Patriots/Jets AFC East Showdown

Are the clouds rolling in on the New EnglandWhat we can expect this week is a better outing
Patriots? Despite a victory, if last week'sby Tom Brady, but I also think Pennington will
performance is any indication, the Pats time in therepeat with another solid performance. New
sun is done. Tom Brady threw for just 163 yardsEngland appears to have the edge on the ground,
on 11 of 23 passing as the offense looked waybut the Jets will likely win the battle through the
out of sync. Fortunately for the Pats, the duo ofair.
rookie Lawrence Maroney and veteran CoreyAnother factor is that New York's coach Eric
Dillon picked up the slack rushing for 183 yards.Mangini and Bill Belichick know each other well as
Chad Pennington and the Jets on the other handMangini was Belichick's defensive coordinator just
looked great as they got out to a fast 16-0 leada season ago for New England. It is apparent that
before having to score late to defeat theMangini has the Jets defense whipped into a much
Tennessee Titans. Pennington was in Pro Bowltougher unit. Both Belichick and Mangini should
form throwing for 319 yards on 24 of 33 passing.benefit from knowing each other's tendencies.
New England does have history on its side winningHistory may be on New England's side, but New
six straight meetings with the Jets and five in aYork's offense definitely looked better in week
row at Giants Stadium. If the Jets are going toone. The defense which performs better will be
end their losing streak they'll have to put togetherthe deciding factor in this one.
a better ground game. Their running back duo ofI couldn't be more confident in my winning side in
Kevin Barlow and Derrick Blaylock combined forthis AFC East opener and that's why I'm making
just 71 yards last week.this matchup my AFC East Game of the Year. I
If this game ends up close down the stretch, thehave weighed every factor in this matchup and I
Jets will have to be nervous as kicker Mikehave uncovered the easiest winner you'll find
Nugent missed two chip shot field goals and anSunday. Make sure you're playing who I'm playing
extra point last week.in Sunday's AFC East Game of the Year.