10 Players to Watch: Jets-Patriots
Potential Difference-Makers in Final Home Game of 2014
"The Hitman" is just two tackles shy of becoming just the fourth Jet to be credited with 1,000 career tackles. He's the main communicator for the defense, just one of the reasons defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman is appreciative of having Harris on his side: "David has played well. He's been a leader. He's been consistent. He's tackled well. He's improved in his pass coverage — except for last week when he dropped the interception, but we've forgiven him. He's become what we always thought he could be: a leader on our defense, a consistent guy that has manned the middle for us, has been good against the run and pass. I don't think we could've asked any more of David than he's given us."
In a series that has had four of the last five games decided by three points or fewer, two of which went to overtime, Folk's role will be important. The last two games ended with Folk on the field. He hit a game-winning field goal in overtime in 2013 and he had his 58-yard game-winning attempt blocked in Week 7 of this season.
Smith nearly got the job done against the Patriots in Week 7, coming away with perhaps his best game of the season. The second-year QB was 20-for-34 for 266 yards and one TD and used his legs to pick up 37 yards on the ground. Geno's play will definitely be a deciding factor in Act II of this division rivalry.
He's coming off a hand injury, but Allen will likely once again draw the assignment of covering Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski. Although Gronk has caught 13 passes for 183 yards in his last two games against the Jets, Double-A has kept Gronk from finding the end zone. Allen said that Gronkowski is one of the toughest players he's ever had to cover: "You have to get your body in front of him before he can throw you off. Tom Brady's going to throw a lot of those balls whether you're there or not, so you have to find a way to defend it."
Ivory has been a bit quiet over the last few games, but he's played well against the Patriots. He's posted back-to-back 100-yard games against the Pats dating back to last season. Ivory was a key part of the Jets' game plan in Foxborough, MA in Week 7, picking up 107 of the team's 218 yards on the ground.
Pryor's turned it on during the last few weeks, showing the speed and closing ability that made him a first-round pick in this year's draft. He played well in the first meeting between these teams, leading the team with seven tackles on the evening.
The rookie was targeted on a two-point conversion attempt that could have tied the game in the fourth quarter of the game in Week 7, but the ball was just out of Amaro's reach. With one of the best tight ends in the NFL on the opposing sideline, look for Amaro to step up against the Pats.
Big Mo's toe has been a hot topic of conversation in Florham Park, NJ for the past few weeks. The Jets DE has missed the last three games with a turf toe injury and is questionable for the game Sunday. Mo will test himself during warmups and is a game-time decision.
Aboushi made his first NFL start in Week 7 against the Patriots after Brian Winters suffered a season-ending knee injury. Aboushi has improved every game since taking over at left guard. This week won't be an easy challenge as he'll likely have to deal with Patriots NT Vince Wilfork and DE Chandler Jones for a majority of the afternoon.
Decker caught four passes for 65 yards against the Patriots in Week 7, despite being covered by former Jet Darrelle Revis for most of the evening. This time around, Decker will have the help of WR Percy Harvin drawing attention away from his side. Decker's been on a roll in December and is coming off his first 100-yard game as a Jet.
