PLAYERS NOTES
–DE Trey Flowers must do a better job rushing the passer than he did against the Titans where he was a non-factor against a backup tackle. These last six games are critical for Flowers if he wants to receive a big contract in the offseason. Flowers has improved against the run, but most show more burst and creativity as a pass rusher to get to the quarterback. Flowers has only 2.5 sacks. The Patriots also must get more of a pass rush out of Adrian Clayborn who had limited action against Tennessee. Clayborn has been a disappointment.
–TE Rob Gronkowski: All signs point to Gronkowski, who missed the last two games, playing against the Jets. Head coach Bill Belichick said Tuesday the Patriots are a better team with Gronkowski with him receiving numerous double teams this year. It would be nice if the Patriots get Gronkowski involved early as it would open up other options like Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett.
–CB Stephon Gilmore had his worst game of the year against the Titans with Corey Davis having seven catches for 125 yards. Gilmore, who could cover the Jets best receiver Quincy Enunwa, needs to play well. Gilmore said Tuesday “there is motivation every week” when asked about whether there was extra motivation after his struggles against Davis. Gilmore said Tuesday with the rules favoring receivers, it is critical to playing your technique well. Gilmore was happy to have four days off last week for the bye week. “It is good to get some rest,” Gilmore said. “So you can come back and play your best football.” Gilmore said the Patriots must start faster on the road. “That’s what we have to do this week against a good football team. We can’t get behind.”
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: G Shaq Mason. One of the reasons the Titans were able to get a strong pass rush in the Patriots’ last game was because Mason missed the game. If Mason, who is the Patriots best interior linemen, returns it would help provide stability along the line and Trent Brown, who played with an illness against the Titans, being healthy will also help too.
GAME PLAN: Offensively, the Patriots face a fast group of linebackers. Against a Jets defense (that gives up 25.4 points per game -21st overall) that can be scored upon, the Patriots must get a lead early to prevent the Jets from playing with any confidence. All indications are that Rob Gronkowski will play Sunday and he should play well against the Jets. If Gronkowski plays well, it will allow other receivers to have more opportunities. Gronkowski should have increased blocking duty because blocking tight end Dwayne Allen will likely miss the game.
Defensively, the Jets are limited at wide receiver so don’t allow Quincy Enunwa to have a big day. Enunwa is fast once he gets the ball in his hands, so the Patriots must limit his yards after the catch. Stephon Gilmore noted that he was impressed with the quick release of Sam Darnold so the Patriots should jump the routes early to prevent Darnold from hitting his first option.
QUOTE TO NOTE: Devin McCourty, 31, on whether the Patriots want to play especially well this game after the Tennessee loss: “I think any time you lose you look forward to getting back out there – you want to put a better representation of who you are and for us defensively it was not a good showing. Each side wants to get out there and get that bad taste out of your mouth.”
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Patriots LT Trent Brown vs. Jets DE Leonard Williams. After getting beat by Jayon Brown in the game against the Titans, Trent Brown needs to rebound with a strong performance against Williams.
–Patriots WR Julian Edelman vs. Jets CB Morris Claiborne. Edelman will need to get open when he faces Claiborne, who has two interceptions. Edelman was one of the only positives in the Titans loss when he had nine catches for 104 yards. Edelman and Rob Gronkowski will be a tough combination for the Jets to stop.
