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Players to Watch: Patriots vs. Jets
Patriots Football Weekly's Andy Hart gives you 10 players to watch during Sunday's matchup against the New York Jets.
Reports indicate that Gronkowski has been cleared for game action and could make his much-awaited 2013 debut Sunday in New York. It's what Patriots fans have been waiting six weeks for.
New England's budding left tackle will see a lot of fellow third-year player Muhammad Wilkerson. The Jets defensive end is a big, athletic man who presents a big challenge for Solder.
The second-year linebacker is expected to take over the play calling duties for the defense. Beyond his mental duties, Hightower will also be counted on to make more plays given his uniquely versatile skill set.
Whether it's the special teamer coming off an ACL injury a year ago or the rookie top pick, either Fletcher or Collins will see an increased role on defense given the loss of Jerod Mayo. In reality, both players will likely have to step up this week and moving forward.
With the expectation that Aqib Talib (hip) won't play against the Jets, Arrington gets bumped up on the cornerback depth chart. Rather than spending the bulk of his time as a sub player or in the slot, he could be back on the outside where he's struggled at times in recent years.
The young Jets defensive lineman is the best player on the New York defensive front, which is the best aspect of Rex Ryan's team. In his third season Wilkerson is a beast against the run and can get after the passer a little bit as well.
New York's first round pick this spring, Richardson works opposite Muhammad Wilkerson as one of the best young defensive line duos in the league. It's a double challenge for the New England offensive line.
A tight end can be a young quarterback's best friend and Cumberland has been an efficient weapon for Geno Smith the last couple weeks. Cumberland is tied for the Jets lead with two touchdowns and with Kellen Winslow suspended could become an even bigger part of the offense.
New York's rookie quarterback is the key to the Jets offense. He's turned the ball over often, but if he can take care of it the home team may have a chance against a banged up Patriots defense.
The speedster has become Smith's top target. He's far from a polished weapon, but he can get behind a defense and the Patriots secondary that's likely to be without its top player in Aqib Talib. The Patriots have to ensure that big plays from Hill don't ruin the afternoon.
