Patriots’ 3 Keys to Beating the Jets in Week 3

2. Feed Rhamondre Stevenson

It’s no secret that the Patriots’ run game has been slightly underwhelming. Although the banged-up offensive line plays a key factor, we’re only averaging 3.5 yards per carry (No. 22) compared to a clip of 4.3 last year (No. 21).

Even if the Pats haven’t been that productive on the ground so far, feeding Rhamondre Stevenson is a key to winning this game. That’s even more true with the rainy conditions we could see.

After a disappointing Week 1 performance, Stevenson began to turn things around with 50 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries last week. It might not have been his best performance, but it’s (hopefully) a sign of things to come.

Sure, the Jets’ defense looked great on paper during the offseason, but the unit hasn’t gotten the job done — especially on the ground. New York’s defenders are coming off a performance that saw them allow 134 rushing yards on 44 carries to the Cowboys and even allowed Tony Pollard to record a game-high 23-yard run.

Making things even juicier for Stevenson is the fact that the Jets have allowed the second-most receptions (18) and fifth-most receiving yards (112) to RBs this season.

Considering how the third-year RB has already caught all nine of his targets for 74 receiving yards through two games, there’s no excuse not to feed Stevenson through the air and on the ground.

Oh yeah — did I forget to mention that he recorded 143 yards from scrimmage in his last road game against the Jets? I rest my case.