More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Browse more photos »

The Pats give up 110 yards per game on the ground, which is in the middle of the pack. Two excellent run defenders on the line, Jarvis Green and Ty Warren are nursing injuries and are not certain to play. Don't be fooled, though. This is going to be a tough matchup. The Jets have to figure out how to handle Vince Wilfork. Wilfork has been almost impossible to block this year. Almost every week in this space, you see me talk about how important it will be for Nick Mangold to handle the other team's nose tackle. This week it's more pronounced than usual. Wilfork isn't a great pass rusher, but he can blow up opposing run games.

The Jets also need to focus their blocking schemes on Jerrod Mayo, the second year linebacker with 39 tackles in 6 games. He missed the first contest. New England has other quality run defenders at the linebacker position. Pierre Woods, a rotational player who had a big game in last year's visit to Foxborough, is one of them. So is Adalius Thomas. Woods could see a lot of time depending on Tully Banta-Cain's injury status. Inside linebackers Gary Guyton and Eric Alexander are both nursing injuries that could hamper their effectiveness and leave a lot on veteran Junior Seau. This might be something the Jets can exploit if Mangold can hold Wilfork in check.

New England's secondary is very good in run support. Shawn Springs' coverage skills are in decline, but he's been effective against the run. So has Leigh Bodden, New England's other corner and safeties Brandon Merriweather and Brandon McGowan. This is a game where Leon Washington's ability to make people miss may be missed.

We'll see eight men in the box a lot with the rookie quarterback as we do every week. If that doesn't work, we may see nine to try and force Mark Sanchez to win the game like we did in Week 2. The offensive line has a tough task winning these matchups.

More photos » by Peter Morgan - AP

Browse more photos »

The Patriots have offered a number of different defensive looks the past few weeks. Watching the game against the Dolphins two weeks ago, I noticed a subtle move. Vince Wilfork lined up at right end in the 3-4 trying to create a mismatch against the left side of Miami's line. Last week against the Colts New England operated a lot out of the 4-3 with Ty Warren out of the lineup and Derrick Burgess and Tully Banta-Cain at end. Warren is fighting an ankle injury. He's questionable. Whether he starts or not, I think we'll see a few wrinkles from Bill Belichick, changing up the looks on Mark Sanchez.

I would guess we could see Wilfork at end a few times trying to use his power against D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Alan Faneca, who may struggle to contain him. If the left side gets tied up, it will free up edge rushers, such as New England's best, Tully-Banta Cain (3 sacks). Banta-Cain is questionable with a rib injury. I could see Belichick utilizing a look like this to use Rex Ryan's overload blitzes against him. With Warren banged up and Jarvis Green also nursing an injury, we'll see a lot of Mike Wright on the line. Wright has been effective as a pass rusher.

I think the Jets should max protect to keep Sanchez standing. The Pats are probably going to attack him. They've seen on film the rookie mistakes he's made and will try to force more. I'm also expecting eight in the box. Belichick teams try to take away what you do best. For the Jets, owners of the league's top rushing attack, that's run the football. Patrick Chung has also been an effective blitzer from the safety spot.

If the Jets can keep Sanchez standing, they have some decent matchups. Braylon Edwards is a tough matchup for Leigh Bodden. He might need help in the form of Brandon Merriweather and other safeties, which will leave Jerricho Cotchery against an aging Shawn Springs, returning to the lineup from a knee injury and a mix of rookie Darrius Butler and Jason Wilhite. Cotchery always seems to play well against New England. He'll have a good chance to do so again. Dustin Keller should remain Sanchez's primary read, though. It's important not to make mistakes. Keller's a safety valve, and aside from Merriweather and Jerrod Mayo, New England's linebackers and safeties aren't great in coverage.

The Jets did a lot to exploit New England's pass defense in the second half of the first game. This was without Braylon Edwards. As long as they can keep Sanchez upright, they'll have some favorable matchups again. I do not expect this platform to affect Sanchez. Less than a year ago, Mark lit up the Rose Bowl. Obviously, this is a tougher defense, but the pressure of the game won't get to him. Aside from Banta-Cain and Wright, the Pats don't really have any great pass rushers in their front seven. Adalius Thomas and Derrick Burgess have ability but haven't really lit the world on fire this year. The Jets just need to do what it takes to keep Sanchez standing.

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason (85) catches a pass in front of New York Jets safety Kerry Rhodes (25)

Browse more photos »

Brian Costello of the NY Post talked this week with both Kerry Rhodes and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine about the safeties lack of game changing plays this season:

"It is getting difficult," Rhodes said. "I see myself wanting to do certain things on certain plays to try to make a play. But once you start doing that you get yourself out of position and other plays happen. This is where you really have to stay disciplined in what you believe in and what the game plan consists of."

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine was asked about Rhodes this week and said Rhodes has graded out well but then raised an interesting issue about Rhodes' off-the-field activities.

"There are some guys where that's their thing," Pettine said. "When they leave the building, they put more on their plate football wise. I think as coaches we all want to be of the mindset that our guys are all going to be gym rats and football junkies and if they leave here, they're going to go home and study tape. Not everyone is like that."

Pettine did say he has no issue with Rhodes' work ethic, but the implication is clear -- he thinks Rhodes might be too worried about TV appearances and photo shoots.

Kerry Rhodes has come under intense scrutiny this week after he failed again to make any real impression on a Sunday. In fact the only impression that he did make came on a play that basically wrapped up the game for the Jaguars, as a miscommunication between himself and Leonhard allowed Lewis to streak down the field and bring in a 30 yard catch to put the game to bed.

He has come under scrutiny on GGN a lot this season, as part of his mid-season post, John named Kerry as the most disappointing player this season. Now it seems to me like Pettine although back handedly and probably not intentionally has increased the spot light on Rhodes, and not a Hollywood spot light that Rhodes prefers. In calling into question his off the field activities.

Nobody here knows how much work Kerry puts into studying video on opponents, and maybe it is that opposing teams are more wary of him now than they have been in the past. Although to take the next step he has to adapt back, I'm sure that teams are more than aware of players like Ed Reed and Darren Sharper, but they still make game changing plays.

Here we are heading into game 10 of the 2009 NFL season, and Rhodes has 0 sacks and 0 INT. Few big hits and 0 forced fumbles. Quite simply put, Kerry right now is not a big deal, he is average in every aspect of his game. Areas that he does lead in, music video appearances, fan interaction and social media networking. I admire him for his open attitude to the fans.

However sooner or later he is going to have to do his talking on the field, because if he doesn't, we may have to find someone that will.

After Revis completely shutdown Moss in the first matchup, holding him to just 4 catches for 24 yards, Moss ran off at the mouth about how he refuses to give Revis the credit he deserves because the Jets were playing Rhodes over-the-top.

Now, he wants to make sure we all know he's a 12- year vet (::shudder::).

"I don't feed into talking and all of that crazy stuff,'' Moss told the Boston Herald. "I'm a 12-year vet. So that stuff don't bother me. My biggest thing is, when you talk like that, you better back it up. So we'll see. We'll see what happens.''

LOL at he doesnt "feed into talking." We all know how cool-headed Revis is, and no one else was talking this week. He felt the need to re-hash  the incident......so what does that make him? Hmm...

                       Yeah, we'll see what happens......

^image via api.ning.com.. quote via Star-Ledger jets page.

Currently sitting at 4-5, coming off a couple of gut-wrenching losses, the J-E-T-S know a win on Sunday is the only way to stay in the playoff hunt and try to save this disappointing season. Fitting that it would take place in Foxborough.

To win It will take a full-team effort, similar to what was put forth in the week 2 matchup. Unfortunately, this is a much-improved team since week two as it seems like Brady has effectively shook off all the cobwebs, and Welker didn’t play in that game either.

On the plus side, the Jets catch them in a bad spot after blowing the game in Indy, which not only may take a toll on them mentally, but also physically. They have TWELVE guys questionable for the game on Sunday, the majority of them being defensive reserves, but if anything, they will be thin as far as depth goes.  That being said, with all the motivation driving NE (rivalry, revenge from week 2), I’m starting to think that losing to the Colts may just fuel them to play even harder.

How The Jets can win this game:

-Play mistake-free football & Limit the big pass play—I know, easier said then done,  but it’s the only way to beat teams that run spread offenses and can score at will like the Pats do.

-RUN THE BALL/Control the clock. This patriots team will be thin on Sunday and we have to make their starters work. If we can keep them on the field, it will force them to either over-play their first team, or bring in scrubs. Either way, it will set up the big play. We need to run to setup the pass on Sunday (FWIW, because of our secondary issues, they will probably look to do the opposite.)

-Get Pressure on Tom Brady and Flush him out of the pocket. The pass rush has to improve, and they have to make the secondary’s job easier by taking Brady out of any rhythm. This is how we won the first game. Let’s hope Light is out…will surely help.

Summary/Prediction:

The Jets played a perfect game in the first matchup. Revis was dominant in that game and held moss to only 4 catches/24 yards. Not sure he can reciprocate that, especially with all the "shutdown corner" banter fueling Moss. Edelman burned us in the first matchup and we didn’t even have to worry about Welker. Even if Leonhard plays, he’ll obviously be limited, and I just think it’s too many weapons for our secondary (which struggled w/ Mike Thomas n Co.) to handle. NE also has a lot of tape to look over since week 2, and Belichek is known for being one of the best regarding making adjustments.

Also, the Jets played Rhodes over-the-top for most of the first matchup to contain Moss, and if they do that again Welker and Edelman will have a field day underneath. They're going to have to play more aggressively.

Unfortunately,  I don’t think the pass-rush is going to suddenly wake up overnight because of one simple firing, and I think this banged up/new-look secondary will have their hands full. Lito is still nowhere near 100%, and when he’s not in, Lowery on Welker may get ugly. I think Sanchez will turn the ball over at least 2 times also.

Jets are also totally shifting around ST assignments, as it looks like Cotchery and Brad Smith will be returning kicks w/ Leonhard unavailable here.

As much as it pains me to say it, I think too many stars must align in order for the Jets to win this game. I give them about a 20% chance of coming away with the victory. 31-20, NE.

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Browse more photos »

Jim Leonhard might be in the lineup against the Pats after all.

Leonhard, injured in last Sunday's loss to Jacksonville, returned to practice Friday and participated in individual drills as well as some team activities while wearing a cast on his hand.

Coach Rex Ryan said he'd consult with Leonhard and the team's trainers to see how he feels leading up to the game Sunday. Eric Smith would get the start opposite Kerry Rhodes if Leonhard can't play.

It sure would be nice to have the secondary at full strength against these receivers.

Vernon Gholston, on the other hand, will definitely sit the next one out.

Ryan also ruled out linebacker Vernon Gholston for the second straight week with a hamstring injury. Gholston was injured in practice last Monday in the team's first workout off the bye-week break.

Do you think the Jets may be milking this injury a bit so the man they invested so much in will not be listed as a healthy scratch?

More photos » by Tony Avelar - AP

Browse more photos »

Leon Washington is expecting to be back for offseason workouts in March.

"My goal is, which I'm very optimistic about, is to get back in March for initial training," said Washington, speaking to the New York media for the first time since his injury in Oakland. "I want to be moving around pretty good. I want to be able to work out with the guys ... I'm very optimistic about that. I have faith about it. I look forward to it. The way I'm moving right now, I'm right on target."

Washington suffered a rare injury - a double open fracture in his right leg. He broke the tibia and fibular bones, which pierced the skin. For the interview, he sat in a chair, with his lower leg encased in a walking boot. He's getting around on crutches.

Washington, in the final year of his contract, said he has "no regrets" about eschewing the Jets' proposal for a long-term contract - a decision that could ultimately cost him millions.

"With business, there's risk and reward," he said. "I knew that coming into the season. There was a risk ... Life is more important by being happy than, per se, money. Obviously, the security part is what you want for you kids' kids, grandkids. But right now, I feel better than ever."

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Support our rookie quarterback in a foreign country.

Browse more photos »

Less than two weeks remain until the Jets take on the Bills in Toronto, but it's not too late to make the trip.

You can plan your trip with one stop shopping.

Find a hotel for under $100 per night.

Find roundtrip airfare nonstop for under $300.

See the sights of one of North America's best cities.

Get a free t-shirt.

Root the Jets to a victory over the Bills.

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

Rex isn't happy with what he's seen from the defensive line.

Browse more photos »

The defensive line looked good yesterday under its new coach.

Wednesday was the first day of practice without defensive line coach Kerry Locklin, let go Monday in what Ryan termed a "mutual decision" and replaced by Jeff Weeks and Chuck Smith.

"I think today was our best day out there," defensive end Marques Douglas said. "[The] communication was excellent, we worked as a group [and] our tempo was great."

When asked if he was surprised at the shakeup, Douglas replied, "it’s kind of something you don’t think about, because we as players are supposed to play, and the coaches and GM [Mike Tannenbaum] make that decision.

I doubt there's a big difference between the quality of Locklin's coaching and Smith's coaching. I do expect the line's play to get better. This was done to send a message. The players got an indication the powers that be are not happy with the play. If this continues, there will only be one constant and only one left to change.

Do you expect a more inspired defensive line?

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Browse more photos »

Mark Sanchez seemed to apologize yesterday for reading off a script during Sunday's postgame press conference.

Mark Sanchez stepped to the podium for his weekly press conference yesterday, surveyed the room full of reporters and deadpanned, "You guys want to start or you want me to start?"

It was Sanchez's way of defusing what became a controversial postgame press conference after the Jacksonville loss Sunday when he read notes from a sheet of paper, trying to cover all the topics he figured he would be asked about.

Sanchez was apologetic if he offended anyone by his actions.

"I thought I had everything figured out, of course, as a 23-year-old rookie would, but probably not the best way to go about it," he said. "It didn't go over very well, so. Trial and error and hopefully a one-time mistake."

Why exactly was the script thing a big deal? He knew what questions were going to be asked and wanted to get his responses out of the way. I will say one thing for him. He's showing he's good at taking the air out of controversies generated purely for media hype.