Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Under the spotlight: Geno Smith and Calvin Pryor

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Each week we will select two players on the New York Jets -- one on offense, one on defense -- who figure to play a key role in the upcoming game. The Jets face the New England Patriots (11-3) Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Geno Smith, quarterback -- Believe it or not, Smith has played competently in 11 of 12 quarters against the Patriots in his career. The exception came in the fourth quarter of the first meeting last season, when he imploded with three interceptions. Since then, he has completed 37 of 67 passes for 459 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. In fact, three of his 13 200-yard passing days have come against New England. His record is 1-2. Sunday will be a challenge because the Patriots' secondary, led by Darrelle Revis, is playing very well. They've added some wrinkles since the first meeting, incorporating man-coverage concepts that morph into zone.

Calvin Pryor, safety -- The safeties always are in the spotlight against the Patriots because of tight end Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady's favorite target. Gronkowski, the first tight end in Patriots history to have two 1,000-yard seasons, averages nine targets per game. Pryor has cut down on his mistakes in recent weeks, but he's still not making any big plays. He has no interceptions, no forced fumbles and only two pass breakups. He can salvage an underwhelming rookie season with an impact performance against Gronk & Co.

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