New York at New England
Time: 8:25 PM (ET)
Network: NFL Network
Two of the ugliest wins to begin the 2013 season came in the AFC East, from both the New England Patriots and New York Jets sneaking by competition to start their year in positive. The Jets of Joisey started the 2013 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a shocking upset victory in the final seconds of their home opener.
New York ran for 90 total yards with Geno Smith having nearly half, and would essentially lead the Jets in their opener after a Lavonte David personal foul setting them up for a game-winning field goal. Given the lack of preparation, Geno Smith was impressive in his first ever NFL game; and has been given the duties of starting for the Jets now with Mark Sanchez out the year for season-ending surgery on a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
For now, Rex Ryan’s job is safe, but after tonight he could be under the hot seat once again. Coming into tonight’s game, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are 4-0 against rookie starters, which we’re expecting them to keep their loss column at 0 when regulation ends.
Check after the jump for more of our preview along with a video preview.
UPDATE: Patriots Defeat Jets 13-10
OS REWIND: Jimmy Fallon “Evolution Of End Zone Dancing” (feat. Justin Timberlake & The Roots)
The Patriots victory was similar to the Jets, being extremely ugly defeating their division rival Buffalo Bills. Tom Brady was visibly frustrated with his young receiving core after losing five receivers in the offseason.
Defensively, we’re expecting the Patriots to contain the Jets running game (or lake thereof) and inexperience of Geno Smith against a proven defense like New England. Whether the game is positive for either offense, defensively we can expect a pretty entertaining game possibly coming down to the wire with both teams plagued by injuries in the likes of Rob Gronkowsk, Danny Amendola, Jeremy Kerley, and Quinton Coples