Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates a sack with...

Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates a sack with outside linebacker Quinton Coples (98) during the first half of a game against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014. Credit: Lee S. Weissman

Forget 1-5.

All that matters right now is New England.

"We get pumped up. You don't have to say anything,'' Jets linebacker Quinton Coples said with a smile when asked about Thursday night's road game against the AFC East rival Patriots.

"This game means a lot to us, this organization. So we're all fired up and ready.''

That's the beauty of Patriots week. Everything else falls by the wayside when the Jets prepare to face their ultimate rival. And, let's be honest, Rex Ryan and his players are more than happy to focus on something other than their five-game losing streak.

"Right now, we're throwing our record out the door,'' receiver David Nelson said. "We're trying to start fresh. This is our season, starting right now. If there's ever a chance to get back on the right page and get back to playing the type of ball we could play -- it's against a team like this.''

Their seasons may appear to be headed in opposite directions, but the Jets and Patriots (4-2) are still tailor-made for prime-time TV. Ryan may respect Bill Belichick, but they don't like each other. The Jets players feel the same about the Patriots, and vice versa.

There's also a new plot twist. Former Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis is playing behind enemy lines after signing a free-agent deal with New England in the offseason. All Ryan can do is hope that his receivers don't get stranded on Revis Island.

Making matters worse, the Jets will try to counter Tom Brady, a future Hall of Famer, with Geno Smith, whose playing ability and maturity have come into question. Smith has the lowest completion percentage (57.1) of any full-time starter, and his 41.0 passer rating on first down is the lowest among quarterbacks with at least 20 passes on first down, according to the NFL.

Thanks to Smith's struggles, inconsistent offensive line play and numerous defensive breakdowns, the Jets season is in a nosedive. And they're running out of time to save it.

"I'm hoping everybody feels like me: very desperate,'' defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson said.

The beleaguered Smith still believes the Jets have a shot to turn things around.

"It's definitely one that's a stretch,'' he admitted, "but as long as we've got a shot, we've got an opportunity.''

All that stands in their way of a win is the Patriots, which is more than enough motivation.

"We know the rivalry and how much we dislike them,'' guard Willie Colon said. "They're playing good football and we need a victory in the worst way.''

Notes & quotes: The Jets released 2012 draft pick Josh Bush and activated Antwan Barnes off the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list . . . Eric Decker, David Harris and David Nelson are probable to play, but Greg Salas and Trevor Reilly are out . . . The domestic violence case against rookie wide receiver Quincy Enunwa has been dismissed, according to NJ.com. Enunwa's girlfriend didn't want to proceed with the charges. By terms of the agreement, the couple cannot have contact for 90 days.

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