My Wes Welker Blog

The New York Jets and New England Patriots have much to prove in their Week 2 matchup at the New Meadowlands Stadium. The Patriots have to prove they can again display the offensive firepower they showed against the Bengals. And suffice to say that the Jets need to get their offense going and show that the off-field issues swirling around the team aren't affecting their play on the field. These divisional rivals would like nothing more than to make a statement on Sunday and gain an upper hand in the competitive AFC East. Before we could even consider what the NFL predictions for this game would be let's take a closer look at both teams offense.

Patriots on Offense

The Patriots were extremely impressive on Sunday against the Bengals. New England's passing offense truly stood out as Tom Brady went 25-35 in the game with three touchdown passes and four receivers caught at least four balls. Most importantly for the Patriots, Wes Welker looked to already be on the same wavelength with Tom Terrific in his first game back from an ACL and MCL tear in his left knee.

New England has the ability to score on the vaunted New York defense. Just as Baltimore went after Kyle Wilson and Antonio Cromartie for any offensive edge, Tom Brady will do the same the Jets. New York's cornerbacks must be more disciplined than they were on Monday night and resist the urge to go for the flashy play. If New York sticks to the same defensive scheme from Monday and blitz the Patriots and Brady almost constantly, New England has a veteran offense which can pick them apart in the middle of the field. I expect the Jets to put forth a fine defensive effort and to be more disciplined then last week, but it will take more than one game for New York to plan a working defensive scheme and to get players back in regular season form. As long as New England is able to successfully run the ball they will have a solid day on offense.

Jets on Offense

The Jets offense was pathetic on Monday night, making only six first downs and passing for a measly 60 yards. Brian Scottenheimer and Rex Ryan must be willing to take more risks on offense and to be more creative. All the Jets offense seemed to consist of in their first game were screen passes and runs up the middle. If Mark Sanchez takes shots in the middle of the field and deep when appropriate and avoids constantly going to his first option New York can slice and dice the Patriots, who lack depth in their secondary and were frequently burnt by the Bengals. As long as the passing offense has some success, Ladanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene should be able to pull off the long runs that eluded them exhibited on offense in game one, and I expect it to display plenty of growing pains.

Prediction

The Jets cannot completely shut down Tom Brady and one of the NFL's best offenses on defense, and on offense they are too much in flux to take advantage of the Patriot's deficiencies. Sorry New York fans, Mark Sanchez is not the second coming just yet. Expect a low scoring game but for Brady to eventually put it out of reach.

NFL predictions: Patriots at Jets

NE 21
NY 14

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