New England Patriots vs. New York Jets: Four Players To Watch

Oct 12, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) rushes against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of their NFL football game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

2. Chris Ivory

Continuing on my last point, the Jets will really try to establish the running game early, because for one, they are good at it, and they also need to take advantage of a currently weak New England defensive front. Coming into this game the Jets rank 12th in rushing yards, and 10th in yards per rush.

If New York is going to win this ballgame, they are going to do it by establishing the run early, and pounding away at the thin Patriots’ fronts seven. They probably won’t be breaking off 20+ yard runs, but with Chris Ivory leading the charge, they can do some damage on the ground. It is also expected to downpour on Foxboro come game time, which gives the Jets even more reason to run that football.

Ivory is a solid back, and while he will never rise to the ranks of the Jamaal Charles’ of the world, he can pound the rock. He didn’t get too many touches last week against the Broncos (eight carries, seven yards), but look for the Jets to give him the ball 20+ times against the Patriots.