About the Patriots

ABOUT THE PATRIOTSCoach: Bill Belichick, 11th season (121-50).

Top offensive players: QB Tom Brady, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WR Wes Welker.

Top defensive players: NT Vince Wilfork, LB Jerod Mayo, DL Mike Wright.

KEY MATCHUP

The two rookie tight ends, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski (above), are key parts of the Patriots' aerial attack, and it's imperative for the Jets to limit their big-play ability. Hernandez, a 6-1, 245-pounder, ranks third on the team with 462 receiving yards. He carved up the Jets for 101 yards on six receptions in Week 2. Gronkowski, who has totaled 310 yards and six touchdowns, has 15 receptions for 209 yards and three TDs in his last four games. "They are getting him the ball more," cornerback Darrelle Revis said of Gronkowski. "They are getting Hernandez the ball more, too. Hernandez hurt us in the first game a little bit with some plays, but they are two good tight ends that can run as well as block and can make the catches."

THE RANKINGSLOOKING AHEAD

The Jets won't have much time to decipher whatever happens against the Patriots, and will have a short week in preparing for Sunday's AFC East matchup with the Dolphins at New Meadowlands Stadium. After that, it's consecutive road games against tough opponents, the Steelers and Bears.