The New England Patriots’ unbeaten revenge tour meets arguably its toughest roadblock as the league’s top offence encounters the stingiest defence when the New York Jets travel to Gillette Stadium.
First place in the AFC East will be on the line as the division foes renew their rivalry, which has been lopsided of late with New England having won seven of their past eight meetings against Jets.
While Patriots have blitzed the league with a 5-0 start following an offseason of Deflategate chatter, Jets have been impressive in their own right with a 4-1 mark and a stifling rebuilt defence.
Part of their success can be att-ributed to star cornerback Darrelle Revis, who switched uniforms in the offseason after winning his first title in his lone year with the Patriots.
Lining up opposite Revis, who leads the NFL in total turnovers with three interceptions and three fumbles, will be a familiar sight for Tom Brady. The two clashed throughout Revis’ first go-around with the Jets and today’s matchup once again pits players at the top of their respective positions.
“I like playing with him, there’s no doubt about that,” Brady said of his former team-mate. “He’s a supremely talented player. He’s got such a great skill set and knowledge of the game. He’s just got great ins-tincts, and his ability to shadow rec-eivers and play the ball.
“He’s really been a great playmaker for this team this year. It’s tough to get open on him and he usually draws the toughest matchup. He’s a great player.”
Revis and Co will have their hands full containing a New England attack which has scored at least 28 points in each of its first five games behind Brady, who leads the league in passer rating at 118.4.
The offence could get even stronger with the potential return of wideout Brandon LaFell.
After opening the year on the physically-unable-to-perform list, LaFell travelled with the team the past two weeks and finally returned to practice this week.
While slot receiver Julian Edelman and tight end Rob Gronkowski have torched opposing defences, LaFell’s possible presence against New York adds an outside threat. Last season, he reeled in 74 rec-eptions for 953 yards and seven touchdowns – all career highs.
“I’m tired of lifting weights, tired of rehabbing,” LaFell said. “I’m ready to get back to playing.”
While defence has been their calling card, the Jets offence has been more than just respectable. New York’s 146.0 rushing average tops the league and the team has put up 20 points or more in all but one contest.
Defeating the Patriots would not only end the Jets’ recent misfortune against their rivals and put to rest any chance of New England repeating a 16-0 regular season campaign, it would also vault New York to the top of the division.
Despite plenty of motivation, Jets coach Todd Bowles acknowledges that the final result won’t permanently alter the franchise’s season.
“Winning this game is not going to make us,” Bowles said. “Losing this game is not going to break us.”
Guard Willie Colon said: “We’re not trying to catch up on anybody. We’re not trying to make any statements. We just want to win, and everything will take care of itself.”
