Patriot’s Week 2 Preview

Sep 12, 2013

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Patriot’s Week 1 Recap and Week 2 Preview:

With a surprising two point win against the Buffalo Bills the Patriots have little time to sit back and reflect on it. A quick turnaround is in store with a Thursday night matchup against the Jets.

Takeaways from week 1:

1)   Tom Brady is able to throw to anyone that lines up with him. In his first game with a brand new receiving core he was able to throw for 288 yards 2 TD’s and 1 INT.  Patriot’s fans can relax a little bit knowing that Brady has not lost anything.

2)   The next man up mentality showed its colors with Shane Vereen stepped right in for Steven Ridley after he was benched for fumbling. Shane stepped up and ran for 101 yards on 14 carries and catching 7 balls for 58 yards. A strong showing from the young running back.

3)   The defense looked better but there is much room for improvement. With no sacks or interceptions and two forced fumbles the Patriot’s defense needs to cause more mayhem for the offense.

Week 2:

Rookie quarterbacks are 0-4 against Bill Belichick and have lost by an average of 23.5 PPG. The New York Jets are starting QB Geno Smith against the Patriot’s after news came out that Mark Sanchez is set to have season ending shoulder surgery. This is a golden opportunity for the Patriot’s defense to step up and show the league how their young defense can be elite.

Keys for Week 2:

1)   Julian Edelman and Kenbrell Thompkins look to play big roles in the Patriot’s offense with Danny Amendola sidelined. Thompkins was targeted 14 times last week and can be counted on tonight to produce.

2)   Who is going to be the next back behind Ridley? With Shane Vereen placed on short term IR, the Patriot’s need another running back to step up and produce behind Ridley. Look for LeGarrette Blount to have a big impact tonight especially on third and short and goal line opportunities.

3)   It is vital for the Patriot’s defense to attack tonight. With a young inexperienced quarterback under center for the Jets, tonight is a perfect opportunity for the Pats D to get their first sack and interception of the season. Look for Chandler Jones and Devon McCourty to be big playmakers against the Jets.

Prediction: 28-10 Patriots