The Patriots (3-1), however, aren’t expecting a similar performance from the third-year quarterback of the Jets (2-2), who has won three of five career meetings against them, including last season’s stunning 28-21 victory in the divisional playoffs.
“One thing that we can’t do is look at that game, and say, ‘You know what, the Jets, they’re not the Jets — they’re going to do this, they’re going to do that, they can’t do this.’ Because each week it changes,’’ New England nose tackle Vince Wilfork said Thursday. “You really can’t go about last performance.
“I think we’re going to get their best shot. I really do because the same guys that (are) over there are the same guys that played us last year, the same guys that beat us three out of the five times we’ve played them. This team is definitely a good football team. Let’s not get that wrong.’’
The Jets (2-2) are better, though, when All-Pro center Nick Mangold is snapping the ball to Sanchez.
Mangold was limited in practice Wednesday after missing a second straight game on Sunday due to a high-ankle sprain. His absence paid dividends early and often for Baltimore’s havoc-happy defense.
“He’s probably one of the best offensive lineman in the game. He’s definitely a leader on that team for them,’’ Wilfork said. “I’m pretty sure that they would love for him to play because I think he gives them a spark.
“It’s absolutely a difference when he’s in and when he’s not in.’’
It took all of one play by the Jets on Sunday to realize that.
Safety Ed Reed stripped Sanchez of the ball on New York’s first offensive play of the game, allowing Jameel McClain to scoop up the fumble and go six yards for the touchdown. Jarret Johnson later took advantage of another Sanchez strip sack and fumble, scoring from 26 yards out in the second quarter, and Lardarius Webb delivered the dagger in the third, providing the final margin with his 73-yard interception return for a score.
