Not only is Sunday’s game between the Jets and Patriots a key AFC East matchup that may already have playoff implications, but it will also feature two players who just might be the best at their position.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis are both destined for the Hall of Fame. After winning a Super Bowl with the Patriots last season, Revis returned to the Jets after two years away.
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Because of his time with the Patriots, Brady said Revis "has an intimate knowledge" of the Patriots offense. Brady has a right to be concerned. Revis had success against Brady during New England practices last year but has just two career interceptions against Brady. The first was as a rookie in 2007 and the second time was in 2009, when the Jets were able to win a 16-9 defensive struggle. If the Jets are going to win Sunday, they might have to win in a similar style because the Jets’ offense is not nearly as potent as New England’s.
The Jets constantly blitzed Brady that day and, while they didn’t sack him, they hurried him 15 times, hit him five times and Revis held Randy Moss to four catches for 24 yards. His interception was a result of a safety blitz by Jim Leonhard, whose pressure caused Brady to launch the pass deep off his back foot.
Brady threw his first interception last week against the Colts, but the interception wasn’t exactly his fault and the Patriots still left Indianapolis with a 34-27 victory. Brady has 14 touchdowns, and his lone interception came on a deflection off the hands of receiver Julian Edelman. The Colts safety Mike Adams does deserve some credit for hanging onto the ball and returning it for a touchdown. If and when the Jets get their opportunities, they must capitalize on them.
The Jets defense is more about Revis. New York has a solid secondary with safeties Calvin Pryor and Marcus Gilchrist, while Antonio Cromartie is a suitable complement to Revis at the other corner spot. As in most games, Cromartie will probably see the majority of the targets with the Patriots unlikely to throw to Revis’ side often.
The Jets also have what might be the best defensive line in football, anchored by Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson.
If they can collapse the pocket against a beat-up Patriots offensive line as they did against the Redskins, with Wilkerson coming on a stunt, it will make it easier for the Jets secondary to make plays against Brady.
If Brady is allowed time, he will pick the Jets apart — as he has done with every defense he’s faced so far — and it might not even matter if he makes a trip to Revis Island or not.