Matchup: Jets Run Offense vs. Pats Run Defense

Part two of breaking down the Jets/Patriots matchup

New York Jets - Rushing Yards Per Game - 148.1, 2nd in the NFL

LaDainian Tomlinson - 166 carries, 741 yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 5 TDs
Shonn Greene - 140 carries, 575 yards, 4.1 yards per carry, 1 TD
Brad Smith - 27 carries, 216 yards, 8.0 yards per carry, 1 TD
Tony Richardson - 1 carry, 2 yards
John Conner - 2 receptions, 9 yards

New England Patriots - Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game - 110.6, 16th in the NFL

Vince Wilfork - 41 tackles, 4 TFLs
Jerod Mayo - 132 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs
Gerard Warren - 20 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 TFL
Brandon Spikes - 54 tackles
Rob Ninkovich - 42 tackles, 1 sack, 3 TFLs

The Jets should be able to establish a running game to balance their passing attack against New England's front seven. LaDainian Tomlinson has slowed down over the past month but has still been a dangerous weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. Shonn Greene will need to be the guy who carries the bulk of the load and keeps the chains moving. I am sure the Jets won't hesitate to get creative with their "Tiger" formation this week and with other attempts to get Brad Smith the ball in the open field.

Despite the temptation to constantly air it out against a weak New England secondary, the Jets must maintain a degree of balance. The best defense against Tom Brady and his arsenal of weapons is to keep him on the sideline and a few clock burning drives led by Greene and Tomlinson wouldn't hurt. This is a big week in particular for Greene who hasn't done anything against the Patriots over the past two years. The Jets need him in December. His legs should be fresh, considering his work load so far. Monday is a great night for him to really get rolling in the 2010 season.