Patriots inactives list for Week 3 game against the Jets
The Patriots had to have an even quicker turnaround from their first loss of the season, as they had to immediately prepare for their Thursday Night Football matchup this week against their first AFC East opponent, the Jets.
Both teams come into this game with a 1-1 record, with the Aaron Rodgers-led team dealing with a blowout in Week 1 courtesy of the 49ers, who the Patriots face next week.
Fortunately, New England didn't suffer that same fate in their loss against the Seahawks, but it was still an avoidable and disappointing loss with plenty of opportunity to go into MetLife Stadium a shocking and unexpected 2-0.
The Patriots were and still aren't expected to do much winning this year, which made their victory over the Bengals all the more shocking. Although they have a lot working against them in their bout with a bitter New York rival on Thursday, like some unfortunate injuries to important players, they have a good chance to sneak out with a win and continue defying the odds put on them for the first season of the Jerod Mayo era.
Full Inactives List for the New England Patriots
PLAYER NAME | POSITION |
|---|---|
Ja'Whaun Bentley | LB |
Vederian Lowe | T |
Sidy Sow | T |
Joe Milton III | QB |
Marco Wilson | CB |
Jamree Kromah | DE |
Key Absences and Their Impact
Offensive Impact
Although Vederian Lowe was a backup to who the Patriots hoped to be their starting left tackle, he has been good enough to keep the left side from being an absolute disaster. It's not saying much to some degree, but his experience over rookie Caedan Wallace is valuable, and now the 2024 fourth-rounder is being thrown to the fire in Week 3.
The left side of the offensive line has been a problem through the first two weeks, providing Wallace with ample opportunity to prove he can handle the challenge against the Jets.
It would be impressive to see the historically right tackle have a great showing against a tough New York front seven and help give Jacoby Brissett and the running backs a better shot at being successful on Thursday night.
Defensive impact
The loss of Ja'Whaun Bentley will be significant and likely felt over the remainder of the 2024 season. He was one of the Patriots' best tacklers and run defenders, in addition to being a captain, which is an even more crucial role under the circumstances.
His absence will require others to step up and fill the void, especially if they hope to remain a dominant defense and a good team in stopping the run.
Because the utilization of running backs is very apparent this year, the opponents the Patriots are left to face will inevitably take advantage of the weakness on their defensive line, but it won't be as easy if guys like Raekwon McMillan and Jahlani Tavai take over Bentley's role.
Full Inactives List for the New York Jets
PLAYER NAME | POSITION |
|---|---|
Jermaine Johnson | OLB |
Max Mitchell | T |
Izzy Abanikanda | RB |
Eric Watts | DL |
Jarrick Bernard-Converse | CB |
Carter Warren | T |
C.J. Mosley | LB |
The loss of Jermaine Johnson for the season is a massive blow to the Jets' defense, particularly their effort to stop the run. That has become one of their weakest points through the first two weeks of the season, as they allowed 180 yards on the ground in Week 1 against the 49ers and 130 yards by the Titans last week.
That could work in the Patriots' favor if they continue to utilize Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in their offensive game plan.
They could set a New England record by doing so, too. Over the first two weeks, they have recorded 170 and 185 rushing yards in back-to-back weeks. Accomplishing that again on Thursday night would be the first time in team history that the Patriots rushed for at least 170 yards in three consecutive games.
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