...only when it counts. We could easily be below .500 right now if not for the last second heroics of #6 and #10.
For the past 3 weeks they have been stealing victory from the plates of our opponents. And, if you count the big play at the end of the Broncos game... Sanchez and Holmes have been making it happen when the game is on the line ever since Santonio has returned from suspension.
Mark was absolutely perfect on that final game winning drive. He was 4 for 4 as he scrambled around in the pocket buying time and making the right decisions. For those of us who have stuck with this young man ever since he was named starter last season this most recent game winning drive was the most rewarding.
He is learning a lot playing with a guy like Holmes. He is developing that look in his eyes. The precision of the long pass to Edwards along the sideline that set up the game winning pass to Holmes was breath taking. So was the lack of hesitation. He saw the opening and took it, he and his receivers took the win. Thats how you win games in this league.
Mark is playing conservative smart football at the right times, and he has learned how to let it fly when the time is right. That is so hard for young signal callers to learn. I think it is safe to say that when the pressure is on, the game is starting to slow down for him... and thats how the great ones play. Mark has a lot of growing to do, but even the most negative and cynical Jets fans have to be excited.
Does our passing game look good? Coming off another 300 yard 3 TD game with over 200 yards combined from #10 and #17??? Ummmm yes. Are there still concerns? Yes. Dustin Keller has been invisible for weeks and Shonn Greene is starting to look like he was a one hit wonder last year. I am not overly concerned about Keller (except for the fact he is killing my fantasy team) but Greene is a problem.
If you can't run behind this line.... you are not the real deal. After 10 games I was not expecting 2 starts, 1 TD 3 fumbles and a 4.1 yard average. Our coaches have scaled back LT's role a bit in an effort to jump start Greene. So far there are little signs of life. McNight is about as raw a rookie as I have ever seen, and I don't expect him to be touching the ball very much. We have rolled the dice on Greene. LT is doing a great job, but if he goes down our highly ranked rushing attack is history.
On the defensive side of the ball there is also good news and bad news. The combo of Revis and Cromartie is starting to become very effective accept for the fact that they generate no turnovers. They both can lock down receivers and are physical freaks, but teams have been making runs on us late in games because they aren't scared of these guys. They frustrate QB's but don't make them hesitate to take shots. That being said, I'll take em'.
Our D-line is pretty solid especially considering the loss of Jenkins. I think the real problem is with our LB's. Guys like Scott, Taylor and Thomas are old and slow. They can be effective rushing the passer, but they are being asked to cover way too much. Because of the overall weakness of our other CB's Rex is forced to be more conservative with his blitz packages. If Pool and Wilson could step up and start making plays our DC could unleash the hounds.
These aren't things that can't be fixed. The good thing about the regular season is that you can develop players and tweak weaknesses that other teams expose. If you keep progressing and recognizing where you can better, ideally you peak as you head into the playoffs. The trick is to pull out the close ones so that there are still games to play in January.
Brodney Pool, Kyle Wilson and Shonn Greene... your team needs you to start to make impact plays that force the other team to adjust. Things will open up for the players around you if you start showing up to play and not just watch the game. I still have some faith that we can pull it together... and if we start to hit on all cylinders... as Rex once said to the entire NFL: "I think it's going to be more than you can handle."
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