The Patriots close out a short week in a primetime matchup
with the New York Jets on Thanksgiving night.
New England enters Thursday’s matchup with somewhat of a
bruised ego, as All-Pro Tight End Rob Gronkowski, the focal point of the
passing offense, has been sidelined for 4-6 weeks. Gronkowski broke his forearm
on the Patriots’ final extra point in Sunday’s 59-24 win over the Indianapolis
Colts.
New York headlines have found Gronkowski’s injury as
something to give thanks for, as the New York Post’s headline on Tuesday simply
read, “Thanks, Bill”. The Jets, as well as other teams around the league,
believe that New England’s offense is stymied without the presence of Rob
Gronkowski.
A New England fan, however, would find it hard to believe
this to be true. The Patriots currently have 4 Tight Ends on the active roster,
and can plug any of them in as needed in order to replicate Gronkowski’s
presence. Furthermore, it is believed that Aaron Hernandez will return to the
lineup vs. the Jets.
As for the Jets, I firmly believe that this is a make or
break game for Rex Ryan. The Jets have lost three straight regular season
contests; their last win came in a 28-21 upset at Gillette Stadium in the
divisional round of the playoffs (I’m still not ready to talk about that
game..)
There is reason to believe that the Patriots’ offense will
come into Thursday’s game with more momentum than their initial Oct. 21st
matchup with New York. After dropping 59 on a pretty decent Indy defense, their
confidence is sky high coming against an offense led by Mark Sanchez.
The loss of Rob Gronkowski will make very little difference;
the Patriots should roll to victory very easily in the Meadowlands.
Prediction: Patriots 31, Jets 21 (8-3)
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