On The Beat: 5 questions with New York writer Manish Mehta - 'Jets should be sued for negligence if they don’t make an aggressive run at Le’Veon Bell'

Every week, we go deep on the Patriots’ next opponent with our “5 questions…” feature where we check in with a writer who covers New England’s next opponent. For this week’s game against the Jets, we talk with our buddy Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Check him out on Twitter here.

1. We asked Matthew Slater why Jets-Patriots games have been a struggle for New England the last several years, and he said it’s like a college rivalry game, where no matter the season, the two sides just seem to know each other. What’s your take on why New York has managed to be an occasional thorn in New England’s side, despite the (ahem) disparate records?

This one’s easy: The Jets have had some terrific defensive minds in the past decade or so that have challenged Tom Brady. Oh sure, Brady typically gets the last laugh (I mean, he’s Tom F---in’ Brady after all), but I guarantee that he’d admit in a quiet moment just how difficult it’s been to face Eric Mangini, Rex Ryan, Mike Pettine and Todd Bowles through the years. The Jets have had success mixing schemes to keep Brady off balance, which has produced some fun games in recent years regardless of Gang Green’s record at the time.

2. Is Bowles coaching for his job at this point in the season?

A team source told me that it’s a “foregone conclusion” that the Jets will be making a coaching change after the season. Miracles can happen, I suppose, but I think it’s fair to say that the organization will be searching for a new course in six weeks. Bowles, of course, is hardly the lone culprit. GM Mike Maccagnan hasn’t exactly provided top-shelf talent through his first four drafts. But my understanding that ownership isn’t prepared to blow up the entire operation. Remember: Christopher Johnson is the day-to-day contact while brother Woody serves as the UK Ambassador for the Trump Administration.

3. Is there an under-the-radar type for the Jets who has the chance to surprise on Sunday?

Keep an eye on second-year running back Eli McGuire, who returned from short-term IR (broken foot early in training camp). McGuire has played more snaps than veteran Isaiah Crowell since in each of his first two games back. Crowell has received slightly more touches, but that could easily change. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates has raved about McGuire’s pass protection, which is typically the biggest barrier that prevents young running backs from staying on the field. New York running back coach Stump Mitchell likened McGuire this summer to LaDainian Tomlinson due to his pass-catching and rushing skills. That’s obviously hyperbole, but here’s a more interesting comp from Bates a few weeks ago: former Patriots running back Kevin Faulk.