 | | Jaworski on the Jets |  |
The New York Jets had a huge win in Buffalo, a hostile environment. The Jets counted heavily on special teams play for the victory. Props go to Michael Westhoff, one of the best special teams coaches in the business. I spoke to Jets GM Terry Bradway on Tuesday, and he said, "Man, after watching Chad Morton, we have to get him involved some in the offense." So we may see Morton more out of the backfield.
Offensively, I thought the Jets would be more aggressive with their passing game. But they went with a more high-percentage game against Buffalo. Curtis Martin, who is banged up, is a big part of their offense, but LaMont Jordan is a solid backup who can help the Jets' power running game. On defense, the Jets did a miserable job of tackling. They lacked discipline, often overrunning their gap responsibilities and allowing cutback holes to open. Although there is much work left to do, the Jets are still 1-0 after Week 1.
Five keys for the Jets:
1. Attack down the field: The Patriots do good things with their underneath coverage. So when the Jets get the single matchups on the outside, they have to take the opportunity to get the big play. Instead of a five-yard hitch pass or a quick slant, they should go with more stutter-gos and the corner routes. Try to get points rather than first downs when they have single matchups.
2. Disciplined defense: Because they play a fast-flow style of defense, the Jets' key is always to maintain their gap discipline, something they didn't do against the Bills. Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis designed one of the best offensive game plans I've seen in 30 years around the NFL. He took the Steelers out of their blitz packages. Against Weis' offense, the Jets must play with tremendous discipline or the Patriots will break them down. Last year, the Patriots spread them out, and Tom Brady found his groove throwing the football. The Jets must be prepared for the empty backfield, the no-huddle, the four-receiver look -- everything.
3. Pass protection: When Vinny Testaverde has time in the pocket, he can pick a team apart. It's clear that the Jets offensive line and backs must be sharp. They can get big plays against New England's secondary if Testaverde has time. Last year he was sacked only 18 times. While he gets rid of the football well, he has a tendency when he has quick pressure to throw the ball up for grabs. It's important to give him the comfort level in the pocket.
4. Edge pressure: When Brady has the ability to set up and deliver the football, he can be accurate. He does not get rattled; he has great composure. The Jets must get edge pressure and get defenders to him right away. John Abraham, Shaun Ellis and Bryan Thomas must find ways to get around their blocks quickly and make him get rid of the football.
5. Special teams play: The Jets don't want to receive too many kickoffs, because that means the Patriots are scoring points. But when the Jets get an opportunity with Morton, they need to try to create more big plays for him like they did last week.
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 | | Salisbury on the Patriots |  |
Although the New England Patriots had the best all-around performance of Week 1, I'm still trying to harness my enthusiasm. People still want to believe they are not as good as they showed Monday night against Pittsburgh. But the Patriots have perhaps the best coaching staff in the NFL, with Charlie Weis being the most underrated offensive coordinator in the NFL. Combining Weis' talents with those of Bill Belichick and Romeo Crennel, the Patriots game-plan as well as anybody. Look at what the Patriots did against the Steelers, taking them out of their defense and calling 25 straight pass plays. The defense also stopped the Steelers' running game and turned Kordell Stewart's night into a nightmare.
The Patriots are confident in Tom Brady, and I love what they are doing already this season. I expect them to go to the Meadowlands and beat thet Jets on Sunday.
Five keys for the Patriots:
1. Run the ball: The Patriots have to be more committed to the run game. Brady threw the ball a lot against the Steelers. While he was following the game plan, they still need more production from Antowain Smith and company because eventually someone will shut down their passing game. The Pats need to run in order to take the heat off Brady on every play.
2. Utilize Branch: Deion Branch is one of the best rookies in the league. A second-round selection from Louisville, Branch is a big-play receiver who turned six catches into 83 yards against the Steelers. The Pats need to give him the ball at least 8-10 times and make the Jets stop him.
3. Stop Special Teams: With two kick returns for touchdowns in Week 1, the Jets' special teams are feeling pretty good about themselves. And as we saw last week, that confidence can take over a game. The Patriots cannot let the Jets get any special teams momentum. Their coverage teams must be sound and can't be blocked like the Bills were. They have to beat the Jets in the return game and make something happen -- force a turnover, keep the ball inside the 20-yard line -- anything. Just do not give up a big play.
4. Pressure Jets receivers: Santana Moss, Laveranues Coles and Wayne Chrebet are not big bodies, but they can run. If the Patriots defensive backs give them any space, they will get beat. Like the Patriots did against the Rams in the Super Bowl, the defensive backs need to push the envelope and pressure, pressure, pressure the Jets receivers and throw off the timing of their passing game.
5. No big plays: For the first time in years, the Jets believe they can push it down the field with their passing game and make big plays. The Pats defense needs to limit the big plays and lengthen the game. Make the Jets work their way down the field instead of reaching the end zone with one shot. |
