense oiled.
5. Mark Sanchez Will Complete 70 Percent of His Passes
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Mark Sanchez will have to make some plays for the New York Jets to win this game.
In the first meeting between these teams this season, Sanchez completed 70 percent of his passes in a win. The second time around, Sanchez completed 51.5 percent and the Jets were blown out.
Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will have a favorable game plan ready for Sanchez. He'll have wide receiver screens and moving pockets ready to create easy throws for his quarterback.
4. Devin McCourty Will Be The Most Important Corner in The Game
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New York's Antonio Cromartie has done all the talking this week. All the talk all season has been about New York's Darrelle Revis.
But the most important corner in Sunday's games will be New England's Devin McCourty. McCourty will have to either play Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards. McCourty will come up with great coverage and maybe even a key interception.
3. The Jets' Shonn Green Will Be The Game's Leading Rusher
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The New York Jets' Shonn Greene hasn't lived up to preseason expectations. thanks in large part to the resurgence of LaDainian Tomlinson.
As Tomlinson has faded slightly down the stretch, Greene has stepped up his production, rushing for 70 yards in each of the last two games.
Greene's ability to make strong, gashing runs into the Patriots' secondary will be a key component to New York's success.
2. Darrelle Revis Will Float on Defense
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Typically, teams try to use a shutdown corner to take away a team's top receiver for an entire game. That would mean that the Jets' Darrelle Revis would be matched up with the Patriots' Wes Welker all day on Sunday.
The Jets will take another approach. Instead of locking Revis in on Welker, the will move him around to cover Deion Branch as well.
The idea will be to give Tom Brady and the Patriots different looks and prevent them from just throwing away from Revis at will.
1. There Will Be No Post-Game Handshake Between Head Coaches
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New York Jets head coach and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick haven't indicated a great affection for each. However, they've remained cordial enough to shake hands in the past.
There isn't a way for Sunday's game to end that doesn't leave at least one of these coaches peeved enough to avoid the other after the game.
There is too much riding on this game for Ryan or Belichick to participate in post-game pleasantries.
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