Four Bold Predictions As Patriots Look To Avoid Sweep To Jets
The Patriots haven’t been swept by the New York Jets since 2000.
New England is currently operating under very weird circumstances, though, which has led to six consecutive losses to the likes of the putrid Jacksonville Jaguars, the banged-up Miami Dolphins and… the Jets.
It’s not completely out of the question that the Patriots can turn things around Sunday at Gillette Stadium, but they’ll likely have to make some of these bold predictions come true in order to do so:
WHITE’S RESURGENCE
It’s been a while since the name Keion White had been uttered around these parts, and that has a lot to do with the fact that he’s kind of disappeared over the last few weeks.
White had 4.0 sacks through the first two weeks of the season but has since been shut out while facing increased attention from opposing offenses. The Patriots need that to change, and we expect it will this week as New York will be without starting guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Prediction: White finishes with at least two full sacks.
DUGGER RETURNS TO THE END ZONE
Kyle Dugger has found the end zone three times in his career, but there seems to have been a draught since he took over more of a deep-third role at the beginning of last season.
New England might see that change this week, as Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has fallen in love with throwing the ball to the other team this year. Dugger should have an opportunity to make a play on Sunday, and since everyone on the other side of the ball is begging to give up, he could take it all the way to the end zone.
Prediction: Dugger scores a defensive touchdown.
MAYE-DAY!
The Patriots are going to shuffle things along their offensive line yet again Sunday, so there should be plenty of opportunities to make plays with his legs — especially with Jets pass-rusher Haason Reddick returning.
New England should lean into that, implementing rush packages for the rookie quarterback.
Prediction: Maye finishes with 50-plus rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE
The Jets offense currently can’t get out of its own way and has problems of its own along the offensive line. The Patriots’ offense has scored a respectable amount of points in recent weeks, but they haven’t been facing this defense. It’ll be a low-scoring affair, so hit up FanDuel or DraftKings before you turn the game on and enjoy the defensive show.
Prediction: Patriots-Jets finishes with under 30.5 total points.