NFL Picks Week 10: New England Patriots Will Snap Back at New York Jets

The New England Patriots started off hot and poised to make a serious run through the regular season and into the playoffs. 

However, in recent weeks, New England looks to have slowed down. The offense is not as effective and the defense is still showing the flaws that they have had all season. 

With both the Jets and Patriots at 5-3, they are tied for first in their division. This game is vital for both of them to win, and especially for the Jets to win to not give up the tie-break with New England.

Although the Patriots are not looking as strong as they were expected to, they will still come back to beat the rival New York Jets.

Three-Game Losing Streak

Not since 2002 have the Tom Brady-led Patriots lost three games in a row.

Coming off tough losses to both the Steelers and the Giants, the Patriots are looking to redeem their season with a win against the rival New York Jets.

Tom Brady and Belichick will have to find a game plan to beat the Jets. Like the last time they met, the run game will have to have an impact against the Jets’ 22nd-ranked rush defense. 

New York’s pass defense is in the top 10 in the league and showed its ability to slow down Brady. 

The main reasons for Brady and Belichick not losing three games in a row is because they both understand the game and the adjustments they have to make. 

Brady and the Patriots rarely lose three games in a row.

Mark Sanchez

With a Patriots defense who is ranked dead last in pass defense, the game is going to fall on Sanchez’ shoulders. 

This may not mean that he has to throw for 350 yards and three touchdowns, but he cannot turn the ball over giving Brady and that offense another shot at the end zone. 

In recent weeks, Sanchez has played decent which has helped the squad get to a tie for first in their division.  The quarterback play is going to be vital because the last time these two teams played; the Jets’ rush was ineffective.

Unless the Jets decide to run better against the ninth ranked Patriots rush defense, Sanchez will have to take much of the responsibility of scoring in this game.

For the Patriots, this is exactly what they want.  Sanchez has not proven that he can take over a game especially against a team of the Patriots caliber.

Tom Brady

Having arguably the best quarterback in the game never hurts in trying to determine if a team will on Sunday.

Brady has historically not had great games against the Jets.  This is understandable because the Jets are not a defense that a team can just walk over.

However, Brady is a competitor and has the capability of willing his team to a victory over any team in the league. 

The Patriots will most likely try to focus on the run because that is what was most effective against the Jets the last time these two teams met.

If the Jets adjust to this, which they will, the Pats are going to have to adjust and who better for adjustments at the line than Tom Brady.

Room to Improve

The Patriots have a lot of room to improve their team.  This is actually a good thing mainly because the team is about halfway through the season.

From these past two losses, it is clear that the defense and offense both need some work.  Having a week to prepare for the Jets and point out their own flaws will help them become a better team. 

The Pats defense is going to need some serious progress in order to be considered an elite team.  Sometimes, it seems that it is not a matter of talent but effort.  If it is effort, look for the coaching staff to make some serious changes to instill some inspiration in this team.

Whatever the issue, New England will have to continue to get better week in and week out in order to compete with teams like the Jets.  

Albert Haynesworth Release

Haynesworth’s release came recently after the two losses to the Steelers and Giants.

For the few plays Haynesworth was in against the Giants, his effort was clearly not there and effectiveness not there.

He was released from the Patriots, which could send a message to the entire team that if the effort is not there, they have no need for them. 

Hopefully this will send a shock to the defense to step up and play some better football.

The most unfortunate situation could be that Albert Haynesworth had so much potential and talent yet wasted it.  He did not show the most effort, which was a shame. 

Whatever the reason, his release will energize this defense and team in general to play better which is bad news for the Jets.