The New York Jets will host the New England Patriots in their upcoming Week 3 matchup.
Even with it being a big, early season AFC East clash, it will still be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference.
Here are three key matchups to watch during Thursday’s Jets (1-1) against the Patriots (1-1) matchup:
OL Tyron Smith vs. ED Keion White
Early in 2024, White is the Patriots’ best defender coming off of the edge. Life without Matthew Judon has gone better than expected because of White and his four sacks in two games.
White will see plenty of Tyron Smith across from him. Pro Football Focus has graded Smith as the 15th best tackle in the NFL after two weeks and he needs to keep up that pace for the sake of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his team’s running backs behind him.
LB Jamien Sherwood vs. RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Starting middle linebacker CJ Mosley is officially listed as questionable with a toe injury. On a short week, it seems unlikely that he will be fit to play.
Sherwood replaced him last week against the Titans and performed well. He led New York with 12 tackles and was PFF’s highest-graded Jets defender in the 24-17 win.
Sherwood will not be on his own trying to stop Stevenson but he will play a huge part in it. Stevenson is second in the NFL with 201 rushing yards.
WR Garrett Wilson vs. CB Jonathan Jones
Wilson does lead the Jets in receiving yards with 117 through two games, but there’s more meat on that bone. It’s understandable as him and Rodgers are only two games into building their connection.
Jones will provide a tough matchup for Wilson. PFF has Jones at a solid 71.1 overall mark so far in 2024 and he’s clearly New England’s best defensive back. If Wilson causes him problems, there will be a ripple effect across the Patriots defense.
