AFC East Monday Night Battle: Patriots vs. Jets

It’s very possible that the two best teams in the NFL both play in the same division. Both the New England Patriots and New York Jets are tied for the best record in football with 9-2 records. Despite the fact that they are tied in the standings, the Jets have a decisive edge in almost every statistical category.

The Pats have the slight edge in passing yards per game, but New York is 2nd in the NFL in running the ball, and is far superior against both the pass and rush defensively. All that being said, New England has been made a 3,5 point favorite by NFL handicappers at all the major sportsbooks.

Tom Brady has gone relatively un-noticed this season, but is having another spectacular season. There are more good quarterbacks in the league now then there has been in a long time, and Brady hasn’t been focused on as much this year as years past. Brady has the 2nd highest passer rating in the league, and has thrown 24 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions through 11 games. He has done this with a patch-work offense, that has seen multiple players come and go through injuries and trade.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been a Patriot for 3 seasons, but has gone relatively un-noticed prior to this season. He currently leads the team in rushing yards (627) and touchdowns (9). This offense has been focused on the pass for several years now (and still is), but now that Green-Ellis has proven to be a legitimate weapon running the ball, the Pats can mix it up more often than not.

The receiving group has been spun around and around and upside-down this season as many players have been lost or gained or released throughout the season. Wes Welker has been the only consistent for Brady. Brady has gone back and forth between 2 tight ends, and has gone to their kick returner Brandon Tate several times this year. The addition of Deion Branch has been a comforting addition for Brady. They seem to have the same chemistry that they had back in their championship years.

The Jets are winning games that they shouldn’t. This is the sign of a Championship caliber team! A come from behind win 2 weeks ago against Houston showed that this offense has come a long way under 2nd year quarterback Mark Sanchez. Sanchez doesn’t put up numbers that would entice fantasy football players to draft him high, but he is a true leader that can make big plays when needed. Fortunately for Sanchez, the Jets have the 2nd best rushing attack in the NFL.

LaDainian Tomlinson has awoken this season after leaving San Diego under bad terms. His 741 yards rushing have been a huge boost to this team along with Shonn Greene’s 575. Having a hard-nosed running game shortens games and allows their tremendous defense to rest. The Jets will need to stay with that philosophy on Monday if they are to beat this potent New England team.

NFL experts and football handicappers had both of these teams going deep in the playoffs prior to the start of the season. Unfortunately, only one of them can win their division and potentially get home field advantage throughout the playoffs. This game may be the determining factor!

Related posts:

1. AFC East Rivalry continues: Patriots vs. Jets
2. Patriots take on 2-0 Bills in AFC East Battle
3. Patriots host the Chiefs in Monday Night Battle
4. AFC East Monday Night Clash: Miami/ New England
5. Jets take on Winless Dolphins Monday Night

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