New York Jets at New England: Five Things to Know

There really is only one thing you need to know going into the Thursday Night match-up in New England: It's the Patriots... and they have hit their stride.

But for argument's sake, we will dissect what these two teams bring to the table, and what that means for this game.

1. Tom Brady is NOT washed-up.

For the second week in a row, Brady has proved his detractors wrong (misguided). He may be in his late 30s, but he still can heave the rock. A 43 yard strike to rookie Brian Tyms ought to be evidence enough that the deep ball never has been, and never will be, a problem for the future Hall Of Famer. He has been criticized for it, but yet he still throws the deep ball well. New York will have no answer for it. How about over 900 total yards of offense in two games, mostly through the air?

2. Geno Smith may be taking a long walk off a short pier.

Let's just say things continue as they have been for Smith; let's also say that the Jets will get a high first round pick in the draft and they will use it on a QB. Is that too much pressure for a young quarterback? You betcha!

3. Darrelle Revis is playing for the Dark Side now.

Revis is a Patriot; Rex Ryan is sick; Smith will be if he throws to Revis Island.

4. Other Jets are jumping ship.

It's not a good sign when a player asks for a trade. Mike Williams may not be the best player on the roster, but he may be the smartest. Whether or not the ship in New York is sinking, this does not bode well for the team or its morale. What do you do when your players don't want to play? Marrone gets annoyed.

5. Bill Belichick won't win a personality contest...

... but he doesn't care. He cares about winning games and getting the most out of his team; that's what he gets paid for. It may be a short week, but he will have the Patriots ready to stomp the Jets and continue their quest for supremacy of the division and an eventual trip to Arizona.

The Patriots may have lost Jerod Mayo and Stevan Ridley in one game, and they are lost for the season, as well. The biggest absences for the Jets will be Greg Salas and Trevor Reilly. That pretty much evens out, so injuries won't be an excuse for either side. The losses are substantial, but not without replacements.

This game really will come down to who has the most success with the ball. Plain and simple: Brady will lead the Patriots to another big win with a dominant air attack.