After a rough 0-2 start, the New England Patriots might have a sign of life against a dormant New York Jets team looking for help, as they work their way through the season without star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Patriots will have their hands full against a dominant Jets defensive line, who should eat against the Patriots’ banged-up offensive line. This week’s x-factor player is the fulcrum of that line, All-Pro defensive lineman Quinnen Williams.
Buy Patriots TicketsWilliams is one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the entire league, and he should cause a ton of problems for a Patriots’ interior that includes second-year guard Cole Strange, David Andrews, who has been battling injuries recently, and Mike Onwenu, who is coming off of ankle surgery this offseason.
There will likely be double teams against Williams, but even with double teams, he’s a force to be reckoned with in the middle. He has incredible technique, raw power and good speed off the line, making him a dangerous player.
The Patriots will need to shut down one of the game’s elite if they wish to move the ball, as Williams is an experienced pass rusher and dominant run stuffer up the middle. His presence alone opens up one-on-one matchups for guys like Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, John Franklin Meyers and Quinton Jefferson.
We all hope there is health across the Patriots’ offensive line, but regardless, they will need to trust their tackles with one-on-ones against some of the better defensive lineman in the league, who are just sidekicks to the dominant Williams.
