The New England Patriots are riding high after a massive 45-17 win against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 11. It was a complete blowout. But don’t get too comfortable. The New York Jets are coming to Foxborough this Sunday, and they bring a serious problem with them.
Let’s be honest, sometimes when the Patriots play the Jets, weird things happen.
Geno Smith is playing some of the best football of his career. According to the Associated Press, the veteran Jets quarterback hasn’t thrown a single interception in five starts this season. That is the longest stretch without a pick he has ever seen. You can’t let a guy that careful move the ball around without paying a price.
The turnover problem in New England
The math is ugly for the Patriots defense. The Jets enter this matchup with a plus-3 turnover differential, while New England has only forced six total turnovers this year. That puts the team at 19th in the NFL. You simply cannot win games if you don’t create mistakes for the other side.
Mike Vrabel knows the mission. The Patriots coach said that if the team wants to create turnovers, they are going to have to “actually go out and force them.” It sounds simple, but it is hard work. Smith has been too smart for too long.
Injuries cloud the offensive line
The defense isn’t the only thing that looks shaky. The Patriots are dealing with a massive list of hurt players. Will Campbell is struggling with his right knee, and TreVeyon Henderson is out with an ankle injury. This leaves Drake Maye in a bad spot. The Jets defense is great at punching the ball loose, having recovered five fumbles so far.
The one bright spot is A.J. Brown. He is back in practice after missing time with a high ankle sprain from the season opener against Seattle. Brown said he is impressed with how the other receivers played while he was gone. He noted, “Whenever I decide to come back, I’m just going to add.”