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!
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