The New England Patriots have been very good at forcing fumbles on opposing quarterbacks, and the New York Jets' quarterback has been very friendly to opposing defenses in that regard.
Ball security will be at a premium Thursday night when the Jets host the Patriots, as New England has forced 24 fumbles, including six strip sacks. (photo: TexCap, Flickr)
"That’s something that you have to be mindful of," Jets coach Rex Ryan told the media Monday. "It’s put two hands on the football, protecting the football at all times, keeping the ball on your up-field shoulder. Some of that is a presence of when to step up."
Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has fumbled nine times this season, including a game-clincher in New York's overtime loss to New England in October. Ryan would like Sanchez to take some notes on how Patriots quarterback Tom Brady protects the football.
"I think Brady probably does it better than anybody," Ryan said. "He puts that ball down on that front shoulder and he’ll protect it at all costs. Sometimes he’ll take a sack, I mean, very rarely. I think they lead the league in least sacks, but if it comes down to it, he’s going to protect the football instead of trying to do something."
New England gives up a lot of yards through the air but makes it up in turnovers and scoring defense. The Patriots returned two interceptions for touchdowns Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
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