Kickoff: The Patriots face an early season must win scenario in New York today when they square off against the Jets. New England has dominated the Jets of late winning their last 14 games against them, home or away, dating back to 2015. A win today would be a step in the right direction and it would help calm down an unsettled fan base.

Four Downs: Four keys for the Patriots

1. Get off to a good start offensively: The Patriots have fallen behind early in each of the last two weeks and have been forced to abandon their game plan. They need to get off to a good start today on offense. Scoring within the first two possessions is key. They have to play clean and finish drives. Penalties and mistakes have doomed them early in games thus far on offense.

2. Run the ball well: The Patriots have to get the running game going. It has been a non- factor thus far this season. Even with playing from behind, the Patriots have tried to run the ball but they have not had a lot of success. Getting Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott going today is important. The Patriots need to be physical with the Jets defensive front and running the football is the best way to do it.

3. Pass Protection: Pass protection will be the difference today against the Jets talented front seven. Quinnen Williams and company can get after the quarterback, especially on obvious passing downs. The offensive line must hold up and if the Patriots need to, they must be willing to use more six and seven man protections to help them out.

4. Defense has to win the game: No pressure. The defense needs to be the difference in this one. The offense will struggle to score 21 points against the Jets talent defense. The Patriots defense needs to step up once again and win this game. Get pressure on Wilson by showing him different looks and control the line of scrimmage against their run game. If the defense can do those two things, they will be fine today.

Extra Point: The 14 straight wins the Patriots have over the Jets is the second longest streak in team history to the 15 straight wins the Patriots had over Buffalo from 2003 to 2010.  The seven straight series sweeps are the most in team history.

The Patriots lead the all-time series, 73-54-1. They are 39-25-1 all-time in home games against the Jets, including 19-4 at Gillette Stadium. New England is 44-16 against the Jets since Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994.

Final Drive: The Patriots need this one. It is that simple. A loss today and they are starting at 0-4 in the face next week in Dallas. An 0-4 start would be a death kneel and the Patriots season would be effectively be over. They can win today but a good start is key. They cannot afford to fall behind again. If they do, they are in trouble. As we have seen so far this season, this team is not built to play from behind. Regardless of who the opponent is. They must score first and control the play.