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Here's the reason the Jets stack up well against the Pats: The Jets are now 4th against the pass in completion percentage, allowing only 56% average completions (about the same as the Packers and Steelers). They are also 4th in passing yards allowed per game, allowing only 200 yards per game on average (about the same as the Seahawks and 49'ers).
The Pats are 12th in rushing average (4.3 yards per rush), about the same as the St. Louis Rams. They will have to try and run the ball more here because the Jets are geared to stop the pass. Also the Jets will be dialing up the passrush to try and get to Brady, so it stands to reason they will try to run more.
Still I think it just comes down to a matter or sheer desperation... The Jets are just far more desperate to win this game than the Pats are. They will have 10 days to rest after this game so they will be giving it a 200% effort here. They simply cannot lose! We've all played desperate teams in the past, and no matter what their record is it sucks to play them because they're treating every play like it's their last. The Pats simply don't need this one as much as the Jets do, plus the Jets are at home and have the confidence of nearly beating them only a few weeks ago. Jets will improve to 5-6 and have ten days to rest and get ready for the Cardinals where they will improve to 6-6 and finally be a serious playoff contender.
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