The Jets may be loaded with talent defensively, solid receivers, and a good running game, but they do not have the one man that can make the difference to put them over the edge. That man is Tom Brady.
The Jets came into Sunday night's game against the Patriots with a great opportunity to get a win that could get them into sole possession of first place. They were riding a three game win streak coming in. They were at home where they were 4-0 on the season. The Pats had come in losing two straight games and struggling defensively. The Jets were looking for revenge for their 30-21 loss at New England in week 5. The winner would stand alone in first place.
The Patriots handed the Jets a crushing loss, 37-16 to essentially take a two game lead in the AFC East. They hold the tie breaker by defeating the Jets in both games this season. The Jets had no way of stopping Brady, the three time Super Bowl champion. The future hall of famer had an extraordinary amount of time in the pocket to throw the ball. The Jets defensive line was atrocious in forcing Brady into any bad throws. Brady's offensive line was remarkable in allowing him all the time he needed to get it to his receivers. The extra time allowed him to hit his tight ends alone for 12 receptions and 154 yards. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez were unstoppable down the middle of the field. Pats receivers also had big games against a Jets secondary who is considered one of the best. Wes Welker and Deion Branch had 104 yards and 11 receptions combined. Even Chad Ochocinco, who has been ineffective this season had two catches for 65 yards. The Jets had no problem stopping the rush. They only allowed 60 rushing yards total. Brady was just too good throwing for 329 yards to six different receivers. The Jets had no answer for arguably the best quarterback in the league.
The turning point of the game came in the second quarter with around 1:20 to go in the half instead of letting the clock run down all the way then using a timeout, Sanchez called a timeout with plenty of time still on the play clock. The Jets would score the touchdown on the next play, but they left the Patriots 1:20 on the clock and two timeouts to drive down the field. Rex Ryan told NBC at the half it was "The stupidest thing in football history." Clearly, Ryan was in fuming that Sanchez used a timeout with so much time remaining for a Patriots team that is known for their offensive capabilities. The Patriots would end up scoring a touchdown with nine seconds left and go into the half with all the motivation in the world.
The Jets were outplayed and out-coached by Bill Belichick and the Patriots Sunday night. This was a demoralizing loss for two reasons. One being that the Patriots looked dominant in both games this season against the Jets. The second being that the Patriots remaining schedule is one of the easiest in the NFL for the final seven weeks. Of their seven remaining games, the only team above .500 that they play is the last game of the season at home against a Bills team that has lost three of their last four after starting 4-1. The Jets will only play two more teams with a winning record as they face the Bills and Giants. Five of the Jets last eight games will be on the road. When asked if his team still had hope to win the division Ryan said, "It looks doubtful right now." The division seems to be a long shot for the Jets. They will hope to get one of the two wild card spots in the playoffs.
The Jets will now have a short week as they hit the road to face the Broncos in Denver Thursday night. Tim Tebow has had the Broncos playing well of late and still in the race in the AFC West. It is going to be a tough road for the Jets from here on out. The key will be to come out strong Thursday night with no signs of a hangover effect from a pivotal loss Sunday night. The Jets will need to avoid any "Tebow magic" and head back home with a victory under their belt as they face Buffalo the following week at the Meadowlands.
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