Jets at Patriots: Matchup to Watch

Jets (2-2) at Patriots (3-1), 4:15 p.m. Eastern, CBS

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Patriots tight ends vs. Jets defense

Perhaps no team is better at exploiting mismatches than the Patriots, whose excellent tight-end tandem of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez shredded the Jets last year for 16 catches, 257 yards and a touchdown. In six games together this season (Hernandez has been injured), they have combined for 32 catches, 461 yards and 7 touchdowns. While also contending with Wes Welker and Deion Branch on the outside, the Jets must find a way to bottle up two of Tom Brady’s most dependable options. The onus is on the Jets’ linebackers and safeties, particularly Eric Smith, who has often ended up covering opposing tight ends.

NUMBER TO WATCH: 23

It is more than just Shonn Greene’s number. It is how many rushing attempts the Jets have averaged over their first four games, a significant drop compared with the 32.75 attempts they averaged at this point the last two seasons. Somewhere in the middle would figure to please the Jets, signaling a diversified offense and an ability to move the ball against a rushing defense that has yielded 4.8 yards a carry. Greene has yet to gain consistency, but the Jets are hopeful that will begin Sunday.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

‘It’s the fifth game of the season. I think that word is a little strong.’

Patriots Coach BILL BELICHICK, when asked if he expected the Jets to play with desperation Sunday after losing two consecutive games.