5 bold predictions for the Patriots against the Jets

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 12: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. The Patriots will keep feeding Damien Harris

New England had a decent afternoon on the ground against Miami. Harris had 100 yards rushing on 23 carries, and the team as a whole averaged north of four yards a carry.

While the Jets aren’t great on the back end, their front seven was solid last season against the run, finishing 12th in the NFL in rushing defense. Plus, they’ve added a few pieces to help in that department.

Jones was very efficient through the air in his first regular season action, but they can’t solely rely on him to win games throughout the year. Harris and the run game will need to help out the offense by sustaining a respectable ground attack.

New York gave up north of 100 yards on the ground to the Panthers in Week 1. The Patriots should look to run the ball early and often to take a little of the pressure off Jones and the passing game. Even if New England goes down early, they can’t panic and abandon the run game completely.

A well balanced attack is what is needed to move the ball with a rookie quarterback. People say that you have to run the ball to set up the pass- it can work the other way around, as well.

If the Patriots are able to get in a rhythm through the air, that will set up Harris and the run game. They will need both to be successful to get their first win of 2021.

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