New York @ New England preview
Gillette Stadium
Last Meeting ( Sep 19, 2024 ) New England 3, N.Y. Jets 24
A 1-6 start has New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo questioning his team's toughness.
Mayo believes there still is time to flip the script, though, and New England will have a chance to do just that when it faces the New York Jets on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.
The first-year coach called the Patriots out following a 32-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London last Sunday, with Mayo declaring them a "soft football team across the board."
More conversations went on behind closed doors between Mayo and his players, and while he wouldn't share what was said, he is confident that New England will be playing inspired football against the Jets (2-5).
"We're on to the Jets," Mayo told reporters on Wednesday. "We've had those conversations. I've always looked at that as an opportunity to go out there and prove everyone wrong. Once again, going back to a chip on your shoulder, we've all had those chips on our shoulders at times that have gotten us through. So, this is no different.
"Obviously, once again, we are struggling as a team. Our record is what it is. It's about what we can do to get better."
New York also is out to turn things around after a 37-15 setback to the host Pittsburgh Steelers last week that pushed its losing streak to four games. Star wideout Davante Adams, acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 15, was reunited with Jets signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, but he hauled in just three catches for 30 yards.
Mayo doesn't think Adams will be nearly as quiet in his second game with New York.
"He's a good player, obviously has a great rapport with the quarterback," Mayo said of Adams. "I expect him to be more involved, even though he was involved the first game."
Adams, now in his 11th NFL season, already considers himself a vital piece of the Jets' offense and is willing to do anything he can to help New York get out of its funk.
"Regardless if I just got here, I'm a leader of this football team," Adams said. "Whether or not every single person in there sees it that way, that's how I see it, and that's my responsibility and ... something I take seriously."
Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) and safety Tony Adams (hamstring) sat out practice on Friday and were listed as doubtful for Sunday, and offensive lineman Morgan Moses (knee) was listed as questionable.
New York coach Jeff Ulbrich ruled out guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), defensive lineman Leki Fotu (knee) and safety Ashtyn Davis (concussion).
All-Pro edge rusher Haason Reddick, after ending his holdout last weekend, will make his debut for the Jets against the Patriots, Ulbrich said.
Defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale (abdomen) and cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder) were among eight New England players listed as questionable. The Patriots ruled out wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (concussion) and guard Layden Robinson (ankle).
The Jets and Patriots met back in Week 3, when New York cruised to a 24-3 victory before beginning its four-game skid.
--Field Level Media