New York Jets: Rookies must step up to beat the Patriots

It’s Patriots Week for the New York Jets, and there’s no better time to step up and make your mark than to do it against New England.

The New York Jets are going to need three rookies to step up their games this week in order to beat the Patriots. Rookie running back Elijah McGuire and rookie safeties Marcus Maye and Jamal Adams will have to play big in this game in order for the Jets to win Sunday.

For the running back, this is the game for McGuire to breakout and become a star. The Jets are unsure of the status Bilal Powell, and that means McGuire should be a huge part of the preparation for this game. McGuire has had a decent rookie campaign. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry in each of his first two games, but then he bottomed out against Cleveland, averaging 1.8 yards per carry.

However, against one of the league’s worst run defenses (Jacksonville), he averaged 9.3 yards per carry and almost had his first career 100-yard game. Like Jacksonville, New England is in the bottom half of the league in total rush yards allowed (ninth most) and yards per carry allowed (fifth most). This is the game for McGuire to firmly establish himself in this league..

The two rookies on defense can establish themselves, as well. Last week, as Cleveland was driving down the field, Maye made a huge play coming up with an interception in the red zone. With the Patriots offensive line struggling, all the defensive backs, especially Maye and Adams, will have to be on high alert.

Tom Brady has only thrown one interception in 2017, despite the pressure being allowed on him. So, that means the Jets are going to have to play good team defense. Maye and Adams will have to be alert for potential interceptions when the front seven forces Brady into mistakes.

Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 6

Brady doesn’t experience too many miscues. So, the defense will have to capitalize on them when they have the chance. Maye and Adams will need to have their part in that on the back end of the defense.