Jets Stuffed and Embarrassed on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving didn't give the Jets or their fans much to be thankful for.  Thursday saw one of the most pitiful and embarrassing performances in the history of the franchise.

The Jets were destroyed by the Patriots Thursday night at MetLife Stadium, 49-19.  After a scoreless first quarter from both teams, the second quarter saw the Jets look more like a pee wee team that an NFL one.  The Patriots had a 7-0 lead when the Jets playoff hopes would vanish in a 52-second span.  Shane Vereen would catch a short pass from Tom Brady on the first play of the drive and proceed to take it to the endzone for an 83-yard touchdown.  Alright, blown coverage and a long touchdown.  That happens.  14-0 Patriots.  Then, the embarrassment began.

On the second play of the Jets drive, Mark Sanchez might have proved that "J-E-T-S" might just stand for "Just End The Sanchize."  After what seemed like a blown play on an attempted hand off, Sanchez ran right into his own offensive lineman Brandon Moore falling to the ground and fumbling the ball.  Steve Gregory picked up the ball and ran it 32 yards into the endzone for a touchdown making it 21-0.  The struggling quarterback somehow ran into his 305-pound right guard and cost the Jets a touchdown.

But wait...there would be more.

The very next play coming on the kickoff return, Joe McKnight would fumble the ball and it would never hit the ground.  The ball popped out right into the hands Julian Edelman, who returned it 22 yards for the touchdown.  It was 28-0 Patriots with 8:51 remaining in the second quarter.

In a span of 52 seconds, the Jets gave up an 83 yard touchdown, a 32 yard fumble return thanks to Sanchez's blunder, and another fumble return on the very next play.  That 52 seconds essentially summed up the Jets 4-7 season so far.  It was a nightmare-ish series of events that had Jets radio announcer on ESPN Radio NY, Bob Wischusen, saying "are you kidding me?"

While it looked like a comedy show for many, it was real what the Jets had just done.  The Patriots would score three more touchdowns in the game.  49 points off seven touchdowns later, the Jets had their 7th loss and the worst of them all.  The loss basically ended any hope this team had in making a late run for the playoffs.  It also lost any confidence they may have had after beating the Rams in St. Louis.

It appears that not even Tim Tebow could come in now and help this team.  Tebow, who had two broken ribs, could have played if Sanchez went down, but would have trouble throwing the ball.  The Jets left Sanchez in for too long.  The fourth year quarterback has been given all the chances from coach Rex Ryan.  If this team continues to be manhandled as they were Thursday, it's hard to imagine Rex and Sanchez are back next season.

The talent just isn't there this year and a lot of the blame can go to GM Mike Tannenbaum.  While Sanchez has been awful, he also hasn't had many guys he can throw to.  This team doesn't have the talent or the depth to be a playoff team.  That showed on Thursday night.  Gang Green has lost all the confidence and swagger that this trash-talking team used to have.  It has become a nightmare for Jets fans to watch.

The Jets look to avoid further embarrassment when they are back at MetLife Stadium next Sunday to take on the Arizona Cardinals.

Re-Demps-tion

Bill Belichick is no stranger to taking away players who are either on their way or are departing from the New York Jets.  The saga continued today as the Patriots signed Olympian silver medalist Jeff Demps to a contract.  The Jets were rumored to be going after Demps, who was being recruited by his former teammate at Florida, Tim Tebow.  The former Gators running back just won a silver medal in London at the Olympics in the 4x100 meter relay team. 

Demps adds to the list of players that the Patriots scoop up from the Jets in recent memory.  Just a year ago, Shaun Ellis left the Jets to sign with Patriots.  Losing Ellis left the Jets with a big hole on their defensive line that they still have not truly filled.  In September of 2010, the Jets waived Danny Woodhead.  Just four days later, the Patriots would sign the undrafted running back.  It happened to be the day before the two teams would play each other in week two.  Woodhead would play very well for the Patriots signing a two-year extension later in the season.

The Patriots snagged Woodhead from the Jets.  They got Ellis to leave their rival Jets in free agency.  If that was not enough, they sign the speedy Demps to a contract today just a day after rumors said the Jets were pushing for him.  Bill Belichick hates the Jets.  That is definitely well chronicled especially following the videotaping incident back in 2007.  The Patriots violated league rules when they were caught videotaping defensive signals by Jets coaches.  Since that controversy, it has turned into war between New England and Gang Green. 

Demps is hoping to start off his NFL career with a very talented Patriots team.  The rivalry continues between the Jets and the Pats.  It will be no different this year as both teams are expected to be contenders in the AFC.  Without a doubt, the Patriots are the favorites to take the division, but don’t count the Jets or Bills out just yet.  The NFL season is right around the corner and look for the AFC East to be one of the best division races in the league this season.

Sanchez Strikes it Rich

This might just say it all.....Mark Sanchez will be making two million dollars more than Aaron Rodgers next season.  The Jets extended Mark Sanchez's contract three more years.  The total deal comes out to be five years, $58.25 million.  The deal includes $20.5 million in guarantees in 2012 and 2013.  It includes $40.5 million in "new" money and Sanchez can make an additional $10 million in escalators.  The deal gives Sanchez the seventh highest overall contract amongst NFL quarterbacks.  This obviously bows the Jets out of the Peyton Manning sweepstakes as well as Manning had no desire to play for the Jets.

Jets fans are sitting around scratching their heads wondering why GM Mike Tannenbaum is throwing more money at Sanchez, who looked to have regressed as an NFL quarterback last season.  The Jets did not beat one team that finished over .500 the entire season.  After going 8-5, Sanchez and the Jets lost their final three games to finish with an 8-8 record and missing out on the playoffs.  Sanchez was hard to watch throwing seven picks in the final three games as the Jets saw their playoff hopes fade away. 

Sanchez did have a good start to his career leading the Jets to two consecutive AFC Championships.  Sanchez did have a tremendous defense and running game as well those first two seasons.  Sanchez was extremely clutch in the playoffs both seasons playing mistake-free football and nearly getting the Jets to the Super Bowl.  Many thought that Sanchez would continue to improve this season, but he seemed to have gotten worse and faced much scrutiny from the media.  

In all fairness to Sanchez, the Jets did not have as good of a supporting cast as Sanchez had the prior two seasons.  The Jets defense clearly was nowhere near what it was the prior two seasons.  The offensive line also was extremely disappointing this season and injuries troubled the Jets as well.  The Jets defense struggled mightily forcing nearly no pressure on the quarterback after losing defensive end Shaun Ellis to the Patriots in the offseason.  The offense was forced to do more than it had to in their two seasons making the AFC Championship game.  

There are many Jets fans who are frustrated right now.  Jets fans need to realize that there are bright spots to look forward to.  Yes, the Jets may have overpaid a guy who struggled last season, BUT they did free up over six million dollars in cap space for 2012 from this deal.  Also, they will have a fresh start and a new playbook offensively as Brian Schottenheimer will not be back next season.  Schottenheimer was very conservative with his play calling at times and in the matchup against the Giants had Sanchez throwing an astounding 64 times.  A new season and a new playbook and some time to develop in the offseason will be pivotal for Sanchez in getting better and helping the Jets get back to the playoffs again.  

There has been a lot of ups and a lot of downs with Mark Sanchez under center.  Jets fans need to take a deep breathe and give Sanchez a chance next season.  The Jets have some cap room and will make this team better any way they can, especially on that defensive line as well as the offensive line.  Tannenbaum, Woody Johnson, and company believe in Sanchez.  Jets fans need to have some hope and confidence as Sanchez will be under center for at least the next couple of seasons.  

AFC East Falls Out of Jets Hands in Crushing Loss to Pats

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.

Jets Surge Into First With Dominant Win over Bills

Sunday might have been the best all around performance we have seen by the Jets all season.  They finally played the lights out defense that everyone expected to see all season.  The Jets beat the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium 27-11 Sunday afternoon.  The Jets played an all around impressive performance not only defensively, but offensively as well.

The key early in this game was turnovers.  Both teams were turning it over early and had trouble putting up points.  The first half's only points was a 49 yard field goal by Nick Folk.  It was all about defense early.  In the second half, the Jets offense would kick it into gear.  They would get a 50 yard field goal from Nick Folk early in the third quarter.  The Bills would then fumble on the first play of their drive giving the Jets great field position in Bills territory.  They would get a nice catch and run by Plaxico Burress followed by a 1 yard touchdown run by Ladanian Tomlinson to take a 13-0 lead.  The Bills would finally score on a field goal making it 13-3.

From there on, it was all Jets.

They would have a 1:20 drive ending in a gorgeous play action touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes making it 20-3.  They would put the dagger in the Bills in the fourth driving and ending it with a 1 yard touchdown run by "the terminator" John Connor.  That would make it 27-3 and put the Bills away.   They would add on a touchdown late to make it 27-11 after converting the 2 point conversion. That would be all. The Jets closed it out with the final being 27-11.

The key to the game was the Jets dominant defensive performance.  They forced three Bills turnovers with one leading to a Jets touchdown.  The Jets finally put pressure on the quarterback allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to be completely shut down.  Fitzpatrick was 15 for 31 for 191 yards with a touchdown and 2 interceptions.  They only allowed 96 combined rushing yards as well with 82 of them coming from starter Fred Jackson.  The Jets defense was aggressive and played their best game defensively.

The offense was solid as well. Mark Sanchez played one of his better games besides the early interception he looked like a veteran in the pocket.  Sanchez threw for 230 yards and a touchdown.  The Jets ran for 126 yards combined by Shonn Greene, Joe McKnight and Tomlinson.  The offense had a chemistry that we have not seen all season.  They looked very comfortable playing a Bills team who has been a pleasant surprise this year.

Next comes the game everyone has been waiting for.  The Jets and Patriots will face off in New Jersey on Sunday night.  The Pats beat the Jets at home and now with both teams being tied for first place in the AFC East, the Jets look to break the tie and continue their winning ways on Sunday.

Jets Lose 3rd Straight and Fall Below .500

The New York Jets had visions of a Super Bowl victory this season, but after five games they have a losing record and do not resemble the championship team they aspire to be.

So far this year, the Jets defense just has not been able to make the big stops and their offense has been extremely inconsistent. Sunday afternoon proved no different. The New England Patriots defeated the Jets in Foxboro Sunday 30-21. While Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and his offense played better than in previous weeks, their once highly touted defense was once again disappointing.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw for an impressive 321 yards and running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Patriots offensive attack dominated dominated the game. While Brady deserved lots of credit for his team’s performance, the sagging Jet defense played at times as if they were in another league. Maybe they are.

On the other hand, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez had another average day, throwing for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Fans waiting for Sanchez to have a “breakout” game will have to wait. Jets running back Shonn Greene ran for an unremarkable 83 yards and a touchdown against the Patriot’s swarming defense.

In all reality, the Jets just are not as good as they were predicted to be coming into the season. The offense has not been very aggressive and the defense has brought little pressure on the opposition quarterback and it has struggled mightily to stop the run. If the Jets want any shot at getting to the playoffs, they are going to need to get their act together on both sides of the ball, defensively and offensively. If not, the Jets are looking like a team that will be on a couch in January watching the Patriots compete in the playoffs.

The Jets nest chance to redeem themselves with be a home game against the Miami Dolphins next Monday night. The meeting could be especially timely for the Jets because the Dolphins haven’t won a game this season and they lost starting quarterback Chad Henne to injury.

The Jets need to win this game to get back to the .500 mark and gain some confidence. Especially since they play the explosive and division leading San Diego Chargers the following week.

Jets Get Raided in Oakland 34-24

Once again....defense wins championships.  Darren McFadden must have not got the memo. McFadden's 171 yards and two touchdowns helped the Raiders get by the Jets Sunday afternoon at the Coliseum in Oakland.

The Jets were sloppy with the ball and their two turnovers truly cost them the game on Sunday.  Sanchez had a bad interception thrown in the endzone that ruined a great punt return by Jeremy Kerley.  In the second half, Antonio Cromartie bobbled a kick return and fumbled it and the Raiders ended up with the ball and scored a touchdown.  Those two turnovers were monumental in the loss.

They came out of the tunnel in the second half with nothing.  They did not score in the second half until there were 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter.  The offense did not play with the fire that we see from this offense when playing from behind.  Mark Sanchez's stats were not bad as he threw for 369 yards and two touchdowns, but he threw 43 passes and completed 27 of them and also had the interception thrown in the endzone. Center Nick Mangold missed the game due to injury.  Clearly, this was a huge hole for the Jets that was seen throughout the game.

The story of the game was the unbelievable performance by Raiders running back Darren McFadden.  He carried the ball 19 times for 171 yards and two touchdowns.  That is an astounding 9 yards per carry.  Michael Bush also ran for 22 yards and a touchdown.  Jason Campbell played a fairly mistake free game and let the run game do the bulk of the work in the victory. Campbell was 18 for 27 with 156 yards and no touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Jets have to go on the road to Baltimore and on the road to New England next.  This was a game they really needed to pull out.  Now they will hit the road to face two of the best teams in football.  They are going to have to step it up defensively and not make any more careless turnovers if they want to head back home with a winning record.