Recently, I had the honor of interviewing Brian Johnson, the lead content writer for the Jets blog, One Jet at a Time (you can also follow them @OneJetAtATime on twitter). Since the New York Jets are coming into Foxboro to take on the New England Patriots tomorrow night, I figured it would be cool to get some perspective from the other side. My questions are in bold (Brian’s answers are in normal font).
1.) So…Jets vs. Patriots, the rivalry continues. We’ve seen in recent years that these two teams usually do play close and exciting games. What are you most looking forward to in this Thursday night’s game?
The Jets have looked talent deficient thus far into the 2014 season, but I’m excited to see the rivalry renewed. It always brings the best out of each team, regardless of final score lines. Specifically, I want to see how the Jets’ offensive line plays off an atrocious Week 6 performance. The Jets’ run game was held to about 30 yards against the Broncos, but bruiser Chris Ivory was given little to no lanes to burst through. Of note, backup Oday Aboushi will be overtaking the left guard position after second-year man Brian Winters went down with injury; this could end up being an upgrade. Of course, there’s also the intrigue as to whether the Jets will throw Revis’ way.
2.) Though I am a Patriots fan, I do live in New Jersey and I can’t help but pay attention to what’s going on with the local teams (Giants, Jets, Eagles). Now with the Jets, my understanding is that they have a talented team in all areas but at QB. Can you blame the quarterback controversy (that has spanned from Sanchez and Tebow to Geno and Vick) for the Jets’ recent struggles? If that’s the case, then would you consider the Jets one QB away from having a great football program? If not, what is the issue with this team?
The team’s issues go beyond quarterback. GM John Idzik failed to address needs at wide receiver (beyond Decker) and cornerback, at least and especially in terms of immediate success. None of the three wide receivers drafted by Idzik in 2014 have had an impact (due to injury/cut) and acquisition CB Dimitri Patterson is no longer with the team after initially going ‘AWOL.’ Not all is on Idzik’s shoulders, though. It’s hard to predict starter CB Dee Milliner being consistently injured or losing draftee CB Dexter McDougle before the season even got underway. The previously mentioned offensive line needs help, but that didn’t seem to be a position of dire need going into the offseason.
3.) Rex Ryan may not be liked at all within Patriots nation, but I think he deserves respect for still keeping the Jets as a competitive team. At 1-5 though, assuming the Jets’ playoff chances are narrowing, should they fail to make the playoffs again and finish under .500, do you believe the Jets should still keep Ryan as the head coach? Who else would be on the hot seat?
Owner Woody Johnson loves Rex; maybe even enamored with him. And how could you not be? Rex Ryan came to the Jets and found immediate success, while being a guy that players respect and work harder for. According to some reports, fair or unfair, GM John Idzik’s seat may be hotter than Rex’s, given the current regression. I believe the Jets right the ship to enough degree that we see the same cast of characters in 2015, but we’ll see how things play out, starting with Thursday night’s game.
4.) The Patriots recently lost RB Stevan Ridley and LB Jerod Mayo to injuries that will sit them out for the remainder of the season. Ridley was doing very well running the ball this season and Mayo was always a force for this Patriots defense. This is obviously a huge blow for Patriots fans. Could you though, see this as an opportunity for the Jets to take advantage of and if so, how would they approach this situation?
I mean anytime an opponent is missing key players, there’s a weakness to be exposed, especially considering the short week the teams are playing on. When Wilfork went down for the Jets’ last meeting with your Patriots, the Jets looked to run the ball right up the defense’s gut and found success. I’d expect the same thing in this matchup (keywords: ball control). The Jets are stout in run defense (disregard the game vs. San Diego, if you will), so any added advantage there is just icing on the cake. At the end of the day, the Jets have had opportunities to win games through this juncture of the season, and have been responsible for the own shortcomings, whether in terms of talent or execution. Weaknesses are only important if you can take advantage of them and not shoot yourself in the foot.
5.) As I mentioned in the first question, most Jets-Patriots games are close, regardless of where each team stands coming into the game. Being honest, who do you have winning this game, by what score, and why?
The Jets have had a tough time in Foxboro, and coming into the game off a short week versus Peyton Manning, it’s hard to justify a Gang Green win. I will predict it close, however, for the same reasons you have mentioned. Say 24-23. Yes, just one point shy to break my heart. Damn you, Hoodie.
How about that for perspective? We already know that for us Patriots fans, this is a huge game because a win would really help boost this team’s morale after losing key guys like Ridley and Mayo. But we also see that this an important game for the Jets because it has implications for their team down the road. Both teams will give it their all and that’s why I think it will be a close game. Maybe not 1-point close but it will be close for sure. My prediction is New England 24, New York 14 but we will definitely see. I wish it was Thursday night right now but hey, I hope all of you enjoyed this Q&A! Be sure to follow me @vaidyeah33 and Brian @BrianOJT on twitter and may the best team win (hopefully that’s the Patriots).
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