9/23/23 by Nick Antonakas
The New England Patriots haven’t started a season 0-3 since 2000. The Patriots haven’t lost to the New York Jets since 2015, winning 14 straight games against them. New England will have to win this Sunday to keep both of those facts true.
This season hasn’t started the way the Patriots would’ve liked. They have lost both of their first two games in nail-biting fashion. A 25-20 loss to the reigning NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles, and a 24-17 loss to division rivals, the Miami Dolphins.
It’s safe to say the Jets’ start to the season hasn’t gone to plan either. Newly signed QB Aaron Rodgers went down with a season-ending achilles injury within his first four plays with the team. This forced 2020 second overall pick – and potential draft bust – Zach Wilson, to take over as the team’s starter.
Wilson’s struggles have been prevalent against New England. In four career games, Wilson has thrown a whopping seven interceptions to a mere two touchdowns against the Pats. The quarterback position is a problem in New York to say the least.
On the other hand, Patriots’ QB Mac Jones has been anything but the problem for New England. In his first two games, Jones has thrown for 547 yards, four touchdowns, and only two interceptions. New England’s offensive problems stem from their offensive line, who have forced Jones to have the 3rd quickest “time to throw” stat in the NFL with an average of 2.38 seconds, per Phil Perry.
The two teams square off this Sunday, Sep 24, at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.