After managing to win their second game of the season last week, the New York Jets are now set to take on the red-hot New England Patriots on Thursday Night.
The battle between two AFC East teams has huge implications for both, as New England is fighting for a No. 1 seed in the AFC. On the other hand, New York must find a way to build off the momentum from last week’s victory against the Cleveland Browns.
Here are the biggest keys for the Jets prior to the team’s Week 11 contest against the Patriots.
Contain Drake Maye
It’s clear that second-year quarterback Drake Maye is the main catalyst for the Patriots' offensive efforts this season.
The former No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has quickly become the favorite to win the 2025 NFL MVP after throwing for 2,555 yards and 19 touchdowns while completing 71.7 percent of his attempts this year. In addition to his success through the air, Maye has rushed for 283 yards and two touchdowns.
Luckily for the Jets, head coach Aaron Glenn’s aggressive style on defense could bode well for New York. Forcing Maye into making turnovers is the best-case scenario in order to limit the young quarterback in the passing game.
Get Justin Fields Going In Quick Game
New York’s offensive efforts this season have been driven by the team’s efforts on the ground, as the Jets rank fourth in rushing yards per game with 141.8 yards. However, the run game will face a true test on Thursday night when facing the No. 1 run defense in the NFL.
With how well New England has done against the run, it becomes a main priority for offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand to get quarterback Justin Fields going in the passing game.
Fields has struggled to become acclimated with the Jets this season, but if Engstrand can use the 26-year-old in the short game, this could keep the Patriots’ defense off balance and open up more opportunities on the ground.
Limit The Pass Rush
In order to give Fields the necessary tools to excel on Thursday night, the offensive line must limit the efforts of New England’s pass-rush duo of K'Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry III.
The veteran defensive ends have combined for 12 sacks this season and have been the main contributors up front for New England. Installing a quick passing game for Fields would prevent the Patriots from getting home, but the Jets’ offensive tackle pairing of rookie Armand Membou and second-year tackle Olu Fashanu must limit the attack on Fields.
Membou has clearly become a terrific linemen for New York, and Fashanu continues to show improvements. Thursday night’s contest gives the duo a chance to square off against a stout pass rush.