Monster Thursday Showdown

6-3 New York Jets at 6-3 New England Patriots

(Previous meeting: NE 19-10)

The AFC East hasn’t been a strong division for quite some time. With teams like Miami and Buffalo in rebuilding modes, and the Jets never staying consistent, the Patriots have never needed to worry about making the playoffs. This is a completely different year; even with Tom Brady going down in week one, there’s no doubt that drastic improvements have been made in this division. Miami was projected to win just four games, but they have shocked the NFL with their ablility to win on the road, as well as how creative they can be with their offensive play calling. The Bills have struggled lately, but they started the season 5-1. At one point they seemed strong on all levels, getting big plays from their offense, defense and special teams. The Jets have made the most improvement, gaining confidence each week in their new (old) quarterback Brett Favre, and also by making huge strides on defense. New York has cut their defensive points allowed per game average down nearly in half since their bye week. Add a legend at quarterback, and winning isn’t a fringe benefit, it’s expected.

We all know what the New England Patriots are capable of, and most of the players don’t need an introduction, but Matt Cassel is a new face, one that wasn’t part of the 16-0 ass kicking the Patriots laid on the league last season. Who is this guy, and can he win a big game? Statistically (oh here we go again) his career is similar to the start Tom Brady had when he came off the bench. Tom Brady’s dominance in the NFL was not a common occurrence; his accomplishments have a made for TV movie written all over it. Realistically, Brady could quit now and still make the Hall of Fame. Matt Cassel, despite a solid start, won’t be able to put up Brady type numbers, but he has proven he can win games. On Thursday we will see a kid trying to prove he’s got some kind of skill, while an old vet will show all the doubters that he’s not over the hill.

“Its a walk off” -Zoolander

Gridiron Experts Pick
These two teams have very similar numbers, and any extra fire power that people might think the New York Jets have will be matched, as the Patriots will have a strong prime time home field advantage. The first time these two teams met, the Jets were trying to tolerate the learning curve that Brett Favre was under with a new offense. Meanwhile, the Patriots were giving Matt Cassel his first shaky start after Brady went down. Both of these quarterbacks have improved immensely since then. This game will be close, but I like the Jets with Favre in the cold.   NYJ 31-26