History might be on Patriots side in Week 3 TNF matchup with the Jets

The Patriots' disappointing loss to the Seahawks last Sunday shattered the optimism that had sprung from their shocking win over the Bengals the week before. Because most analysts and fans believed the team would not win a single game in the first month of the season, seeing them perform as well as they did against a perennial AFC contender was a pleasant and welcomed surprise.

Their avoidable loss in the home opener raised many questions about the state of the offense, specifically the offensive line and the passing game, which were almost nonexistent during that game. Since both are crucial to a team's success in the NFL, it was clear that the rest of the season was doomed unless they accomplished a dramatic turnaround quickly.

It was even direr leading into a short week against the Jets on Thursday Night Football when the Patriots will finally catch up with Aaron Rodgers in his return after suffering a season-ending injury in the first game of the 2023 season.

Heading into Week 3 became more difficult with the announcement of Ja'Whaun Bentley's injury ending his season and the multiple ailments the starting offensive line group was now dealing with. It will force the Patriots to use their third starting left tackle, rookie Caedan Wallace, and hope their most trusted lineman can play come game time.

No matter what, however, sneaking out a win against an AFC rival who is favored to make it to the Super Bowl would be a great way to make up for the loss to the Seahawks, even better that it happens on enemy soil.

Although they have a lot working against them, and the Jets will be hungry for a win, too, history is on New England's side, and (hopefully) that luck will continue on Thursday night.

The successful history of the Patriots over the Jets would be a welcomed tradition to continue on TNF

Throughout the two decades that Tom Brady was the Patriots quarterback, there weren't many teams that consistently gave him a hard time in winning, especially in the division. The only exception was the Dolphins, as they remain a problem to this day, no matter who's in at quarterback.

One of the most prominent teams Brady dominated and the Patriots have continued to beat was the Jets, recording a 30-7 all-time record against the AFC East foe.

Fortunately for the Patriots, they have kept that tradition alive since the quarterback left after the 2019 season. Their only loss to New York occurred last season in their final matchup. It was a game headlined by quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Trevor Siemian, who both barely did enough to get a win.

Before that, the Jets haven't beaten the Patriots since their second matchup during the 2015 season, a game won in overtime.

History doesn't mean much in the NFL, as the "Any given Sunday (or Thursday, in this case)" implies. However, various quarterbacks who have suited up for the Patriots over the last four years have kept the tradition going, so it seems fair to believe Jacoby Brissett could do the same.

It's not going to be an easy feat, and it could get ugly for both teams, especially since they're dealing with injuries to important players on the roster. Yet it would be quite a needle mover and morale boost to beat the Jets on their only primetime game of the season.

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