2014 Jets Opponents: New England Patriots
2014 Jets Opponents: The Jets Will Face the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium and Gillette Stadium in 2014.
Who knew that the number on RB Chris Ivory's jersey (33) would be less than his number of carries (34) during our 30-27 overtime victory over New England Week 7 at MetLife Stadium?
New England's rookie WR Kenbrell Thompkins got by our rookie CB Dee Milliner and managed to get both hands on the ball in the endzone, but he couldn't hang on to secure six points. Expect many more one-on-one battles between these two young athletes for years to come.
QB Geno Smith showed drastic improvement from Game 1 vs. New England (0 TDs, 3 INTs, 27.6 passer rating) to Game 2 five weeks later (1 TD, 1 INT, 71.9 passer rating). We'll need more games like the latter when we take on the Patriots two more times once again next season.
During our Week 7 win over the Patriots, DT Damon "Snacks" Harrison (left) recorded his first career sack on QB Tom Brady, while K Nick Folk (right) knocked through his third game-winning field goal of the season.
WR Stephen Hill hauled in four catches for 86 yards Week 2 at New England, but in Week 7's matchup he produced just one catch for 17 yards. He's shown that he can be a dynamic receiver when healthy, and the Jets are hoping that his knees hold up for the 2014 season and beyond.
The O-line as it looked Week 7 might not be the same next season. Both RT Austin Howard (No. 77) and RG Willie Colon (No. 66) are set to become unrestricted free agents on March 11.
Despite limited playing time, S Antonio Allen monopolized the team's highlight reel. He had two blocked punts (one recovered for a touchdown) in other games, but Allen's signature moment was this momentum-swinging pick six vs. Tom Brady and the Pats Week 7.
WR David Nelson was disappointed to see the season come to an end because he felt like he was finally playing his best football. With a full offseason to develop chemistry with Geno Smith, the coaching staff and his fellow receivers, expect Nelson to play a big role in our offense from the beginning of the year.
If Tom Brady's to retire within the next couple of years, it will likely be because of guys like DE Muhammad Wilkerson (No. 96) and LB Quinton Coples (No. 98) who should be a force to be reckoned with for many seasons to come.
Nick Folk's overtime field goal snapped a five-game Jet losing streak vs. the Patriots. He was debatably the team's MVP last year, although his future with the team is unknown as he could become an unrestricted free agent on March 11.
