Patriots: 3 most concerning trap games on the 2021 schedule
By Mike Luciano
No. 2: Week 7 vs. New York Jets (10/24)
The Jets have been the but of New Englanders’ jokes for two decades now, and they should be in for another season near the bottom of the standings. However, unlike the Adam Gase and Mike Maccagnan seasons, the Jets actually have a solid foundation that could cause problems for the Patriots down the line.
The Jets have their alleged franchise quarterback in BYU gunslinger Zach Wilson, and they improved around him by signing Corey Davis on the offensive side of the ball and Carl Lawson on the defensive side. The strong coach-GM connection of Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas has New York looking up for the first time in years.
The Patriots must not overlook the Jets.
The Patriots play the Jets twice early in the season, as they travel to New York in Week 2. Their Week 7 game comes right after a primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Assuming the odds come out in their favor and they end up winning the first game, this game is a text book definition of a trap game.
Wilson will likely have found his footing in the NFL, and the combination of Saleh’s defense and Mike LaFleur’s San Francisco-esque offense could be enough to beat up on a defense that has lost some key contributors. Belichick loves to stick it to the Jets, but this game could end up coming back to bite them.