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Game Preview: Patriots at Jets

The New England Patriots will face their first AFC East Division foe this week when they travel to face the New York Jets.

2024-GamePreview-jets

WEEK 3 · Thu 09/19 · 8:15 PM EDT

Patriots

New England Patriots

AT

Jets

New York Jets

Prime Video / WFXT
98.5 FM The Sports Hub
MetLife Stadium

The New England Patriots will face their first AFC East Division foe this week when they travel to face the New York Jets in a Nationally-Televised game on Thursday Night Football at MetLife Stadium. It will be the sixth Thursday night meeting between the two teams and the first since New England hosted the Jets on Oct. 16 2014 when New England took a 27-25 victory. Overall, the Patriots are 4-1 in Thursday night games against the Jets.

POUNDING THE GROUND

The Patriots followed a 170-yard rushing performance in the season-opener at Cincinnati with 185 yards rushing against Seattle. If the Patriots reach at least 170 yards rushing this week at the Jets, it would be the first time in team history that the team has started the season with at least 170 yards rushing in each of their first three games.

Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) against the New York Jets in 2023.
Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) against the New York Jets in 2023.

SERIES HISTORY

The New England Patriots and New York Jets will meet for the first of two scheduled meetings in 2024 when they square off on Thursday Night Football. The Patriots and Jets have played on Thursday in five previous contests with the Patriots leading 4-1 in those games. This week's game will be the first Thursday meeting between the two teams since the Patriots hosted the Jets on Oct. 16, 2014, a 27-25 win. The Patriots will host the Jets in the second matchup of the 2024 season on Oct. 27.

The Patriots enter this week's game with an eight-game winning streak at the New York Jets.

The Jets broke a 15-game losing streak in a 17-3 regular season finale win at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 7, 2024. The Patriots beat the Jets 15-10 in the first meeting of the 2024 season on Sept. 24, 2023, at MetLife Stadium.

The Patriots 15 straight wins were tied for the longest winning streak over an opponent with Buffalo (2003-10), and the seven-straight series sweeps were the most in team history.

Overall, the Patriots have 23 series sweeps over the Jets with 16 under Robert Kraft.

New England leads the series 74-55-1 overall. The Patriots are 34-29 all-time in road games against the Jets, including 11-3 at MetLife Stadium and 2-0 at the Jets on Thursday Night games.

The teams have played in the postseason three times – a 1985 Wild Card game, a 2006 Wild Card game and an AFC Divisional game in 2010. New England beat the Jets 26-14 in 1985 at the Meadowlands en route to Super Bowl XX. In 2006, the Patriots defeated the Jets 37-16 at Gillette Stadium, and the Jets beat the Patriots 28-21 in the 2010 Divisional playoff game in Foxborough.

New England is 45-17 against the Jets since Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994, including two postseason games.

New England's 74 overall victories over the Jets (including two playoff wins) are the second-most over any single opponent, trailing only the 78 all-time wins over Buffalo.

SERIES TRENDS

NEW ENGLAND 74, NEW YORK 55, 1 TIE
(INCLUDING NEW ENGLAND 2, NEW YORK 1 IN PLAYOFFS)

Home Record: 39-26-1 (incl. 1-1 in playoffs)

  • Record in Foxborough: 35-20
  • Gillette Stadium: 19-5 (incl. 1-1 playoffs)
  • Foxboro Stadium:16-15
  • Record in Boston: 4-5-1
  • Record in Birmingham, Ala. : 0-1

Road Record: 35-29 (incl. 1-0 in playoffs)

  • MetLife Stadium: 11-3
  • Giants Stadium: 17-10 (incl. 1-0 playoffs)
  • Shea Stadium: 5-14
  • Polo Grounds: 2-2

Seasonal Sweeps: Patriots 23 (most recent '22), Jets 14 ('00)

Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38).
Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38).

SCOUTING THE MATCHUPS

By Paul Perillo

When the Patriots run - Edge: Patriots

Through two games it's pretty apparent that the Patriots want to run the ball and are more than content to keep things conservative. The production has been outstanding in each game, and at the same time the Jets have struggled to stop the run. While New England has averaged 177.5 yards per game on the ground thus far, good for a tie for fourth in the league, New York ranks 25th, allowing 155 yards per game. That should bode well for a Patriots offense that has struggled to put points on the board and will be playing on the road in a short week. The Jets are also dealing with significant injuries up front. Pass rusher Jermaine Johnson is out with what the team fears is a torn Achilles while linebacker C.J. Mosley is dealing with a toe problem that kept him out of most of the Titans game. Meanwhile, both Rhamondre Stevenson (81) and Antonio Gibson (96) piled up the yards on the ground against the Seahawks and Alex Van Pelt will likely continue to lean on his backfield to move the ball. The Jets still have Javon Kinlaw and Quinnen Williams in front of linebacker Quincy Williams, and the group was better against Tennessee after a rough opener. The Titans managed just 92 yards on the ground on 24 carries, excluding the 38 yards quarterback Will Levis picked up on four scrambles. It's a matchup the Patriots must win if they're going to have success on offense.

When the Patriots pass - Edge: Jets

The flip side of the Patriots offense has not been nearly as successful. Jacoby Brissett and the Patriots passing game have struggled thus far. The lack of production has been the result of a variety of factors ranging from spotty protection to an inability for the receivers to uncover quickly to some bad throws/decisions by Brissett. It's added up to an average of just 122.5 passing yards per game in the early going, which ranks 29th in the league. Those numbers don't figure to improve all that much against a stingy Jets secondary that included corners Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, Michael Carter and Brandin Echols along with safeties Tony Adams and Chuck Clark. New York allowed an average of 195.5 yards per game through the air over the first two weeks, which ranks 17th in the league. But a year ago the Jets finished second in the league in that department, so New York figures to improve after a subpar effort in San Francisco in the opener. The Patriots don't figure to have the weapons to put much pressure on the Jets given the lack of involvement from the wide receivers thus far. Through two games New England's wideouts have combined for 11 catches for 85 yards, led by K.J. Osborn's four receptions. Only tight end Hunter Henry (10 catches, 127 yards) has enjoyed much success. The Jets won't make life any easier for the that group.

When the Jets run - Edge: Patriots

The Patriots haven't just enjoyed success when it comes to running the ball thus far. The defense has also been excellent at limiting the opponent's running game as well. Through two weeks the Patriots ranked second in the league, allowing just 58 yards per game on the ground, and third at 3.3 yards per carry. The Seahawks were without leading rusher Kenneth Walker, but Seattle likes to establish the running game and wasn't able to get anything going with backup Zach Charbonnet. Davon Godchaux, Daniel Ekuale and Anfernee Jennings were stout at the point of attack, and even after linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley left the game with a shoulder injury the Patriots remained physical up front. Bentley's status will be unclear on a short week, which would put the onus on backup Raekwon McMillan against the Jets talented tailback Breece Hall. Hall has been adequate thus far with 116 yards on 30 carries (3.9-yard average) but has yet to break out the way he did down the stretch a year ago. Rookie Braelon Allen has been productive in his limited role, and the Jets would like to improve on the pedestrian numbers they've compiled on the ground thus far. Hall will be the focus for the Patriots defense, and given the way the front seven has performed thus far that should favor New England.

When the Jets pass - Edge: Jets

New York hasn't exactly lit it up through the air as Aaron Rodgers returns after missing virtually the entire 2023 season with a torn Achilles. Rodgers has yet to regain his form and New York averages 181 yards per game through the air, good for just 21st in the league. However, Rodgers still shows the ability to zip the ball around when given the time, and Garrett Wilson is one of the best young receivers in the game. He has 10 grabs for 117 yards (11.7-yard average) through two games and is the guy Rodgers targets the most. Hall is also a big part of the passing game and leads the team with 12 receptions. Rodgers old buddy from Green Bay, Allen Lazard, is the No. 2 receiver while former Charger Mike Williams continues to work his way back from a torn ACL that cost him most of the 2023 season. Williams has just one target in two games, but he came up with a huge 19-yard catch to convert a key third down in Tennessee. Look for Rodgers to start getting him more involved. The Patriots secondary is coming off a tough outing against Seattle and will look to bounce back. Expect Christian Gonzalez to see a lot of Wilson, but based on the first two weeks there will be plenty of mixing and matching in terms of zone and man looks. The Jets are not a high-powered attack, but Rodgers is still dangerous when given time and the Patriots pass rush has been sporadic in the early going.

Special Teams - Edge: Jets

After an encouraging effort in the opener the Patriots special teams took a step back in Week 2. Marcus Jones had a nifty 15-yard punt return early, but it went downhill from there. Bryce Baringer, who otherwise enjoyed a strong day, inexplicably sent a late first-half punt down the middle of the field, allowing Dee Williams to return it 24 yards to set up a field goal. Later, Joey Slye had a 48-yard field goal blocked, allowing the Seahawks excellent field position to set up the game-tying field goal. The Jets have been solid this far on special teams. New York came up with a blocked punt in Tennessee to set up the offense on a short field. Kicker Greg Zuerlein hasn't gotten much work but is perfect on five attempts including four PATs. Veteran punter Thomas Morstead averages 51.3 yards on his nine attempts with four downed inside the 20 against no touchbacks. And returner Xavier Gipson has some explosiveness to his game with a 19-yard punt return to his credit. He and Jones are dangerous in that department. The Patriots will look to bounce back after the sloppy effort against Seattle, but the Jets appear to be the more sound group in the early going.

TALE OF THE TAPE

2024 REGULAR SEASON PATRIOTS JETS
Record 1-1 1-1
Divisional Standings 2nd (T) 2nd (T)
Total Yards Gained 600 531
Total Offense (Rank) 300.0 (19) 265.5 (26)
Rush Offense 177.5 (4T) 84.5 (26)
Pass Offense 122.5 (29) 181.0 (21)
Points Per Game 18.0 (20T) 21.5 (14T)
Total Yards Allowed 582 701
Total Defense (Rank) 291.0 (12) 350.5 (24)
Rush Defense 58.0 (2) 155.0 (25)
Pass Defense 233.0 (27) 195.5 (17)
Points Allowed / Game 16.5 (5) 24.5 (25T)
Possession Avg. 33:23 25:42
Sacks Allowed / Yards Lost 4/25 3/17
Sacks Made / Yards 6/25 7/32
Total Touchdowns Scored 3 6
Penalties Against / Yards 8/82 10/80
Punts / Avg. 11/46.5 9/45.6
Turnover Differential +2 (5T) 0 (15T)

PATRIOTS ON THURSDAY

The Patriots will play on Thursday for the 26th time in team history. New England is 16-9 on Thursday entering this week's contest against the Jets.

CONNECTIONS

FORMER JETS

  • Off. Asst. Michael McCarthy, 2008 (Video/Scouting Intern)
  • RB Coach Taylor Embree, 2021-23 (Running Backs Coach)

FORMER PATRIOTS

  • TE Anthony Firkser, 2023 (training camp only)
  • Chief of Staff Kevin Anderson, 2006-2016 (Football Operations)
  • WR Coach Shawn Jefferson, 1996-99

WHAT TO LOOK FOR...

  • The Patriots did not commit any turnovers in their first two games. If they do not commit a turnover this week at the Jets, it will be the team's first three-game stretch without a turnover since the 2022 season - vs. N.Y. Jets (11/20), at Minnesota (11/24) and vs. Buffalo (12/1). If they do not commit a turnover this week, it will match the 1998 season for the only time in team history that the team did not commit a turnover in the first three games of the season.
  • The Patriots have held their opponent under 100 yards rushing in each of the first two games of the season with 70 yards allowed vs. Cincinnati and 46 yards vs. Seattle. If the Patriots hold the Jets to under 100 yards rushing this week, it will be the team's first time starting the year holding the opponent under 100 yards rushing in its first three games since 2019 when the Patriots allowed 32 yards rushing vs. Pittsburgh, 42 yards at Miami and 36 yards vs. the New York Jets.
  • The Patriots held Seattle to a 2.4-yard average on 19 rushing attempts for 46 yards last week. The Patriots held their opponents to under 3.0 yards per carry (ypc) six times in 2023. If the Patriots hold the Jets to under 3.0 yards per carry this week, it will be the first time the Patriots have held a team under 3 yards per carry in two-straight weeks since accomplishing the feat in three-straight weeks in 2023.

PATRIOTS TO WATCH

  • TE Hunter Henry had his second 100-yard receiving day in the home-opener vs. Seattle with a career-high 109 yards receiving. If he reaches 100 yards receiving this week, it will mark the first time that he has had back-to-back 100-yard receiving games and the first time that a Patriots receiver has had back-to-back 100-yard receiving games since WR Julian Edelman in 2019 when he had 110 yards at Washington (10/16/19) and then 113 yards vs. the New York Giants (10/10/19).
  • If Henry reaches 100 yards receiving against the Jets, he will be the first New England tight end to have back-to-back 100-yard receiving games since TE Rob Gronkowski in 2016 when he had 109 receiving yards at Cleveland (10/9/16) and then 162 yards receiving the following week vs. Cincinnati (10/16/16).
  • RB Rhamondre Stevenson has rushed for a touchdown in each of the Patriots first two games. The last New England running back with at least one touchdown in each of their first three games is RB LeGarrette Blount in 2016 when he set a team record with 18 total rushing touchdowns.
  • RB Antonio Gibson averaged 8.7-yards per carry vs. Seattle with 11 carries for 96 yards. If he averages at least 8.0 yards per carry this week against the Jets, he will be the first Patriots running back since RB Sammy Morris in 2008 to have two games on the year averaging at least 8.0-yards per carry (minimum of 10 carries). Morris averaged 8.6 yards per carry vs. Denver (10/20/08) and 8.4 yards at Oakland (12/14/08).
  • P Bryce Baringer extended his streak to 19-straight games with at least one 50-yard punt with a 56-yard punt in the first quarter vs. Seattle. He will look to extend that streak with a 50-yard punt this week at the New York Jets. The NFL record for the longest streak with at least one 50-yard punt since 1970 is 38 by Shane Lechler (2007-10).
  • DE Keion White followed a career-high 2½ sack performance in the season-opener at Cincinnati with 1½ sacks vs. Seattle. If he gets at least one sack this week against the Jets, he will extend his streak to three-straight games with a sack to start the season. Matthew Judon in 2022 and Andre Tippett in 1986 are the only Patriots to have at least one sack in the first four games of the season.

BROADCAST INFO

TELEVISION: This week's game will be broadcast by Prime Video and can be seen locally on WFXT-TV Channel 25. Al Michaels will handle play-by-play duties with Kirk Herbstreit as the color analyst. Kaylee Hartung will work from the sidelines. The game will be produced by Mark Teitelman and directed by Pierre Moossa.

NATIONAL RADIO: Thursday's game will be broadcast to a national audience on Westwood One. Ian Eagle will call the game and former Patriots CB Devin McCourty will be providing analysis.

LOCAL RADIO: 98.5 The Sports Hub is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. A complete listing of the network's 33 stations can be found here. Play-by-play broadcaster Bob Socci will call the action along with former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who will provide color analysis. The games are produced by Marc Cappello.

For information on how to stream the game please visit our Ways to Watch guide.

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