In the Red Zone: New England Patriots at New York Jets Preview Week 16

This Week

The New England Patriots visit their AFC East Rival New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Patriots		The Jets
Overall Record	11-3	Overall Record	3-11
Road Record	4-3	Home Record	2-5
AFC East	3-1	AFC East	0-4
AFC Conf	8-2	AFC Conf	3-7

Brad Allen is the referee for the game

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the game at Patriots MINUS 10. The over/under is 47.5.

My Prediction is Patriots 34, Jets, 17. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 10-4 against the spread and 7 of 14 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in the Meadowlands make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for the New York City NY metro area.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a MetLife Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game regionally and Spero Dedes will do play by play while Solomon Wilcotts will provide the game analysis and Shaun Livingston will cover the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.

The DirecTV designation is Channel 707.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 10 a.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 112 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Jets Radio Network has Bob Wischusen calling play by play and former Jet Marty Lyons doing the color via their flagship station WEPN-FM, ESPN New York 98.7.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 133, XM Channel 227 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 821.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots eliminated the Dolphins from the playoffs with a 41-13 rout at Foxboro while the Jets beat the Titans on the road, 16-11.

History

This is the 112th meeting between the teams.
The Patriots lead the all-time series 57-53-1 including playoffs.
The Patriots are 26-28 including playoffs as the road team in the series.
They are 2-2 at The Snoopy.
The lone tie in the series (24-24) came on October 2, 1966 when both clubs were part of the AFL.
Patriots won the first meeting in Week 7 in Foxboro, 27-25 a win sealed on a blocked field goal by Chris Jones.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

The Patriots overall franchise record is 449-376-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.

The Patriots are now the defending six-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 12 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons (2001-2014).

They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 14-season span.

They have 12 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.(2003-14)

All-time the 14 consecutive winning seasons stands 5th behind Chicago (1930-44) 15 seasons, Oakland (1965-80) and San Francisco (1983-98) 16 seasons and Dallas (1966-85) 20 seasons.

Since the merger the Patriots have 29 winning seasons.

Have made the playoffs in 22 seasons including 12 of the last 15 years.

The Patriots have won 17 Division Titles in franchise history, 14 in the Kraft Era.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
Have the most regular season wins, 228.
Have the most wins including playoffs, 249.
Have the most conference titles, 6.
Have the most division titles, 14.
Have the most playoff wins, 21
Have played the most playoff games, 33.
Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 16.
The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

A win on Sunday would tie the Kraft’s for the quickest NFL ownership group to 250 wins with Chicago’s Halas family (368 games).

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

Since 2000 New England has the NFL’s best road record at 77-42.

In Belichick’s 15 seasons Patriots are 94-24 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 three times.

Since 2000 New England is 53-9 in December games.

They are 68-24 vs. AFC East since 2000.

Since 2001 the Patriots are 82-21 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL.

Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 149-41.

Have won 16 consecutive regular season home games. Their last loss at home was in Week 15 2012 vs. San Francisco.

Have won 17 consecutive home games vs. AFC East opponents. The last loss was to an AFC East team at home was in Week 11 2008 vs. NY Jets.

Have won 35 consecutive home games vs. AFC opponents. Last loss to an AFC team at home was Week 13 2008 vs. Pittsburgh.

Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.

First team to twice score 3 TD’s in less than a minute Week 8, 2014 vs. Chicago and Week 12, 2012 at NY Jets.

Against the Jets:

Their 57 wins over the Jets are the second most in franchise history over any team behind only the 67 wins they have over Buffalo.

They are 57-53-1 including playoffs all-time vs. the Jets.

They are 28-15 vs. the Jets since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1984.

An AFC East rival has not swept the Patriots in a season series since 2000 when Miami and New York swept them.

The Patriots have swept the Jets 15 times in the series the last time was in 2012.

Patriots won 27-25 in Week 7 at Gillette when DT Chris Jones blocked a Nick Folk 58-yard field goal attempt on the game’s final play.

The teams have faced each other in 11 different stadiums. The Jets have called four home: The Polo Grounds, Shea Stadium, Giants Stadium and now MetLife Stadium. The Patriots have called six home: Nickerson Field, Alumni Stadium, Fenway Park, Harvard Stadium, Foxboro Stadium and Gillette Stadium. There was one neutral site that was Legion Field in Birmingham AL.

Last Week vs. the Dolphins:

Patriots are now 11-3 at home vs. Dolphins since 2000.

Jamie Collins blocked field goal was the third blocked field goal by the team this year.

Kyle Arrington’s 62-yard return for a touchdown off the blocked field goal was the second blocked field goal TD return for the team this year.

The block was the 4th overall on the season as Brandon Bolden blocked a punt Week 14 at San Diego.

The 3 blocked field goals ties a team record and the 4 blocked kicks are the most for the team since 2002.

Patriots scored 24 points in the 3rd quarter setting a new team record for most points in the third quarter of a game.

Duron Harmon had his 3rd career INT and 1st of the season.

Patrick Chung had his 8th career INT.

The Patriots have 12 players with at least 1 INT. They are: Revis (2), McCourty (2), Ryan (2), Harmon, Browner, Ninkovich, Chung, Wilfork, Ayers, Collins, Dennard and Easley.

Stephen Gostkowski set the franchise record for most points on a 35-yard field goal in the third quarter.

Rob Ninkovich had his 8th sack of the year.

Rob Gronkowski surpassed 1,000 receiving yards on the season and 300 catches in his career.

Tom Brady threw 2 TD passes. It was the 10th consecutive week he has thrown at least 2 TD passes.

Brady’s 17 yard run in the third quarter is the third longest of his career. His career high is 22 yards at Cincinnati Week 4, 2006.

Chandler Jones returned to the lineup and had a sack and a forced fumble.

Jonas Gray had 62 yards on 11 carries all in the second half.

Each team had 23 first downs.

New England had 395 total yards to San Diego’s 384.

Patriots had 5 penalties vs. the Dolphins for 51 yards.

Eight of the Dolphins top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 50 yards (Ryan Tannehill to Mike Wallace). Their longest rush against the defense was 15 yards by Tannehill.

Eight of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 35-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski. The longest run play was a rush was by Tom Brady for 17 yards.

In the 2014 Season:

Patriots clinched their 6th consecutive AFC East title with the 41-13 win vs. Miami in Week 13.

Currently hold the top playoff seed in the AFC due to a tiebreaker they earned with a win over Denver (2). If the playoffs started now both teams would have a first round bye.

Lead NFL with most red zone points (312) having converted on 55 of 59 red zone opportunities (37 TD’s; 18 FG).

Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.

12th consecutive season with at least 10 wins.

Have won 11 games for the 16th time in team history.

Shut out their opponent in the second half for the second consecutive week (Week 14 at San Diego, Week 15 vs. Miami).

In last four games the Patriots have outscored their opponent 54-6 in the second half.

The last second half TD allowed by the defense was Week 11 at Indianapolis.

They have scored 40 or more points five times this season tying the franchise record set in 2012.

The Patriots defense has allowed only one or fewer offensive touchdowns in 3 of its last four games.

Shane Vereen became 4th Patriots player with 2 or more rushing TD’s in a game this season Week 15 vs. Miami joining Jonas Gray (4), LeGarrette Blount (2) and Stevan Ridley (2).

New England has 110 penalties this season in 14 games and has been penalized 987 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards in 16 weeks.

New England is PLUS 11 in turnover differential they are 3rd in the NFL. They have 15 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 8 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.

The Patriots are 1st in points scored averaging 31.6 points per game and are 8th in points allowed with 20.0 points per game.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Jets.

Bill Belichick notes:

He is 22-11 vs. the Jets in his career. He is 21-10 against them as the head coach in New England and that includes two playoff games (1-1).

Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 209-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 228-117.

Belichick’s 229 wins are good for a tie for 4th all-time with Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau.

Is tied with Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.

He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

With 12 Division Titles has the most of any head coach since the merger.

He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.

Has twelve 11-win seasons (11 with New England) in his career, only Don Shula (13) has more.

He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Belichick is the former defensive coordinator for the Jets from 1997-99 under Bill Parcells. He was head coach for less than 24 hours before resigning to take the Patriots job.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was a coaching assistant at Syracuse from 2001-03.

Tight ends coach Brian Daboll spent two years as quarterbacks coach for the Jets from 2007-2008.

Offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo was the Jets offensive line coach in 2012.

Running backs coach Ivan Fear coached wide receivers at Syracuse University from 1980-90.

Safeties coach Brian Flores is from Brooklyn NY and played high school football at Poly Prep.

Coaching assistant Steve Belichick played football and lacrosse at Rutgers.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

LT: Solder
LG: Connolly
C: Stork
RG: Wendell
RT: Vollmer
TE: Gronkowski
WR: LaFell
WR: Edelman
QB: Brady
RB: Blount
RB: Devlin

Defense:

DE: Ninkovich
DT: Wilfork
DT: Chr. Jones
DE: Cha. Jones
LB: Collins
LB: Ayers
LB: Hightower
LCB: Revis
RCB: Browner
S: Chung
S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

This is his 15th NFL season he is 20-6 vs. the Jets in his career including playoffs.

Has a 47-7 career record in December games best among quarterbacks with at least 20 starts. Roger Staubach is 2nd at 17-3.

Overall he is 159-46 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 177-55. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

Has won 12 Division Titles the most of any quarterback.

Has multiple TD pass games for 10 consecutive games. Week 5 vs. Cincinnati (2), Week 6 at Buffalo (4), Week 7 vs. NYJets (3), Week 8 vs. Chicago (5), Week 9 vs. Denver (4), Week 11 at Indianapolis (2), Week 12 vs. Detroit (2), Week 13 at Green Bay (2), Week 14 at San Diego (2) and Week 15 vs. Miami (2).

It is the second streak in his career of at least 10-games with 2 or more TD passes.

391 TD passes in his career makes him 5th in NFL history 3 behind Drew Brees.

159 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.

He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 125 games; the team’s record is 107-18.

Recorded his 12th season with 3,000 or more passing yards.

Has put up 50+ points on an opponent 7 times all since 2007 and now has the most 50+ point games for a quarterback in NFL history. Len Dawson is 2nd with six games of 50+ points.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

Leads team in TD’s with 11 and receiving yards with 1,093.

Has caught a pass in 64 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end. Had 3 catches for 96 yards and 1 TD vs. Miami Week 15.

He is the 9th tight end in NFL history to have at least two seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

Became 9th Patriots player with 300 or more career receptions.

First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14. He was equaled by San Diego TE Antonio Gates Week 15 vs. Denver.

He apparently loves kittens.

Had 8 catches for 87 yards and 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego.

Had 7 catches for 98 yards at Green Bay Week 13.

Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.

Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

Julian Edelman notes:

Leads team in receiving with 92 catches and is 2nd with 972 receiving yards.

Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.

Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.

Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).

Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 9.

Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.

Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).

Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.

Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.

Jonas Gray notes:

Leads team in rushing TD’s (4) and rushing yards (407).

Had 62 yards on 11 carries, all in the 2nd half Week 15 vs. Miami.

DNP vs. Detroit Week 12 after missing a Friday morning meeting. Returned to action Week 13 at Green Bay (2 snaps, 1 carry for 4 yards).

Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11.

In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.

Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.

Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Tim Wright notes:

Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.

Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.

Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.

Had 6 catches for 53 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

Caught his 48th pass of the season to set a new career high vs. Miami Week 15.

Became 4th Patriots player with 2 rushing TD’s in a game this season Week 15 vs. Miami.

Leads team in rushing yards with 347 yards.

Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.

Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.

Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

Since returning to Foxboro has 50 carries for 219 yards and 3 TD’s.

Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.

Returns to Foxboro after being released by Pittsburgh after Week 11. Signed a two-year deal at veteran minimums.

Had 266 yards rushing with 2 TD’s on 65 carries for the Steelers this year. Also caught 6 passes for 36 yards.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

Holds franchise record for most points (1,165). He set the record previously held by Adam Vinatieri on a 35-yard 3rd quarter field goal Week 15 vs. Miami.

On pace to set NFL record for most points in a season. Current record in 166 set in 2011 by David Akers of San Francisco. Gostkowski currently has 142 points with two games left. His career high is 158 set last season.

Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.

Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.

Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.

Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.

Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.

Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.

Has scored at least 1 point in 118 consecutive games a franchise record.

Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

Had a pass defensed vs. Miami Week 15.

Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.

Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.

Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

Shares team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty and Logan Ryan.

Leads team with 14 passes defensed.

Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.

Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.

Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

Leads team with 8 sacks.

Week 15 vs. Miami recorded his 8th sack of the season for the third year in a row. He’s first Patriots player do that since Hall of Famer Andre Tippett did it 1985-87.

Had 5 tackles (5 solo), 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 14 at San Diego.

Had 5 tackles (4 solo), a sack, a tackle for loss and 2 QB hits Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.

Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.

The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.

Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.

Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

Third on team in tackles with 81 (60 solo) and with 5 sacks.

Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.

Had 8 tackles (5 solo) and a QB hit Week 12 vs. Detroit.

Had 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.

Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.

Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati or Week 6 at Buffalo due to a knee injury.

His 5 sacks is a new career high.

Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chandler Jones notes:

Second on team with 6 sacks.

Returned Week 15 vs. Miami from a hip injury suffered Week 7 vs. NY Jets. He had 7 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits and 1 forced fumble.

Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).

Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.

Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.

Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.

Jamie Collins notes:

Leads team with 99 tackles (68 solo) and forced fumbles (3).

Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.

Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).

Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.

Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.

Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

Has recovered a fumble and forced 2 fumbles in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

Had a big INT Week 14 at San Diego. It was the lone Chargers turnover.

Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.

Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

Kyle Arrington notes:

Had his second career blocked field goal return for a TD Week 15 vs. Miami.

Had his 4th career TD (2 on blocked FGA, 2 on INT’s) Week 15 vs. Miami.

Has a sack, 4 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles this season.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

Baltimore signed DT Casey Walker off the Patriots practice squad.
Placed DE Dominique Easley on IR.
Signed TE Steve Maneri to 53-man roster.
Signed QB Garrett Gilbert to the practice squad.

Patriots team captains for 2014:

QB Tom Brady
G/C Dan Connolly
WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
DT Vince Wilfork
LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Jets on the Patriots:

CB Darrelle Revis

Players with New England roots:

none

Players with New York City metro roots:

S Devin McCourty – Montvale NJ
CB Logan Ryan – Vorhees NJ
TE Tim Wright – Neptune NJ
DE Dominique Easley – Staten Island NY
LB Jonathan Casillas – New Brunswick NJ

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

RB James Develin – Brown

Players from New York City metro based colleges and universities:

S Devin McCourty – Rutgers
S Duron Harmon – Rutgers
CB Kyle Arrington – Hofstra
TE Tim Wright – Rutgers

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

20 – Gino Cappelletti
40 – Mike Haynes
73 – John Hannah
78 – Bruce Armstrong
79 – Jim Lee Hunt
89 – Bob Dee

Jets Team Notes

Here is the Jets roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Jets Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

The Jets all-time record is 375-450-8 and they are 12-13 in the playoffs with their last playoff appearance coming in 2010. That season the Jets lost on the road to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game, after having beaten Indianapolis and New England on the road to get there.

The Jets last appeared in a Super Bowl following the 1968 season and defeated the Baltimore Colts 16-7 to win Super Bowl III. At that time was considered the biggest upset in sports history. They were the first AFL team to win the Super Bowl.

The Jets also won the 1968 AFL Championship when they beat the Oakland Raiders, 27-23 at Shea Stadium.

The last won the AFC East in 2002.

New York is 39-45 vs. the AFC East in the regular season since 2001.

This is the teams worst season (currently 2-11) since they went 4-12 in 2007 under Eric Mangini and in 2005 under Herm Edwards.

The all-time worst season for the New York Jets is 1996 when they went 1-15 in their final season under Rich Kotite. Bill Parcells took over shortly thereafter.

Their only win in 1996 came on the road at Arizona in Week 9 they beat the Cardinals 31-21.

In the Rex Ryan Era (2009-present):

Got the team to two consecutive AFC championship games as a wild card in his first two seasons losing in 2009 at Indianapolis and in 2010 at Denver.

In the four seasons since they have failed to make the playoffs.

His best team was in 2010 when they went 11-5 and lost the division to the Patriots.

2014 has been his worst season by far and it appears imminent that Ryan will be let go at seasons end most likely along with GM John Idzik.

Under Ryan the Jets point differential (points scored minus points allowed) has gotten progressively worse each season. They went from plus 112 in 2009 to minus 135 this year through 13 games.

They are currently on pace for the fewest points scored and most points allowed in one season of the Ryan Era.

Against the Patriots:

New York has lost 19 of the last 25 meetings with New England including playoffs.

The Jets have swept the Patriots 14 times in the series the last time was in 2000.

The Jets are 2-2 vs. the Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Overall as the home team in the series they are 28-26 and that includes 0-1 in the playoffs.

Against New England they were 2-2 at the Polo Pounds, 14-5 at Shea Stadium and 10-17 at Giants Stadium.

The teams have faced each other in 11 different stadiums. The Jets have called four home: The Polo Grounds, Shea Stadium, Giants Stadium and now MetLife Stadium. The Patriots have called six home: Nickerson Field, Alumni Stadium, Fenway Park, Harvard Stadium, Foxboro Stadium and Gillette Stadium. There was one neutral site that was Legion Field in Birmingham AL.

In 2014:

Have allowed only two games with over 100 team rushing yards all season.

Have not allowed one player to get 100 yards rushing all season.

New York has 102 penalties this season in 14 games and has been penalized 878 yards.

New York is MINUS 11 in turnover differential. They have 5 INT and have recovered 6 fumbles while they have thrown 14 INT’s and lost 8 fumbles.

The Jets are 30th in points scored averaging 16.4 points per game and are 24th in points allowed with 25.7 points per game.

Jets Staff Notes

Hear what New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Rex Ryan notes:

Ryan is 44-49 in his 6th season as a head coach. He is 4-2 in the playoffs for an overall record of 48-51.

He is 4-8 vs. New England in his career including playoffs. He is 3-2 at MetLife Stadium.

Ryan is the third longest tenured head coach in Jets history behind Weeb Ewbank (11 seasons) and Joe Walton (7).

He is third in wins by a coach in team history behind Ewbank (71) and Walton (53).

Prior to the Jets Ryan was the defensive line coach (1999-2004) and then defensive coordinator (2005-2008) for Baltimore. He was also the defensive coordinator for Oklahoma University (1998) and the University of Cincinnati (1996-97).

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

General Manager John Idzik graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors from Dartmouth College in Hanover NH in 1982 and played wide receiver for the Big Green for four seasons.

The offensive coordinator is Marty Mornhinweg former head coach of the Detroit Lions. He is in his second season with the Jets. Previously he was the head coach in Detroit (2001-02), was with Philadelphia as a senior assistant (2003), assistant head coach (2004-05) and assistant head coach/offensive coordinator (2006-12). He was also the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (1997-2000) for San Francisco.

Dennis Thurmond is the Jets defensive coordinator. He is in his seventh season with the team and second as the defensive coordinator (2013-present) and was the secondary coach (2008-2012) before he got promoted . Prior to the Jets he coached the secondary for Baltimore (2002-07), University of Southern California (1993-2000) and Phoenix (1988-89). He also played in the NFL drafted by Dallas in the 11th round in 1978. He played 9 seasons, 8 in Dallas (1978-85) and 1 with St. Louis Cardinals (1986).

Defensive Backs Coach Brian Smith graduated in 2000 from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where he was a three-year starter at safety and cornerback. Smith went on to coach at UMass.

Jets Possible Starters

Offense: