Patriots-Jets Week 2 Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) - The New England Patriots and New York Jets continue their storied rivalry tonight in the Pats' home opener at Gillette.
It's a short week for both teams, who are coming off close Week 1 victories. The Patriots are hampered by key injuries, with receiver Danny Amendola (groin) likely out, running back Shane Vereen on the IR (broken bone in his wrist) and tight end Rob Gronkowski still on the mend.
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Patriots should be OK despite all their injury issues right now. I just don't think the Jets are that good.
Look for the Pats to score on special teams this week too.
Patriots 31, Jets 13
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Patriots are in a situation where BB is going to have to come save the day.
I think they will come up with some sort of plan to make it happen and they will figure it out. The Jets just aren't good enough to come in here and score 17 points.
Patriots 24, Jets 13
READ: Patriots-Jets Tale Of The Tape
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
The Patriots find themselve in a tough spot heading into their Week 2 match up with the Jets.
We all know by now that the Pats are banged up. Shane Vereen is on the IR and Danny Amendola is expected to sit as well. So, the key will be how Bill Belichick, Josh McDaniels, and Tom Brady respond.
The logical response would be to place a bigger emphasis on the running backs. Stevan Ridley will get a chance for redemption, so I figure the Pats may ride him as far as he can go. It's time to play smash mouth football with the Jets, so add in LeGarrette Blount to mix it up. Then use Leon Washington or Brandon Bolden as your third down receiver-type back.
After that, Julian Edleman needs some help from the rookies. Someone in the group of Kenbrell Thompkins, Josh Boyce, Aaron Dobson (if healthy), Zach Sudfeld (if healthy), or Hoo-man needs to step up. I still think Thompkins can -- and will -- be that guy. It's up to Brady to keep his faith in these young pass-catchers.
On defense, when the Patrots are home they force turnovers, much like they did Sunday against the Bills. Also, the Pats have done well at home against rookie QB's. With Geno Smith making his first career road start, look for the Pats' pass-rush to improve this week.
Patriots 27, Jets 14
SCOUTING REPORT: Meet The New New York Jets
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
It's a short week for both teams and the Patriots have barely practiced; just a limited session on Monday and a walk-through on Tuesday. Their focus was on trying to stay healthy.
Don't expect to see Gronkowski, but expect the young players to play better. Playing at home usually benefits the rooks, and the Pats have plenty of them on the roster. This should be a good time to get them acclimated to game time.
This will be the first time on the road for Jets QB Geno Smith, and he's thrown right into the rivalry. I was impressed with Geno's knowledge of the Patriots this week. In his conference call, he knew who he was going up against on the Pats defense and their strengths. But I'm not sure how that is going to translate onto the field.
READ: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog
The Jets got their first win because Tampa Bay isn't good and they committed a really dumb penalty. The Pats are better than that, and they should be strong for the home opener. They'll work out the kinks and hopefully finish the short week 2-0.
Patriots, 20, Jets 7
Walt Perkins, WBZ NewsRadio 1030
I expect another tight AFC East battle, with the Patriots showing they are the better team -- especially with the game on the line.
Patriots 27, Jets 17
Tune in to Patriots-Jets on 98.5 The Sports Hub -- the flagship station of the New England Patriots. Pregame coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. with a full postgame show after the game. On the TV side, catch Bill Belichick and Tom Brady's postgame press conferences on Patriots 5th Quarter on myTV38 immediately following the game.
