#25 Kerry Rhodes... don't believe the hype

This former up and coming, budding young star has turned into a monster. Not on the field like we had hoped, but off of it.

He jumps at any opportunity ... not to make a play, but to deliver a sound byte. He is a relentless force ... not in the weight room, but on his twitter page. I was a fan of #25 when he was a quite young 4th round pick who was making a name for himself as a playmaker. I remember his rookie season when he battled Oliver Celestin for the starting safety spot. He emerged in camp as a smart, hard hitting, tall, and athletic DB.

Good teams have to be able to find talent through out the draft, and for a while the Jets were on quite a streak. We have three stand out 4th rounders including Rhodes, Cotchery and Washington. However, after 3 years of hard nosed playing the Jets rewarded Rhodes with a big contract making him one the highest paid safety's in football. Since that extension he has run his mouth with much more ferocity than how he runs on the field.

He had a grand total of 2 picks last year and was averaging about 3.5 unassisted tackles a game. So far this year, no picks (not even anything close to a pick), and 10 unassisted tackles... which is about 3.5 per game. In last weeks game Chris Johnson had a big run to the strong side and got past the second level (the LB's) which he does quite often. He was streaking down field and Rhodes had him dead to rights. At this point we have a 7 point lead. Rhodes try's to arm tackle Johnson, who is much smaller, and simply slides off of him. Luckily Vernon Gholston, who has amazing speed, didn't give up on the play and was able to chase Johnson down and save the game tying TD.

I have been ultra critical of Kerry and to back it up I always keep an eye on him and often replay defensive snaps to see what he is up to. He has become a player who is content to stay out of the way and has no desire to deliver a big hit or make the big play. With his size he should be punishing receivers.

I hope our defensive strategy this week involves David Harris covering Jeremy Schockey. If our coaches try to put Rhodes on the big TE he will no doubt have a career day in receptions. I don't feel #25 is hungry anymore and he is only motivated by seeing his name in print or his face on TV. I would be happy to offer Rhodes and a 3rd round pick to Mr. Mangini for the struggling WR Braylon Edwards. His stock hasn't fallen yet, and I think we could still get something in return for him.

... In the hoooooooouse of the riiiiiiisin' sun...

Sean Payton had some kind words for Rex Ryan and our rookie QB this offseason:

"If I had to choose one non-playoff team from last season that has a chance to make it into the 2009 postseason it would be the Jets. I think Rex Ryan will do a great job of creating a culture that lends itself to winning. I also love Sanchez as a young quarterback prospect. We will find out soon enough."- Sean Payton

The NY Jets are off to the Big Easy for a game that should be anything but. Our defense is ranked top five in every important category. Now we face the best and most dynamic offense in the NFL. We also face a very underrated defense led by former Jet, Jonathan Vilma. I predicted the New Orleans Saints as an elite squad this year and I also predicted us to lose in week four playing in their dome. Brees is deadly in the controlled conditions that the dome provide.

The key to this game simply revolves around our ground game. In order for us to keep winning we need our two pro-bowl backs, and our VERY highly paid O-line, to start imposing their will. I don't care what defense we face, 14 carries for 20 yards is unacceptable. Our secondary will have it's work cut out for it, but I am interested in how our LB's with respond. Having the luxury of two outstanding ILB's will pay off this week. Former NY Giant Jeremy Shockey could be a real X-factor in this game. Who will be assigned to shut down this University of Miami alumni?

I like to look at the season in four quarters much like a game. If we are 3-1 and healthy after the 1st quarter of the season we will be in an excellent position moving forward. A loss this week may take the wind out of the sails for some Jets fans, but I am confident that Rex won't let his team turn this into a let down. I feel the Saints are the best overall team in the league right now and they are my choice to represent the NFC in the Superbowl. If we can somehow squeak out a win in their house, I will officially rank us as a top 5 team.

My top 10 teams after 3 weeks...

Sorry but the Jets are not number one, and barely make my top 10. Sports Illustrated, ESPN and quite a few other news outlets have the Jets ranked top 5. They always consider a teams record when they make their lists. I don't, I simply look at how the teams would match up head to head in a 'win or go home' playoff game. Here's my list (which the Jets have moved up on this week):

#1) The New Orleans Saints. They proved they could win even when Breeze doesn't have a lights out performance. Underrated defense, bionic offense, and some scary playmakers on special teams.

#2) The Minnesota Vikings. Despite the selfish ego maniac know as #4 this team is complete. They have fielded the best defense in the league for years, finally some credit.

#3) The Baltimore Ravens. Very solid in all three phases and their QB is not content with just managing the game and hiding behind the defense. Love Flacco!

#4) The NY Giants. The WR corps. is a bit better than I thought they would be, but if they are going to move up this list to #1 where they belong, those wide outs are going to have to show better hands. The loss of Phillips is a sin, that kid is the real deal at safety.

#5) The Indianapolis Colts. #18 is showing that the reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated.

#6) The Green Bay Packers. Lots of young talent, some fierce playmakers, great coaching and a newly installed 3-4 defense.

#7) The New England Patriots. Brady... Belichick... Moss... thats a guaranteed 8 wins even if they don't try. I know we beat them, but all things being equal, a rookie vs. Brady will loose 9 out 10 times.

#8) The San Diego Chargers. Vincent Jackson is twice as good as some of his more famous counterparts in the league. Guys like Roy Williams, T.O., and Ocho Cinco are not half the receiver Jackson is.

#9) The Pittsburgh Steelers. 1-2 after 3 games, OMG fire the coach, trade the QB and sell the team to an owner who would know what he is doing. This is an elite organization. Everything will work out as the season progresses for the defending Superbowl champs. Holmes catch at the end of last years big game may be the greatest play I have ever seen in my 20 plus years of watching the NFL if you factor in the circumstances and what was on the line.

#10) The Mighty New York Jets!!!! I would have ranked them at about #20 before these first three impressive victories. Beat the Saints and I will officially be drinking the Kool Aid and talking playoffs and Superbo......... Superbo...... Damn, still can't write it.

I predicted us to be 8-8 at best this season, and 2-1 at this point of the season. So, I am not shocked at our record so far but I am surprised at how good our defense is. If the running game starts to click... watch out.

I am thrilled with Rex's decision to hold Clowney out of this weeks game because of inappropriate 'tweets' regarding his dissatisfaction with his lack of touches. That-a-boy Rex! No one player is bigger than the team. Nip a problem like this in the bud, it may seem a bit of an overreaction today, but if #87 continues to grow and develop as a WR we don't want another T.O. on our hands in 2 or 3 years.

Keep Rollin'! Week 3: NY Jets vs. Tennessee Titans

The "Titans of New York" beat the "Tennessee Oilers" this week as the Jets and Titans take on their throw back alter egos. Apparently the Jets couldn't afford to clothe their assistant coaches in the yellow and blue throw back gear. Why they would ever have players and coaches in two different colors with different team names on their chests is beyond me. On to the game...

Our team really peaked in the 1st quarter. That has been our high point of the season thus far. Offense, special teams and defense looked elite. The Titans, who are now 0-3, are one hell of a talented football team. In the blink of an eye we were up 14, but one thing was for sure... Jeff Fishers squad wasn't going to curl up and die. They fought their way back and our defense finally gave up the first TD of the season... 10 quarters into the season. Thats something to be proud of.

On the Lendale White rushing TD I was shocked by his individual effort. That guy has some real heart. He broke a Jenkins tackle (wow), then broke a Leonhard tackle, and willed his way to six. One thing that stood out to me on that play was how Kerry Rhodes was manhandled by a smaller WR. He is quickly becoming my least favorite player. He also missed a tackle in the 2nd half that would have given up the game tying TD if not for the speedy LB Gholston saving the day. If you are going to run your mouth... back it up big boy. Make a play once in a while #25!

Sanchez struggled a bit with the wet ball. He also threw at least two interceptions that were dropped. This is what you expect from a young signal caller. Bumps in the road are par for the coarse, but so far #6 has shown some luck to go with his natural ability... and that can never hurt. He was a bit careless today, but he's 3-0 and the first rookie QB to ever achieve that in the history of the NFL. Very exciting!

The Eric Smith interception towards the end of the 2nd quarter was excellent. I really like our secondary, they are truly the strength of the defense. I am a big Chris johnson fan and after the play he showed his tenacious attitude by fighting with Smith for the ball. If you watched closely as the scuffle broke out Kellen Clemens came from off the bench to defend his teammate. I really like that guy, obviously you have to be thrilled with Dirty Sanchez, but Kellen is a hell of a guy.

Love the hail mary call at the end of the first half. So many teams skip that these days, but I think it really shows that winning is more important that stats. Now for the second half...

The Titans came out strong took the lead for the first time. They scored 17 unanswered points and our offense had slowed to a complete stop. Our special teams ended up making another game changing play in the second half that was as impact full as their previous one. Mike Westhoff, our special teams coach, gets a lot of attention and I'm sure there are a lot of fans who just don't appreciate this guy.

He has survived 3 head coaches and almost a decade, and through it all one thing has been consistent... our special teams have been amongst the best the NFL has to offer. Two of our 3 TD's were set up by big special teams plays. If you want to have a chance to win each week in the NFL you need to produce in all THREE phases of the game, and right now the Jets are doing that.

With two fumbles and one interception the Jets rookie QB never lost control of the game. He has won the support and confidence of his teammates and coaches, and I don't know how else to put besides to say he just doesn't seem like a rookie. Our running game is suffering, and one of the reasons is because teams are daring Sanchez to throw. There is also another reason. Thomas Jones has officially hit the wall.

That dude has no burst, can't break a tackle and is obviously the second best RB on this team. I think he should be second on the depth chart and Neon leon Washington should become our official #1 RB. Jones isn't costing us much this year and I would limit his carries. 8-10 touches at the most for Jones and 20 plus touches for Washington. Let Leon prove he can carry the load and earn that big contract. Use Jones in short yardage situations and keep him fresh for the playoffs. I would also like to see the rookie Shonn Greene who has yet to touch the ball. We traded up to score this player, I would expect to see him make some-sort-of contribution, and soon.

Some other quick observations about this game and the NFL in week 3:

• #77 Big Jenks was a force this week but by the end of the game he was shown on the sidelines in obvious back pain. I'm glad he's on our side, but his durability will be a concern for the rest of his career.

• Gholston was all over the field today and it shocks me how much he draws a double team. For a dude that has never recorded a sack he gets a lot of attention.

• Bryan Thomas was very productive today and he has really filled the void during the Pace suspension. Beginning in week 5 a starting LB squad consisting of Pace, Harris, Scott and Thomas may very well be the best in the NFL. It's probably the most expensive as well especially if you factor in #50 and his insane salary coming off the bench.

• Cotchery is making a case for himself as a 'go to' #1 wideout. Clowney didn't even dress for this game and you have to place him as #5 on the depth chart.

• Kenny Britt is starting to receive some attention as a rookie WR. He is a prototype NFL wideout and Tennessee hit home run drafting this Rutgers product.

• Deshawn Jackson is quickly becoming an elite receiver in this league. He was explosive last year and has raised the bar this season. He has a TD of over 60 yards each of his first three games.

• Mcnabb is in the HOT SEAT. Kolb is looking ready to take the reigns, Vick is taking snaps and Garcia is waiting in the wings. WOW.

• Ahmad Bradshaw is an explosive back who is going to really push Jacobs for carries. Love his playing style.

• Washington loses to Detroit. I'll say it again, that team is just a mess. Huge contracts to players with name recognition, and no substance.

• Cincinnati is making waves. They should be 3-0 and they are hungry and determined. That last second loss in week one only made them stronger. Fear the big cats!

• T.O. is just about ready to explode in Buffalo. The heartbreaking loss against the Pats in week one. Then his catch-less performance this week and the awkward press conference that followed equals lots of fun in the weeks to come. Getcha popcorn ready!

• Drew Breeze puts up less than 200 yards and no TD's this week. Thats a real shocker. Maybe this trend will continue next week when the Jets go to visit him in the big easy (fingers crossed).

• My favorite quote from the CBS broadcast of the Jets game this week was from Dan Dierdorf. He commented on the overall status of the Tampa Bay Bucs... he said "...they are a young team devoid of talent". Wow, that is pretty rough.

• Mr Mangini is 0-3 and spiraling. He has already pulled his QB and I would love to see Cleveland pull the plug on the penguin by seasons end in order to make a run at one of the elite coaches that will be on the market.

I hope the team will not waste anytime running their mouths about the Titans this week and everyone involved with the Jets organization will be focused on one thing... The New Orleans Saints. We shall see what our defense is made up of this week for sure.

Ladainian Tomlinson disgusts me!

I have shared my disdain and lack of respect for L.T. and his 'holier than thou' attitude many times. This past summer I listed my top 5 hated players. I wrote about the 2007 AFC championship game where L.T. took himself out of the game because he wasn't 100%:

"3) Ladainian Tomlinson: I loved him when he was the best player in football... in 2005. It's 2009 and he may not even be the best RB on his own team anymore. I think LT lost me during the 07' AFC Championship game when he took himself out of the game because he wasn't "100%" as he put it. Watching his team struggle, and not having the fight to tough it out, showed he has lost the fire."

Now he has another minor injury to his ankle and he has made it point to make it clear he won't consider playing at less than 100%.

"Hopefully it just keeps getting better and I start to do a little bit more every day," Tomlinson said. "I'm not going to go through what I went through last year, you know, out there playing at 70 percent, I'm not going to do that. I want to make sure it gets healthy and where I need it to be, and I can help this team out. We've got great depth right now." -LT

This guy represents everything that is wrong with pro-sports today. This league was built on players toughing it out through some of the worst injuries and players from 30 years ago certainly didn't get paid a fraction of what L.T. gets. He has dedicated about 10 years of his life to the NFL and he will be wealthily for the next 50 if he lives that long. Considering that he should be willing to give 100% even when he's not 100%.

He should also stop talking about depth and the other RB's on the team. You are the #1 top paid face of the franchise. I don't remember John Elway taking himself out and calling his back up off the bench. #7 could barley walk in the days after a game on Sunday in the final years of his career, but he kept fighting because he wanted nothing more than a ring. He ended up with two.

Call it a career and stop wasting the fans time and the owners money Mr. Tomlinson!!!!

Titans at the gate...

The original Titans of New York take on the Tennessee Titans in our house this Sunday. Why is this interesting? The Titans may be the best all around team we face this season.

Kerry Collins can be a nightmare. He's not going to put up the big stats at this point of his career and he has a below average WR corps. But, a savvy veteran like him will eat your defense alive if you take him lightly. Our secondary is a bit banged up right now and I think the story of this game may end up being Kerry's arm and not just the Titans dynamic backfield. I am very confident with Dwight Lowery stepping in as our #2 CB and I hope Bart Scott renews his fierce hatred for the Titans who he is very familiar with.

As I see it, our fate will be decided during the first four and the last four games on our schedule. The opening and end of our season presents some brutal opponents. The middle of our schedule won't be a walk in the park, it contains a bunch of important division games. But these first four are a real challenge.

Frankly if we are 2-2 after the first 25% of the season I will be thrilled. There are a lot of media sources that are ranking the Jets as one of the top 5 teams in the NFL right now. I would rank at least 10 other teams ahead of us. I won't list them, but they all have QB's and head coaches who are much more experienced. I love the overall direction of our team right now but lets not get caught up in the hype.

I don't see us as a playoff team, but I would like nothing more than to be wrong. Tennessee has the best overall rushing attack in the game. Chris Johnson is like a turbo version of Brian Westbrook, and Lendale White is a nice change of pace. We can pressure the QB and our secondary has done a very solid job in pass coverage. I will like to see how we compensate as a defense to the unique challenges Tennessee poses. If we beat the best rushing team this week... and the best passing team next week, I will be not only be convinced that we are a top 5 team, I might lose my mind and start thinking Superbo....... Superbo.... no, I can't even type it.

I still keep reading and seeing interviews with Jets players responding to their Patriot counterparts. ENOUGH already! We won the game, and we get another chance to play them later in the season. Winners have nothing to defend. I know our overall approach as a team has changed, and no Jets fan can complain right now, but I really can't stand players like Kerry Rhodes who feel the need to attract attention to themselves by talking instead of playing.

Some are surprised that Sanchez has stayed humble and hasn't participated in any of this trash talking. Only idiots like Philip Rivers are dumb enough to play the villain as a QB. A guy like Scott can run his mouth all day because he's never going to be held responsible when the team loses a game. It's kind-of-like his job to talk smack as a LB.

Any QB, even a Hollywood kid playing in NYC, knows to keep it together in public. The press will be licking their chops for an opportunity to throw one of your brash remarks back in your face any and every time you come up short.

I predicted this week as a win when the schedule was first released back in April. I will stick to my guns and hope that we won't have an emotional let down (as a team and as fans) after last weeks big win. I also don't think Tennessee's 0-2 record should effect anything. It all comes down to our LB's holding their gaps and frustrating the Titans rushing attack. Our running game needs to step up to the plate as well.

It just isn't realistic to believe we can put the weight of the entire team on a rookie QB. Jones and Washington dominated when we played the Titans last year. Even tough things have changed and defenses are playing us a lot differently with #6 behind center instead of #4, our talented backfield needs to make it happen. I don't care if they have 8 in the box, our O-line and disgruntled runners should be able to grind it out week to week.

Tampering, bitter Bostonians, and only one thing that matters..

The 49ers are trying to send a message to the league regarding one of the biggest black eyes they have ever suffered, 'the Michael Crabtree debacle'. The message is this: he is our problem, so stay out of it! I am virtually sure Mr. T contacted Crabtree's agent, and even tough it's hard to prove, the NFL can simply do what ever they want. If they want to make an example of the Jets they can take away a draft pick or multiple picks.

I guess I can't be sure if Mr.T is guilty, but one thing is for sure... his name is in the newspapers and on ESPN, and he is a happy man. I am sure that at least a half a dozen teams inquired with Crabtree's agent Eugene Parker, but somehow only our GM was sloppy and obvious enough to get caught. If this costs us a draft pick, and we get nothing in return, I will be the first to call for Tannenbaums job. You can only botch so many plays before you get sent to the showers for good.

The Patriots and their fans have done nothing but cry and complain since they came up short against the mighty NY Jets two days ago. My favorite cry baby is Randy Moss. He has started some-sort-of war words defending his performance on Sunday. He is an elite player and has a history of making the big plays when it counts. Sunday's game was an important one and he was held to 24 yards. His entire offense was held without a TD and Moss knows why. Apparently we "cheated" by covering him with TWO DB's instead of just Revis by himself. He has been bragging about how #24 needed safety help on some plays.

Obviously that is absurd because Moss is always double covered, but the thing that concerns me is how Revis is responding to him. Starting today I would like Rex to come out and only answer questions about the Titans and have his team do the same. That was one of the few things Herm Edwards did well as a head coach. He always made sure the team focused on the task at hand.

In order to not have a let down this week we need to put last week behind us and be 100% determined to get win number three. As Rex has already said, the 0-2 Titans need a win very badly... and so do the 2-0 NY Jets. With all the attention surrounding the Jets because of Favre, Crabtree, and the bitter Patriots, there is only one thing that matters..... beat the Titans!

"Absolut Bullshit"... Cowboys Stadium

This past Sunday Jerry Jones unveiled his new monstrosity known simply as Cowboys Stadium. The NBC Sunday Night Football crew drooled all over Jones's new building and the broadcast served more as an infomercial than a football game.

The building has some cool features, and one thing that bothered me was it made me think about the designs and plans I saw for the Jets proposed West Side Stadium. I'm sure it would have been equally as impressive. But, it was not meant to be.

As I watched the game they explained some of the unique features and the more I heard the more I was infuriated. The NFL experience has become something that is simply not geared towards the average middle class fan anymore. This is a 80,000 seat arena that has an expandable capacity to over 100,000 thanks to standing areas. Most of the seats are just not obtainable to anyone earning less than half a million a year. PSL's that average 50,000 each are a nice way of letting the common man know he is not welcome at any Cowboys home games.

Sure, King Jones has set aside 8,000 seats that don't require PSL's and cost anywhere from 59 to 125 dollars. Thats less than 10 percent of the total capacity. He also came up with a brilliant idea, and when I say brilliant I mean evil.

He has standing areas that cost the fan 29 dollars for access. Fans in these areas don't have a clear view of the field, but they do have large monitors to watch the game. This is the most recent abomination in a long line of disrespectful gestures from the NFL to their fans. The blue collar middle class fan who helped to build this league is not even given the respect of a seat anymore. However, he still has to pay 29 dollars, a parking fee, and all of the ridiculous concession prices. I wouldn't stand outside of a stadium and 'listen' to a game for free, not to mention paying for the privilege.

As I watched all of King Jones's invited guests, like George W. Bush, enjoy the luxury boxes and all 0f their amenities I was reminded of a line from the movie 'Jerry Maguire': "First class, thats what's wrong. It use to be a better meal, now it's a better life". In this society the line between the have's and have nots is getting bigger and bigger.

The merchandise and game day experience prices, including PSL's, are out of hand in the NFL. The Jets and Giants both had 10 year waiting lists for season tickets and haven't played a game that wasn't sold out in decades. They are both scrambling to sell seats for their new joint stadium that opens in less than a year and NY fans are facing the real possibility of blacked out games this season. Loyal season ticket holders have walked away or were forced out by this greedy league that only caters to the wealthiest among us.

The Cowboys are know as "America's Team" and this year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the "American Football League". The NFL use to be something for the people, but today it is just another casualty of the bloodless, heartless capitalist war being waged against hard working people like me. I have a message to the NFL and all of you 'richies':

You can pry the football from my cold dead hands!

Finally! Week 2: NY Jets vs. NE Patriots

The Jets win a very important week two match up against the "Evil Empire" from chowderville. I predicted a loss, but in my defense, I did highlight the keys to what we needed to do if we were going to have a chance to win, I'm just shocked we actually did those things. I also highlighted some players that needed to step up for us... Leon Washington, Jericho Cotchery and Dwight Lowery.

In the first half of this game these three players were non-existent. Our offensive play calling was vanilla. Sanchez's day started out with a very dangerous fumble. Faneca saved the day by recovering the fumble but he also was the reason the fumbled happened in the first place. There is a reason why we were conservative and will continue to call the offense this way. News flash: we have a ROOKIE QB! He needs to be protected and insulated. Shotty has done an excellent job picking the right spots to take the leash off of #6.

I like Mark's decision making and he puts great zip on the ball. Two plays really stood out to me from Sanchez on Sunday that you won't see in any highlight reels. The first was in the 3rd quarter when he rolled out of the pocket and threw a great pass to Stuckey in the back corner of the endzone. It was called a touchdown on the field and even at full speed I immediately could tell #83 only got one foot in... it wasn't even close.

Obviously Sanchez had the best view point and he could see the same thing. What impressed me was how instead of celebrating like most young players would do, Mark ran to the sideline calling for the extra point squad. He had the presence of mind to realize that if we kicked the PAT quickly we might avoid a challenge.

The other play that stood out to me was when he took the sack on 3rd and 3 with 2:27 left in the 4th quarter. He avoided one of the biggest temptations of any QB of any age. He didn't listen to "the music". What I mean by that is every QB wants to be the hero and make the big play. They all want to hear the roar of the crowd. Thats why they become QB's and not accountants. They thrive on the rush of being "the man". However, sometimes in the NFL you need to take a sack or throw the ball away. Sometimes that is the correct decision and it is also a selfless one. When you start to hear that "hero music" you need to block it out and make the smart play. Very impressed with #6 thus far.

As for the three players I was watching out for this week, Washington-Cotchery-Lowery. They were all quite in the first half and as soon as the second half started Neon Leon made a statement. He returns the kickoff to midfield and Sanchez follows up that play with a quick pass to Cotchery who proceeded to streak down the field. We score with a beautifully thrown ball that sailed just a hair above the Patriots LB's fingertips and right into the sure hands of #81 Dustin Keller. The stadium was literally shaking from the unbridled energy of the crowd. The 12th man showed up this week in the Meadowlands!!!!

'Neon Leon' and 'Cotch Diesel' made their presence felt. Lito Sheppard made an amazing play in the second quarter knocking down a sure TD pass attempt to Galloway. He left the game with an injury and Dwight Lowery stepped in as our #2 CB. He did a great job in coverage and obviously our ferocious pass rush helped our secondary a lot. I had a feeling Lowery might play a big role in this game, and on the final play of Brady's last drive Lowery attacked the ball, knocked it down, and sealed the deal.

Here's a couple of other quick observations:

• Keller, Revis and Harris are our true elite players. I haven't ever called a second year TE elite, but Dustin is the real deal.

• I am very concerned about Kris Jenkins back problems. He was a non-factor on Sunday and has a long history of nagging injury problems. We need him, no question.

• I was blown away by the Jet fans and how they harassed the Pat's offense all day. All of those false starts and time outs Brady had to use were the difference in a close game.

• I can't for the life of me figure out why Ryan sent out 3 former Patriots for the coin toss. What was that all about.

• I am starting to get concerned about our running game. Next week we face one of the best and most disciplined run D's in the NFL. I hope we try to make a statement and put up 100+ yards from both Jones and Washington.

• The two phantom calls on the Pats second drive of the game are a perfect example of how the ref's give points to that team. The call on Scott for kicking another player was ridiculous and the call on Sheppard for incidental contact was even more absurd. Especially since Brady should have been called for intentional grounding on the same play.

• Our defense hasn't given up a TD in 8 quarters against two high quality offenses. We are lights out on D in the red zone right now. Impresive!

• #99 Bryan Thomas was productive and has been very useful with Calvin Pace suspended. I still think he is way overpaid, but he can create pressure. Thats more than we can say for Gholston.

• Our personnel packages on defensive were really interesting, and our D-line rarely looks the same from play to play. Shaun Ellis lined up all over the place, we had 2, 3 and 4 man fronts, and our LB's were causing chaos all day.

• #27 Strickland was around the football all day. He had one poor tackle, but other than that he is an interesting young player.

• I was on my feet when I saw Sanchez pancake a Patriot defender on that reverse play to Smith in the second quarter. He's got some spunk.

• Ryan didn't let his defense go into a prevent formation during Brady's last drive and thats why we won.

Tom Brady was one win away from holding the all-time record with 22 straight regular season wins. Oh well, he can try to start another run next week. I was disgusted by Bill Belichick's half ass hand shake with Ryan and how he also blew off Sanchez when he tried to show him what sportsmanship is.

I have always been shocked how no one ever mentions how Billy B walked off the field at the end of Superbowl XLII, which is the only time a coach didn't shake his opponents hand after the big game. He truly is a home wrecking low life.

It was so satisfying to watch the shots of Billy B and Tommy boy as Sanchez started to move the ball in the second half. They seemed to be in shock at the whole atmosphere.

J! E! T! S! JETS! JETS! JETS!

Pats Preview week 2:

The rivalry of rivalries begins a new chapter this week with our first of two regular season meetings with the New England Patriots. In some ways it is a huge game, but it's also important to not make it bigger than it is. We need a win if we plan to be a contender. However, if we do win we shouldn't celebrate like it's the Superbowl, and if we loose we shouldn't feel like the season is over. It's only one game.

So, why is there so much hype? Well, you have two head coaches who are respected as great defensive minds, but couldn't be more different in their overall approaches. You have the best active QB in the NFL today going head to head with the #1 draft pick from USC who has been making all the headlines. Two savvy offensive lines, two defensive lines in flux, and two revamped secondarys. These two teams are as much alike as they are different.

New England has a much superior passing game and of coarse their head coach is far more accomplished and experienced. But, the Jets hold the advantage in most other areas. I think our offensive line and assistant coaches hold a slight edge on their Patriot counterparts. I think our D-line, with a healthy Ellis and Jenkins, is better, as is our secondary. Our running backs are far superior and the Pats defense minus Vrabel, Bruschi, Mayo, and Seymore is no match for Jones and Washington.

I am totally perplexed by Belichicks decision making process this offseason. He had no control over Bruschi's decision to call it a career, but trading Seymour and Vrabel looks really foolish when you loose your top young LB in Gerard Mayo week 1 with a significant injury. They also dumped Matt Cassel and they didn't score a decent veteran QB in free agency. So if Brady and his HUGE left knee brace go down, the Pats could be looking at their first sub .500 season in a long time.

Who do I need to see step for the Jets in this game? The first name is Rhodes. Yes, Kerry Rhodes and his machine gun mouth need to start walking the walk. He is so intent on "embarrassing" the Patrots and the best passing attack in the NFL, he better focus on not embarrassing himself. If you want to have your picture in the paper and give all the sound bytes you better be able to back it up. Players like Troy Polamalu keep their mouths shut and do all their talking on the field. I hope Kerry spent as much time in the film room as he did updating his twitter account.

Next up on my list of players who need to make a big impact, Shaun Ellis. Nine seasons with this team, a former first round pick, and the big multi-million dollar contract. He's coming off a one game suspension so I'd like to see two games worth of effort this Sunday, he should be well rested. I am looking for our two yong LB's Gholston and Westerman to cause some havoc, and our two 4th round draft picks, Washington and Cotchery, to continue making plays. One other guy on my radar is Dwight Lowery. I have a feeling that as the nickel back he will have a great impact this week. He will either make some big plays or he may get beat big.

Because of the Pats superior passing attack I would try to take some of the pressure off of our secondary by blitzing Brady as aggressively as possible. I'm sure that wouldn't be a tough sell to Ryan and company. I'd also challenge that Patriot D-line. Our running game should be able to to dominate especially with a one two punch of Jones and Washington. One final request, please take a few shots with Clowney! He needs to get some touches. If you get him in single coverage let the ball fly, make them respect the deep ball.

I have already predicted this game as a loss. I would say it will be something like 31-17. Neon Leon will score, our defense will score and the Pats light it up in the second half. Lets see how our coach and young QB respond to their first loss. This can actually be a good thing for us. If we loose this week and come back and fight strong against Tennessee and the Saints it will show we are the real deal.

I will be praying for a win, but I don't think we have enough experience yet to get it done.

$125k in fines because of Tannenbaum's man crush...

Mike Tannenbaum and Eric Mangini were both fined 25k each for not reporting Bret Favre's elbow injury........ LAST SEASON! I love it, our GM gets spurned by his former man crush. It doesn't get much better than this. That ridiculous trade last year was a complete abortion, and karma is a bitch. Brett has decided to make absolutely sure he consistently burns any and every bridge he possibly can. The Jets were also fined 75k as a team. Maybe now Woody Johnson will stop wearing that #4 jersey to bed every night.

"Absolut Bullshit"... Notre Dame vs. Michigan

My new weekly series "Absolut Bullshit" will focus on questionable calls and overlooked happenings around the football world. I am sure Tom Brady will come up often in this series, but I already touched on him and his fake week 1 victory, so I'll let that subject rest.... for now.

I was outraged by the last 11 seconds, or lack there of, in the ND vs. Michigan game on Saturday. Clausen and company ran the next to last play of the game, and whom ever controls the official time clock allowed it to run down to 9 seconds. The Irish protested and successfully had the clock readjusted to read 11 seconds. A moment before the final snap of the game the clock jumped back to read 9.

After the mysterious 2 second jump, Clausen completed a pass and as the WR headed for the sideline he fumbled the ball... out of bounds. Anywhere in the football world that stops the clock. The ball was clearly out of bounds with one second on the clock, and if not for the illegal 2 second readjustment, it would have had 3 seconds left. Instead the officials call the game and immediately run off the field. No review, no discussion.

The worst part of this debacle was that ABC and the commentators just ignored all of this and it has received little attention in the media. Even Charlie Weiss was too scared to call out this bullshit win by Michigan. His only comment was to say the officiating in the game was questionable. If I was a ND player I would be livid.

I'll call out one more guy real quick. Andy Reid. This pudgy coach is a real genius in my opinion. He has had the same starting QB for a decade. He has put up a facade portraying he and Donovan Mcnabb as partners in crime. I will say, in no uncertain terms, that Reid has given up on Mcnabb and has every intention of replacing him by the end of 2009.

It all started when he drafted Kevin Kolb in 2007. He picked up Vick a few weeks ago and today, the day after Mcnabb suffers a minor injury, he signs Jeff Garcia as insurance. So now Donovan has a broken rib, a coach with an itchy trigger finger, and three QB's close behind him on the depth chart: a young, high draft pick, a former 100 million dollar QB, and a veteran who replaced him very successfully only a few short years ago. Kinda' like the Ghosts of christmas past, present and future.

A star is born! Week 1: Jets vs Texans

September 13, 2009 will be remembered as a day that Jets fans everywhere experienced more than the thrill of victory. They also felt another strange feeling... slightly familiar, but more like an anticipatory breath of fresh air. I think they call it "HOPE". The last time I remember feeling this way as a Jets fan was sometime during October of 2002 as I watched a very young Pennington start to emerge as a smart accurate QB who had a knack for winning games.

What do we know about #6 thus far? His enthusiasm and winning attitude is infectious. Thats a big part of being a leader on the field. We will learn a lot more about this young man as the season progresses. How will he respond to adversity, and how will he perform when playing from behind? As teams start to adjust to him and his style will he also continue to evolve? Brian Schottenhiemer called an amazing game on offense, but he will not be able to protect Sanchez with nifty play calling week in and week out. Next week should be very interesting.

We had 52 other players suit up for week one in Houston... who else stood out? How about a young man named David Harris. The trade rumors regarding #52 and a certain disgruntled WR from the AFC West really worried me. I love Harris and he really set the tone for our defense on Sunday.

How about the undrafted rookie FA out of Rutgers with his first sack in his first career game. Westerman is a natural football player (that would be the exact opposite of what you are Mr. Gholston?). He will need a couple of years to really emerge, but he has all the tools.

How about the trio of Cotchery, Stuckey and Keller. They all came to play, and there is something to be said about an underrated squad with a chip on it's shoulder. Stuckey had an amazing 1st down conversion on a 3rd and 10 in the 1st quarter. 'Cotch Diesel' was all over the field and kept finding the weak spots in the zone. He had a heartbreaking drop in the endzone, but other than that one miscue he played very solid. Keller had a number of big catches including the final 3rd down conversion that set up Jones for the 38 yard game winning TD.

Our running game really struggled in the first half, but Jones and Washington put up over 160 yards combined and our balanced offensive attack was the key to Sanchez's success. Washington was productive, but he didn't have any of his 'WOW' plays. He may not have put up anything for the highlight real but he "wowed" me. On a busted play in the 1st quarter he made one of the key plays in the entire game.

Sanchez dropped back to pass and two Houston defenders were in his face before he had a chance to think. He tried to scramble and avoid the blitz, and he made a real rookie mistake by throwing up a lame duck end over end pass. It floated about 25 ft in the air and a Houston LB honed in on it. It was going to be an easy interception until Neon Leon dived in and knocked the ball out of the LB's hands. You probably won't see that on ESPN as a highlight, but it was one the top key plays of the game.

I did predict this game as a win back when the schedule first came out (before we even drafted Sanchez). My main reasoning gravitated around identity. I knew Ryan would make sure that the Jets had a very clear vision of who and what they are. Kubiak has had years to accomplish that in Texas and they are still searching.

We are a hard hitting aggressive team in all three phases, and one has to be excited to think about week 5 and beyond when we have both Ellis and Pace back on the field. I still don't see us making the post season, but at least the 2009 Jets are a team that should be fun to watch.

One final thought. Bill Belichick is simply a cheater and this is a proven fact, not an opinion. He coaches his players to play dirty. Don't be surprised if one of the dozens of cheap shots the Pats take on Sanchez (most of which won't be called) ends up as an injury. I am sure Billy B will be coaching his defenders all week to try and injure #6.

The New England Patriots are not allowed to lose....

The fraudulent Patriots legacy continues. They were thoroughly defeated by the Bills on Monday night and were on their way to a season opening loss. The score is 24-13 Bills. Brady starts a drive with less than 3 minutes left in regulation. They were given two first downs on plays where they were obviously short. Even the Monday Night Football crew called out the second first down "gift" from the officials.

These generous calls mean so much in a close game like this. They extended a drive that should have ended in a field goal attempt. Instead they scored a TD and made it a 5 point game after a missed 2pt conversion. On the kickoff Leodis Mckelvin of the Bills decided to be a hero and ends up turning the ball over. The rest is history.

The Patriots have built a dynasty on the backs of the officials... it's been all about calls and non-calls for them. There was no way the NFL would let Brady lose his first game back.

One other observation... I would have to assume Brady's shoulder is not as bad as I thought. He threw a ton of passes, not many long balls, but he still had a lot of zip on the ball. Barring a re-injury, I think he'll do fine in 2009.

Tannenbaum gets what her deserves...

Mr. T is an attention whore... it's that plain and simple. He likes to make the big splash, and trading away a valuable 3rd round pick for a pre madonna, over the hill QB was reckless. Brett Favre is not hungry and he has nothing left to prove. He makes excuses and is a slave to the cult of personality.

The NY Jets hit the home stretch of the season in 08' and their 'leader', #4, ran out of gas. Nine months later Brett decided to throw Mr. T and the entire Jets organization under the bus in order to convince his new teammates, the Vikings fans and most importantly himself, that he was not to blame for the collapse. History shows us that all great leaders make excuses and pass the buck every chance they get.

I'm sitting here watching the Titans and Steelers battling it out in the NFL's big "Kickoff" game. It's almost halftime in a 0-0 defensive battle. Pittsburgh just blocked a short field goal attempt by Bironas. Players like Polamalu, Ward , Holmes and Chris Johnson.... these guys play with a fire and a desire. You don't have to be young to have that fire... look at guys like Collins (36) and James Farrior (34). They are perfect examples.

I would like to think we have players with that kind of heart. I would also like to think thats why they ran Brett of of NY. I'd rather go 4-12 with Sanchez or Clemens than 12-4 with #4. Good riddens!

The Jets 10 worst enemies.....

Obviously the NY Jets have 31 rivals in the NFL. The other 15 AFC teams would be a bit more significant than their counterparts in the NFC especially because the one and only Superbowl opponent we have ever had was absorbed in the AFC (The Colts). And of course the other 3 AFC East teams top the list of our top 10 worst enemies. I'll start at #1 and work my way back.

#1. The Miami Dolphins. I hate everything about this team. They are the one AFC east team that plays in year round 70 degree weather. Whats that all about? When I think about Shula and Marino and that goddamn fake ball spike in the Meadowlands. Marino was so smug, those "Isotoner" commercials made me nauseous. No question this team is the Jets all time arch nemesis.

#2. The New England Patriots. We have a long history of bad blood and animosity. The all time lowlight???? How about Belichick accepting the headcoach position for the Jets and walking away only to take the same job in chowderville 24 hrs later? I'll never forget that feeling and I will never see enough bad fortune go his way.

#3. The Buffalo Bills. 30 plus years of battles, so why are they not higher on this list? The way I look at it, we rarely are contenders at the same time in history. Every NFL team has it ups and down; dominate periods and rebuilding periods. The Jets and Bills have never been "up" at the same time, so I think it takes away from the rivalry... but just a little. They hold the record for beating us more than any other team, we are 44-52 against them.

#4. The Oakland Raiders. Every Jet fan should hate them and their crackpot owner Al Davis. Let me break down the history between these two organizations. Al Davis was the commissioner of the old AFL once upon a time. The NY Jets made one of the biggest moves in pro sports history by offering the #1 college prospect a massive 500k contract and steeling Joe Namath away from the NFL. This single move forced a merger between the two leagues and as part of the deal Al Davis lost his job as commissioner. Davis resented this loss of power so much that, as rumor has it, he had his team throw a game in late December of 2005 in order to prevent the Jets from having the worst record in the league, and in turn denying them the #1 overall pick in the 2006 draft. Yes, a grudge over 30 years old!

#5. The Indianapolis Colts. Our former AFC East rivals, and the only team we beat in a Superbowl. Our all-time record against them is horrible... 25-40 all-time. We represent the lowest point in their long history... Namath makes the "Guarantee"... and the rest is history, ancient history actually.

#6. The Denver Broncos. They took Elway and we took O'Brien. 14 seasons later Elway defeats our best ever roster in the AFC championship game and squashes our closest chance at a Superbowl birth in my lifetime.

#7. The Pittsburgh Steelers. The most dominate team in AFC history. I hate them just because of their six titles. But that game in January of 2005 when Doug Brien missed 3 potential game winning field goals including one in overtime will forever scar my soul. We were the better team that day, and if we would have finished the job we would have had a shot at the Pats in the championship game the following week. I would have given anything to see that game. I think Chad, Curtis, Abraham, Chrebet, Moss, Mawae, Ellis, and Vilma could have given them a run for their money.

#8. The New York Giants. These teams play one meaningful game every for years, yet they are always and forever linked. There have been some big moments like when the Giants broke Penningtons wrist in a meaningless pre-season game and effectively ended our 2003 season before it even started. But in the end, playing at "Giants Stadium" for over 20 years has created a loathing and hatred of the Giants, their fans and everything they stand for. I love the Jets because I hate the Giants... it's a lifestyle, an innate desire to believe in the underdog.

#9. The Dallas Cowboys. They are everything the Jets are not. They are Americas team, the darlings of the NFL. They have double digit hall of famers compared to the 3 that are primarily associated with the Jets. I would love to see the Jets win the big game, and how satisfying it would be to see them do it against the Goliath of the NFL. We are 2-7 all-time against them.

#10. The Philadelphia Eagles. They are local and they wear the same colors... thats all I need. We don't have our own stadium, we haven't had a Championship in the past four decades, the one thing we should have is our own colors. They are also the only team we have never beat. Like the Giants we don't play them often, but we are 0-8 all-time.

The Raiders have a big day...

The most mismanaged and dysfunctional family in the NFL, The Oakland Raiders, had a very eventful day on the Sunday before the big NFL Kickoff. They made a blockbuster trade with the Patriots acquiring DE Richard Seymour for a 2011 1st round pick. The Pats without Seymour and Bruschi will be just plain weird.

The Raiders also made their final cuts and they released a number of players that would fit very well onto our squad. For some reason the Jets are trying to make a trade happen with Detroit for former Patriot back up QB Kevin O'Connell. It looks like a done deal. While they are struggling to pick up another completely unproven signal caller to add to our collection, the Raiders just released Jeff Garcia.

I have been firm on my opinion that we missed the boat by passing on Garcia as a back up months ago. MR. T has himself a mulligan. Make the right move this time and get us a proven vet. Don't coddle Sanchez, make it clear that if he can't get it done we will have a guy waiting in the wings who can.

Oakland also dumped the massive DT Terdell Sands, kick returner Justin Miller, veteran back up center John Wade, and they even dropped a punter, and apparently you can never have too many punters in NY. We could use all of these guys on the NY Jets.

We should promote Leon Washington to our #1 RB, trade Thomas Jones and a 2nd round pick to the RB needy Broncos for Brandon Marshall and release Kellen Clemens. Sanchez, Garcia and Ainge would work out perfect. Marshall, Cotchery, Keller, and Stuckey would be great weapons. Washington and Greene could be a great one two punch. Sands would be a much needed boost to our below average D-line, Wade could provide amazing depth on the O-line, and Miller could take some pressure off of Neon Leon in the return game. Miller has worked with Mike Westhoff before and is familiar with our system.

I'm pretty sure none of this will happen. We won't sign Garcia, we won't try and reinforce our weak D-line, and if we make a move for Marshall I am sure we will over pay, considering Mr. T's propensity to trade away draft picks like tic-tacs.

I want 15 plus touches for Washington and I don't look forward to listening to Jones bitter complaining and his refusal to accept he is the 2nd best RB on this team. He's over the hill but still has trade value, my philosophy is you rarely loose when you buy low and sell high.

NY Jets vs. Phil Eagles, pre-season week #4

I won't spend too much time on a meaningless game. Gholston gets his first sack... only 15 months after he was drafted. Hopefully this will open the flood gates for him. Sanchez is certainly playing comfortable in the casual environment that is preseason football. I am looking forward to his first snap in a real game.

#94 Marques Merrell is always around the football. I hope he makes the squad and gets a chance to contribute on more than just special teams. He is far from polished, but has good instincts. Lowery had a nice pick to prevent a touchdown, and he is a decent quality young corner who has a lot of upside. Our secondary is very strong. It has depth and even though it broke my heart to see Abram Elam traded to Cleveland, I can see why he was expendable. Our secondary coach Dennis Thurman has all the tools to field a dominate squad.

#10 Eric Ainge, the 6'5" 221lb back up QB from Tennessee, has grown as a signal caller and his performance this preseason has shown it. He had a stand out college career passing for over 3500 yards and 31 TD's. At this point I don't see a roster spot or a need for Kellen Clemens. Ainge fills the role of low paid developmental young back up with good upside. Sanchez is our face of the franchise QB with the massive contract.

All we are missing now is the solid veteran back up who's not afraid to hold the clipboard and collects the moderate pay check. The QB I would target is Billy Volek from Seattle. Hasselbeck isn't getting any younger and a young QB like Clemens might be attractive to Mora and the brain-trust in the pacific northwest. Volek wold be a great insurance policy for the NY Jets.

I want to address the possible trade for Brandon Marshall. This guy is a cancer, but he is also a a hell of a playmaker. The rumor mill has churned out an absurd trade scenario including our 2010 1st round pick, and #52 David Harris for Marshall.

If Mike Tannenbaum makes this move, it's because he knows he is on the hot seat, and he doesn't care about the future of the NY Jets. His only concern is trying to make headlines and going for broke in 2009. No one who cares about this team in the long term would consider trading a young player like Harris especially since we traded up to draft #52. Essentially we would be giving up three draft picks for Marshall, who was himself only a 3rd rounder.

One final point. Jets fans everywhere need to accept one basic fact. We are a 'rebuilding' team. Sure, we have some talented veterans and an excellent coaching staff. But, we have a rookie QB and a rookie head coach. That equals growing pains and bumps in the road. So strap yourself in and don't expect miracles. If our front office was so determined to win 'now' they should have closed the deal with Bill Cowher and signed Jeff Garcia.

I am happy with Rex and Mark, but in January they will be sitting next to each other watching the playoffs on T.V.