The Patriots travel to New York today to take on the New York Jets in what is a big game for them. They need to win and if they are going to, they need to execute in all three phases.

Here three ways they can attack the Jets, stop the Jets and one special teams key.

Offense

1. Screen variety: The Jets pass rush is one of the best in the NFL. The Patriots offensive line will have their hands full. The Patriots need to use their screen game on all downs not just second or third and long. Look for H-Screens, perimeter screens and some SPO’s (Screen, pass options.)

Diagram 1: Play-Action perimeter screens like this will be key for the Patriots today if they want to control the Jets pass rush.

2. Three-Step Passes: The Patriots cannot waste time trying to push the ball down the field against a Jets secondary that usually plays Cover One and Cover Three. Factor in their pass rush and getting the ball out quick will be a big part of the Patriots passing plan. Three-step passes, quick five-step passes and play-action passes are going to be a part of today’s game. Here are two examples.

Diagrams 2 & 3: Three-step and play-action: Look for the Patriots to get the ball out quick today in the passing game. Especially if the weather is an issue.

3. 6 and 7 Man Pass Pro: O’Brien will have to use more six and seven man pass protections. The Jets pass rush is among the best in the NFL. The offensive line will struggle in five man pass pro if that’s all the Patriots do. Look for three out and a check down or four out and a check down. The Patriots use chip releases as well to protect both Mac Jones and the offensive line.

Defense

1. Bluff, Show and Sim Pressure: The Patriots will move around a lot. Look for them to bluff pressure, show pressure and bail out and simulate pressure and bring it from the other side. The Patriots have had success confusing Zach Wilson in his career and look for them to do more of that in this game.

2. More eight man fronts: Look for more eight man fronts this week. The weather will be a factor and the Jets will run the football in an effort to get on track offensively and protect Wilson. The Patriots will play more 30 fronts and get Jabrill Peppers and Marte Mapu more involved in the box pre-snap.

3. Expect more man than zone: Despite the injuries in the secondary, expect the Patriots to play more man than zone today. They will run blitz a bunch in an effort to slow down New York’s run game. If they get the Jets in second and third and long, expect more zone or match up zone.

Special Teams:  The weather will be a factor today so field position will be key. The Patriots don’t have to kick to spots today by both kickers need to have a good day at the office because they cannot give the Jets a short field.