Patriot fans are struggling to come to terms with their team having a 2 and 4 record after six weeks of football. They played the Cowboys tough, fought to the end but failed to take their opportunity to close the deal for a signature win. After losing to the Buccaneers in a thriller, it was the second time in three weeks that they had played a top team without anything to show for it. In a city and franchise where you are measured based on championships, it is just not acceptable. However, as the team head into week 7 of this season and prepare to face the Jets, this game is a must-win at home. In this article, we preview the game and make our score predictions.
1. The Patriots-although we lost the game, Mac Jones showed he climbed a little higher on the growth curve. He showed arm strength to thread the needle and threw his receivers open in man-to-man coverage. He will want to take another step against this Jets defense. However, he will need his offensive line to do a better job in protecting after getting rocked twice by Randy Gregory. The Jets’ strength on defense is to pressure and hit the quarterback. They are ranked 2nd and 8th overall in those categories. If Mac gets protection from the offensive line, he will deliver the ball to his receivers and should be able to be successful against an average secondary. The Patriots run game also shined last week with Damien Harris looking to repeat his effort despite his rib injury. The Patriots X-factor is Rhamondre Stevenson who showed flashes in the run and passing game after being benched by Belicheck for fumbling in week 1. It would also be nice to see Jonnu Smith feature in this game because there is an APB out for him.
2. The Jets-the Jets should be well-rested after their bye week. The game before their bye was a 27-20 loss to the Falcons in London. Zach Wilson is struggling in his rookie season because he only has 4 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. He has an interception in all five games he has played. The Jets’ issue on offense is protecting the young rookie quarterback. He has been sacked 18 times so far in the season, and Matt Judon will be licking his chops to add to that tally. The Jets struggle to run the ball, and it has made the offense one-dimensional.
3. Head to Head-according to the Football Database, the matchup favors the Patriots with a 70-54-1 record against the Jets. In fact, since 2000, the teams have met 45 times, and the Patriots have a 34-11 record against their division foes. In the same period, the Patriots are 17-6 at home against Gang Green. In the same matchup last season, Cam Newton led the Patriots in a dominant 3 touchdown performance for a 28-14 victory to end the 2020 season on a high.
4. Key Stats-After the loss to the Cowboys at home, it dropped the Patriots to 0-4 and a four-game losing streak at home. It is the first 4-game home losing streak since the 1993 season. The streak began in the 1992 season and extended to 7 games in the 1993 season. It is the second-longest in franchise history. Hopefully, the Patriots will end that rut this Sunday.
5. Score Prediction-the Bills loss on Monday Night Football to the Titans gave a glimmer of hope that the division is still up for grabs. The Bills will be on a bye, and the Patriots should be motivated to gain on their divisional leaders. I think Mac Jones will have a good game, and a balanced offense will put points on the board. Zach Wilson is almost certain to turn the ball over and give extra possessions to the Patriots.
Final Score-Patriots 30-Jets 17