A few things to keep an eye on Thursday night.
Patriots (7-3) vs. Jets (4-6)
When, where: MetLife Stadium, Thursday at 8:25 p.m. (NBC).
Last time out: Oct. 12: Patriots 29, Jets 26 (OT)
Series record: Patriots hold a 54-52-1 edge.
Spread: Patriots by 6.5.
5 things to watch
How do the Patriots replace Gronk: Let’s start by saying that Rob Gronkowski can’t be replaced. He’s accounted for eight of the Patriots’ touchdown catches in the red zone. No other New England has more than two. But as far as the personnel groupings, not much should change from how the team has operated the last few weeks with Aaron Hernandez sidelined with an ankle injury. After operating in two-tight end sets on 75 of their offensive snaps last season, the Pats have rolled out three-receiver sets on 65 percent of the snaps Hernandez was sidelined for. The biggest hindrance here will be disguising things on offense. Gronkowski was almost like having two players rolled into one with his ability as a pass catcher and blocker. Now New England will have to use two people to fill both of those roles.
How does Hernandez’s ankle hold up: Helping to ease some of the burden, Hernandez is expected to return from his ankle injury against the Jets. His presence will help replace some of what was lost with Gronkowski, but there’s little evidence to suggest that Hernandez is fully healthy. Him being active was hardly a slam-dunk, and CBSSports.com recently reported that he is expected to have a limited role in the game. Those reports don’t typically surround a player that is considered to be fully healthy.
Which team best responds to the short week: That’s what this one comes down to. A less talented Jets team could gain the edge against the Patriots if Rex Ryan has his squad better prepared than Belichick. Now, we normally would give a big edge here to Bill Belichick, who is meticulous in his preparation, but everything changed with Gronkowski’s surprise injury. That little bit of awkwardness should make this one more interesting than it was on paper a week ago.
Patriots corners vs. Jets skill players: Can the Jets move the ball? That’s been the big question for them all season. New England has helped teams in this regard all season, but it seemed as though some momentum was built over the weekend against the Colts. Aqib Talib, who did have some struggles, was mostly good, and Devin McCouty continues to settle in at safety. This matchup shouldn’t be a problem for New England, but if it is, the concerns that have engulfed the secondary the last two seasons will return in full force.
Who plays safety: Playing off the last point, this will be an area of focus. Last week, Patrick Chung (hamstring/shoulder) was somewhat of a surprise scratch and McCouty and Steve Gregory started at safety. Chung should be ready to go this week, but there’s no guarantee that his job will still be there. It’s possible that McCourty and Gregory will continue back there, or McCourty could potentially be moved back to corner.
Prediction: It will be another tight battle, but the Patriots prevail, 28-24.