Obviously the Jets aren't doing very well after 9 games. My original prediction regarding our record back in April was 8-8, and that was before we drafted Sanchez, and way before he was named the starter. With a rookie headcoach and QB making the playoffs is usually a pipe dream. Mike Smith and Jim Harbaugh really messed up the curve for Rex Ryan and his fellow freshman coaches around the league.
What we are seeing from this team is not 'A' typical. A smooth playoff run was not what I envisioned even before we decided to make #6 our starter. Here are the facts:
#1) We started the season strong, and during the first four weeks we won two games we were suppose to win, and beat our division rival in an upset. During that stretch we only lost to the Saints, who are arguably the best team in the NFL right now. That 3-1 start skewed some fans perception of this team.
#2) Since the Saints game we have dropped 4 of 5, and our only win was against the Raiders who are arguably the worst team in football. We got swept by Miami and our worst loss was by only 5 points.
#3) After all of the ups and downs, a win against the Pats this weeks leaves us one game back in our division and back to an even 5-5.
Watching poor inconsistent play is frustrating for fans, but the bigger issue is the overall direction of our beloved Jets. We need to stay in the playoff hunt. I don't feel there is any real chance we will make it, but the players need something to play for. This group gave up down the stretch last season and we all blamed Mangini and his heartless coaching style.
If they pack it in and give up at this point in the season... again... we are in for some long term trouble. A win this week won't change my opinion about our playoff hopes, but it could have some long term ramifications.
So, how do we beat the Brady bunch in their house? We have to make plays early in the game. A frustrated home crowd inevitably is a quiet crowd. We need to take all of those chowder swilling Pats fans out of the equation first. Our top paid 'superstars' like Revis, Rhodes, Ellis, Scott, Edwards, Cotchery and Thomas Jones need to take this game on their shoulders. These guys are suppose to be our leaders. Obviously we can only win if all of our players step up, but the 'star' players need to spark this team and lead by example.
The Pats have been playing well. They outplayed the Colts, who very well may be the best team in the AFC. If it wasn't for Belichick's arrogant call at the end of the game they would have won. All that being said, they are not perfect.
First off, their running game sucks. Maroney is a fraud. They substitute an efficient screen game for a ground attack, and it can be equally effective. Their passing game is one of the best in the league. Our secondary is healthy except for Jim Leonhard. Jim calls the plays on defense, and now that he's out David Harris will take over that job. The #1 ILB should be the guy communicating the calls and also changing the coverages. I believe in him. Our LB's are a big powerful squad, they need to be prepared to play. If they sit back and react they will get beat all day.
Our offense should be able to out play their slow one dimensional LB's and 'Seymourless' defensive line. Richard Seymour was the bain of my existence for the better part of this decade, and by some act of God the Pat's sent him off to football purgatory in Oakland.
I know we are huge underdogs, but I believe we matchup very well against this team. All that matters is that this team plays hard and shows some fire.
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