Geno Smith's versatility concerns Patriots
Patriots safety Devin McCourty knows numbers mean only so much.
Geno Smith has been struggling badly during the Jets' five-game losing streak, and New England limited him to 447 passing yards, a touchdown and four interceptions as a rookie.
However, dissecting film in a shortened week has reminded many Patriots how dangerous a dual threat Smith can be.
"He does a good job when he does get outside,'' McCourty said Tuesday. "He can throw the ball still, but he also knows what he's doing when he runs the ball. He makes some guys miss in the secondary.''
Smith's versatility kept things interesting against the Pats last year, when he ran for 49 yards in nine carries against them. In his second start, he brought the Jets within a field goal before throwing three interceptions in a 13-10 Patriots victory.
But in the rematch Oct. 20, Smith threw for 233 yards and a score. In the third quarter, his 8-yard run gave the host Jets a 24-21 lead. They won in overtime, 30-27, their first victory over the Pats since a 28-21 playoff triumph in January 2011.
"We've got to keep him in the pocket, man, we really do,'' cornerback Darrelle Revis said. "He can hurt us with his legs. We've been game-planning the best we can to try and stop those things that he does well.''
Weather.com says there's a 100-percent chance of rain here tomorrow night. Although Mother Nature may hinder the passing game, it might be the perfect storm for Smith's athleticism to thrive.
"Rain or shine,'' McCourty said, "he's an athletic guy.''