Part four of breaking down the Jets/Patriots week 13 showdown
New York Jets - Passing Yards Allowed Per Game - 210.6 Yards, 12th in the NFL
- Darrelle Revis - 18 tackles, 8 passes defensed
- Antonio Cromartie - 33 tackles, 15 passes defensed, 3 INTs
- Brodney Pool - 29 tackles, 6 passes defensed, 1 INT
- Eric Smith - 42 tackles, 1 pass defensed
- Drew Coleman - 29 tackles, 4 passes defensed, 1 INT
New England Patriots - Passing Yards Per Game - 236.7, 13th in the NFL
- Tom Brady - 236/356, 2703 yards, 23 TDs, 4 INTs
- Wes Welker - 65 receptions, 592 yards, 6 TDs
- Aaron Hernandez - 36 receptions, 462 yards, 3 TDs
- Deion Branch - 33 receptions, 433 yards, 3 TDs
- Rob Gronkowski - 25 receptions, 310 yards, 6 TDs
- Brandon Tate - 18 receptions, 301 yards, 1 TD
The biggest concern for the Jets heading into this game is defending the pass. Tom Brady has no shortage of weapons around him and the defense has struggled throughout the season. It will be interesting to see how the Jets use their two elite cornerbacks in coverage during the game. I would like to see Darrelle Revis on Wes Welker on third downs, but beyond that I think he will spend most of the rest of the game on Deion Branch. Antonio Cromartie has the size to match up on either of the Patriots tight ends from time to time.
The key for this game is how well the Jets backup players in the secondary handle the Patriots spread formation. Drew Coleman, Dwight Lowery, James Ihedigbo, and maybe even Kyle Wilson all need to put together strong performances. I expect to see the Jets frequently have 6 or 7 defensive backs on the field. New England's ability to move the football will be based on their passing attack. With Jim Leonhard now out of the lineup, everybody is going to have to improve their play.