As the Patriots hit their unofficial halfway point of the regular season on Sunday against the New York Jets, there has been a lot of good, bad, and ugly to go around. While things have mostly been ugly during the team's six-game losing streak, the Jets aren't exactly looking strong, either.
Whether it's a desperate trade for Davante Adams or Aaron Rodgers spending more time hanging out with conservative talk-show hosts in the offseason than building rapport with his young receivers, the Jets have proven to be a bigger soap opera than "Young and the Restless."
The Jets, who acted like they won the Super Bowl after their Week 3 win over the Patriots in New Jersey, are definitely a winnable game for the Patriots.
After the dismal performance in London against the Jaguars, the drama surrounding the wide receiver room, and Jerod Mayo labeling his team soft, the Patriots can win if they execute in these three phases.
1. Drake Maye has to have a big day
The rookie made his NFL debut in garbage time of New England's loss to the Jets in September, and Maye's numbers in his first two starts - more than 500 yards passing, five touchdowns, and just two interceptions - are certainly eye-popping given Maye is a Ferrari, and the rest of the offense resembles a Toyota Corolla.
Maye will have to make quick decisions against one of the league's best pass rushes, but he has shown to be poised in the pocket and quickly gets rid of the ball. He'll need a big day if the Patriots are going to win.
2. The best defense has to be the offense
This version of the Patriots' defense doesn't inspire that of championship units from the past. Injuries and the trade of Matthew Judon certainly haven't helped, but other guys are not stepping up. So, the best defense for the Patriots on Sunday has to be their offense.
What does that translate to? Sustaining drives.
Showcasing a balanced effort of run and pass. Taking care of the football and not getting behind the chains. Rodgers has been mediocre at best this year, but keeping him on the sidelines will take pressure off New England's defense.
3. Discipline, discipline, discipline
It doesn't matter who you're playing. Constantly getting behind the chains in the NFL is a good way to lose games. The Patriots need to eradicate penalties and negative plays, especially on the offensive side of the football. If you get behind the chains, that gives the Jets' front seven the opportunity to tee off on Maye and the enigmatic Patriots' offensive line.
The same can be said for the defense. Rodgers is one of those quarterbacks who tends to get ticky-tack calls from officials - case in point, a sack that was "roughing the passer" against the Bills two weeks ago - so the Patriots can't give the Jets free first downs.