Matchup: Jets Rush Defense vs. Pats Rush Offense

Part three of breaking down the Jets/Patriots week 13 showdown

New York Jets - Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game - 86.3, 4th in the NFL

David Harris - 74 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks
Sione Pouha - 37 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
Mike DeVito - 42 tackles, 4 TFLs
Bart Scott - 57 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 sack

New England Patriots - Rushing Yards Per Game - 112.5, 16th in the NFL

BenJarvus Green-Ellis - 145 carries, 627 yards, 4.3 YPC, 9 TDs
Danny Woodhead - 64 carries, 344 yards, 5.4 YPC, 3 TDs
Fred Taylor - 25 carries, 98 yards, 3.9 YPC
Sammy Morris - 14 carries, 36 yards

New England has patched together a servicable running game with the combination of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. The Jets have been rock solid at stopping the run all season and there is no reason that shouldn't continue against the Patriots. New England has much better match-ups throwing the football and I can't imagine putting together a game plan that is anywhere near run heavy. Woodhead is more of a concern for the Jets because of his pass catching ability out of the backfield and speed. The Jets are slow at the linebacker position and could have a tough time matching up with him in space.

I do think the Jets have the ability to make New England one dimensional on offense but I don't think the Patriots will hesitate to embrace that. They use their short passing game to substitute for their running games at times and they will look to take advantage of the mismatches their running backs, tight ends, and Wes Welker will have. Another thing to keep in mind, the Patriots didn't have guard Logan Mankins when the teams first met in week 2.