Patriots Week 2 roadmap to the New York Jets: Playbook of urgency

The New England Patriots are 0-1 following a 17-16 loss to the Miami Dolphins.  As penalties and the lack of ball security told the tale of the Week 1 loss, Bill Belichick will look to get his team back on track in the Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets.

After coming off their own opening week loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Jets, led by No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, hope to show that they will not be a pushover in the AFC East.

But the Patriots won’t take this one lightly.

Belichick’s crew have their own rookie quarterback in Mac Jones and a bunch of veterans starting for a victory, including captain Devin McCourty.

The Patriots will have to play with urgency to avoid falling 0-2 and more importantly 0-2 in the division.  If they avoid the penalties and turnovers, they should have no problem taking care of Wilson and the Jets.  However, these games tend to always be tough no matter where the two teams are in the standings.

How to watch New England Patriots vs New York Jets

Location: Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Kickoff: Sunday, September 19, 2021 1:00 p.m.ET

TV: CBS/WBZ (Check local listings)

Radio: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub

Streaming:  fuboTV

Odds: Patriots -6.0

“He can get out of trouble, run  He can make all the throws, got a really good arm.” – Bill Belichick on Zach Wilson

Coaches’ Corner: Patriots coach Bill Belichick praises Wilson’s athleticism

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson was sacked six times in his NFL debut Sunday.  While he did pass for 258 yards and two touchdowns, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft did struggle and expect Belichick to make things more difficult for him in Week 2.

During his appearing on WEEI’s “The Great Hill Show” on Monday, the Patriots coach highlighted what the talented rookie brings to the table.

"“He’s a very athletic player.  He had a lot of production in college.  The play is kind of never over when he’s got the ball in his hands,” Belichick said.  “He can get out of trouble, run.  He can make all the throws, got a really good arm.  As I said, he’s had a ton of production at BYU, so I’m sure that’ll translate to the NFL here over the course of his career.”"

The Patriots’ defense has had some issues with athletic quarterbacks over the last few seasons, but Belichick has added a bit more athleticism in Matt Judon.  Along with second-year stud Josh Uche, expect Belichick to bring the heat against Wilson to force him to try to make plays early.

This is where the defense can force some mistakes and put the offense in good positions to take advantage.

Players to watch: Patriots defense vs New York Jets offense

While all eyes will once again be on New England Patriots rookie Mac Jones, this game will be won on defense.

Along with containing and making life miserable for Wilson, the Patriots secondary will be challenged with keeping Jets wide receivers Corey Davis, Braxton Berrios and Elijah Moore from making big plays in the passing game.

To do that, the Patriots will have to get early pressure on Wilson while the secondary will have to do their part in staying in front of the Jets receivers.  The only way the Jets stay in this game will be on big plays on the offensive side of the football.

On the offensive side, the New England Patriots running backs and tight ends should have a productive day.  Damien Harris will be out to make up for his fumble from a day ago and Jones will utilize tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry a bit more.

So, who wins the game?

Prediction: New England Patriots 27, New York Jets 10

The New England Patriots will bounce back in a big way in this game both offensively and defensively.

Jones will continue to impress as his chemistry with Nelson Agholor will continue through the air and the defense will show up by forcing a couple of early turnovers.  It will be a victory categorized as “just the Jets,” but the way the Patriots will win this game will add to the optimism surround the team’s potential going forward.