Patriots vs. Jets: 5 Bold Predictions
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4. LeGarrette Blount will rush for 100 yards
Since making his return to the lineup after that one-game suspension at the start of the season, Blount’s yards per carry average has been steadily climbing, from 2.0 yards to 4.3 to 5.7 to 5.8. While Dion Lewis has showcased a knack for making something out of nothing with his shifty open-field ability, Blount has provided a much-needed punch in the offense. The Patriots are a better team when Blount gets going on the ground.
The Pats will need Blount more than they have yet this season in Week 7, as the Jets boast quite possibly the best run defense in the league. Allowing just 82.6 rushing yards per game (the second-best average among the 32 teams), the Jets plan to suffocate the Patriots’ run game and force Brady to carry the entire offensive load, allowing them to dial-up blitzes all afternoon.
Related: This one thing will determine the winner of Pats-Jets
Considering how good the Gang Green front seven is playing right now, it is bold to say that any single player could surpass the century mark on these guys. However, the Patriots’ most direct path to navigating through the best defeated team in the AFC is to emphasize the run game through the hard-nosed running style of Blount from the first snap.
Expect the Patriots to pull rookie guard Shaq Mason around the end to provide snowplowing services for Blount. The Mason convoy will enable Blount to reach 100 yards, and the Patriots will win the game as a result.
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