Sanchez Days in New York are Over

Monday night in Tennessee was the last straw for Mark Sanchez.  Don't expect the fourth-year quarterback to ever see a snap in a Jets uniform again.  The Jets announced today that they will be looking to trade him this offseason.  The Sanchez era is New York is finished. 

It has just been a nightmare season for Sanchez.  Monday night was the icing on the cake.  Sanchez cost the Jets not only the game, but a chance at the playoffs. Rex Ryan gave him all the opportunities in the world week after week and he continued to let down his coach, his team, and the fans.  Monday night's loss all falls on the shoulders of Sanchez.  It was a performance worse than any of his prior disasters.  Sanchez threw for an embarrassing four interceptions and if that wasn't enough, he couldn't handle a snap in the final minute costing the Jets the game.  Five turnovers, all on pitiful decisions made by a quarterback who has lost all confidence that he once had.

The quarterback who led the Jets to two straight AFC Championship games is long gone.  His performance last season was bad.  This season, it has been disgraceful.  While he has had nowhere near the talent on offense that he did the past three seasons, his play has been brutal.  He has made throwing decisions that you would see from a rookie, not a guy who has been in the league for four seasons.  His 17 interceptions and seven fumbles lost this season say it all.  24 turnovers from your quarterback won't get you to .500, let alone a spot in the playoffs.  Sanchez has led the NFL in turnovers the last two seasons with an astounding 50.

Rex Ryan has finally made the decision to go with Greg McElroy at starting quarterback Sunday when the Jets return home to play the Chargers.  The Jets will see what McElroy has and determine if he could be the answer at quarterback for the future.  Clearly, the Jets aren't very fond of Tim Tebow taking over as the starter as he still has not been given the chance.  Tebow is now requesting to be released or traded as he deserves a shot somewhere else.  This team brought in Tebow and didn't use him.  A guy who helped lead the Broncos to the playoffs last season deserves a shot to play and for some reason, the Jets felt Sanchez deserved it more.

Sanchez is due to make just over $8 million next season.  The Jets will be looking to trade him this offseason.  The question remains who will take over.  Reports have said that the Jets are interested in Michael Vick and Vick would be willing to play for Gang Green if Sanchez is gone.  There's a very good chance that Vick will be the New York Jets starting quarterback next season.

So where will Sanchez go? Where will Tebow go? Will Vick be the Jets starter in 2013?  Get ready for another dramatic Jets offseason folks.

Let The McElroy Era Begin

Rex Ryan finally made the switch in the 3rd quarter Sunday.  It wasn't Tim Tebow that took over, but third string quarterback Greg McElroy.  While the decision might have come a couple of weeks too late, it's time the Jets head coach moved away from Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez was horrific once again on Sunday throwing three interceptions in the first half.  He was just 10 for 21 for 97 yards and was also sacked three times.  It has been an absolute nightmare this season for the fourth-year quarterback who signed a $58.25 million extension this past offseason.  The Jets owe Sanchez a lot of money, but if that is what they are concerned with, they're not going to be winning many football games.  The focus should be on who gives this team a chance to win and Sanchez just has not proved he is capable of that this season.  He has regressed as a quarterback the past two seasons after making the AFC Championship in his first two seasons.  Those Jets teams also had dominant defenses.  This Jets team has nowhere near the talent that those Jets teams had.

While the sample size is very small for McElroy, Coach Ryan needs to give the 24-year-old quarterback a chance.  It's not going to get much worse than what Sanchez has brought to the table to the 5-7 Jets this season.  McElroy came in and provided the Jets and their fans with a spark at MetLife Stadium Sunday.  Sure, it came against a Cardinals team that is starting one of the worst quarterbacks of all time in Ryan Lindley, but it was a much needed win for Gang Green.  McElroy threw for his first career touchdown pass and the only one of the game on his first drive taking over for Sanchez.

The guy has won his entire life.  McElroy won a championship at Alabama and now may be inserted as the Jets starting quarterback Sunday when Gang Green travels to Jacksonville to take on the 2-10 Jaguars.  Tebow's health has been in question as it is still unsure if he will suit up Sunday.  Tebow just never got a real chance here and might have damaged any chance of future success for Sanchez.

While it's just too early to say that McElroy is the Jets answer at quarterback for the future, he is the guy who needs to get the chance now.  The Jets play the 2-10 Jaguars, the 4-8 Titans, the 4-8 Chargers, and the 5-7 Bills to finish the season.  The Jets slim hopes for a shot at the playoffs are still alive.

It is time for the Mark Sanchez era in New York to come to an end.

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.

Broadway Tebow

The Jets are back on the covers of newspapers stealing the headlines once again.  In a crazy day Wednesday, the Jets made a trade for Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.  Hours later, the trade was off for the moment because of a clause in Tebow's contract.  Hours later, the trade was back on as the Broncos and Jets agreed to each pay around half of the five million dollars Tebow would be owed.  The Jets traded a 4th and 6th round pick for Tebow and a 7th round pick.

When Peyton Manning signed with the Broncos, it was almost a lock that Tebow would be traded.  Not a single person thought of the Jets as a possible landing spot for Tebow until Tuesday when it was rumored that the Jets were in talks with the Broncos.  Tebow grabbed all the headlines in the NFL last year with his incredible fourth quarter comebacks.  Tebow led the Broncos to a playoff appearance and a playoff victory over the Steelers.  Once Manning signed the huge contract with the Broncos earlier in the week, Tebow's time in Denver would be over.  The Jets had signed their quarterback, Mark Sanchez, to a big contract assuring him to be under center for the Jets for at least a couple more seasons.  With all the drama and attention around the Jets, this one topped it all. 

The reaction of Jets fans has been all over the place.  Many fans are scratching their head believing this may become a huge distraction.  Mark Sanchez will have a bit more pressure to succeed.  As soon as Sanchez starts to struggle, you are going to start hearing the chants for Tebow.  The key is that Mark Sanchez is still the starting quarterback of this team.  The signing of Tebow helps the Jets in several ways.  It gives the Jets a great backup in case Sanchez goes down with injury.  We have seen Sanchez suffer from several injuries his first couple of seasons.  He has not missed much time, but he has played banged up a lot.  Also, Tebow will work well with the new offensive coordinator, Tony Sparano.  Sparano took the "wildcat" to a whole other level with the Dolphins.  Tebow can come in on select plays and surprise the defense switching it up from the Jets normal offense.  It gives the Jets another option on offense to help a team that struggled at times offensively last season.  

Yes, the Jets stole the headlines once again.  For all the opponents of this trade, it needs to be realized that this is still Mark Sanchez's team.  Tebow is another piece to try and help the Jets get back to the playoffs.  He is a winner and a guy who can and will make big plays for the Jets.  The key for the Jets right now is filling in other pieces that they need to achieve success.  This team still needs a big time pass rusher, some help on the offensive line, and another guy that Sanchez can throw to.  That should be the main concern for the Jets right now.  Tim-sanity might bring in a lot of media attention, but that is something the Jets are used to.  This team already gets enough attention for all the talk that goes on in the locker room.  Get ready Jets fans....it's Tebow time. 

Tebow's Magic Hands Jets Pivotal Loss

Tim Tebow might not have the greatest arm.  He may not be the most accurate passer. He might not be the most fundamental quarterback.  With that being said, Tebow does do one thing very well.  That is winning football games.

Trailing 13-10, the former star at the University of Florida led a magical drive down the field late in the fourth quarter to win the game, 17-13, and hand the Jets their second straight demoralizing loss.  Starting at their own five yard line with 5:54 remaining on the clock, Tebow led his best drive of his short NFL career to win the game for the Broncos.  Tebow, who has predominately ran himself or handed the ball off in the games he has started, was forced to throw more than usual on the drive and was extremely successful.  The drive would end with “Tebow magic.”  On a third down and four at the Jets 20 yard line, Tebow would have a miraculous run to the left side running 20 yards into the end zone with just 58 seconds left on the clock.  The defense came blitzing and Tebow read it perfectly scrambling to the left finding a hole and finding the end zone.  It was one of the best and most clutch plays seen all season.  The play put Denver on top, got them to 5-5 on the season, and gave them their third straight victory putting them right in the thick of the playoff race in the AFC West.  Since taking over for Kyle Orton as quarterback, Tebow is 4-1 in just his second NFL season.

The Jets really hurt themselves in this game.  There is a lot of fingers that could be pointed in this one, but it was a team effort and a very sloppy performance by the Jets in a game they should have won.  The Jets came out playing very poorly on offense in the first half.  It has been the same story all season for the Jets.  They come out of the tunnel and never have a great first half.  They have to play from behind put themselves in a position they should not have to be in.  There is not one specific finger to point for this.  The coaches have to do more to prepare the team early to come out of the gate firing.  In the Jets last four games they have three total points in the first quarter.  They cannot expect to be a playoff team if they cannot play four good quarters of football a game.  Mark Sanchez needs to come out making smarter throws as well.  Sanchez made a throw that should not have been made in the third quarter that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.  Also, last night special teams play was very poor.  T.J. Conley punted a ball for a measly 13 yards.  It would lead to a field goal by the Broncos. Kicker Nick Folk missed two field goals as well.  That is a nine point swing that completely could have changed the outcome of this game.  All these mistakes costed the Jets an important football game not only for the standings, but for the Jets morale as well.

The Jets really needed to win this game and they came out with one of their worst performances we have seen this season.  In order to win, this team has got to play mistake free.  It starts with the coaches.  Rex Ryan has to prepare his team better than he did as well as all the other coaches.  Offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer has been questioned all year for his questionable play calling.  The Jets have been very conservative and predictable offensively this season.  A lot is going to need to change if the Jets want to get one of the two wild card spots in the AFC this year.  They are currently 5-5 with six games remaining.  They will return home next Sunday to face the Bills.  The Jets are in dire need of a victory as their playoff hopes start to slip away with each loss.

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 Snap Losing Streak and Get Back to .500

The Jets were in dire need of a victory on Monday night facing the winless Dolphins.  It started off sloppy early in the game, but the Jets kicked it into gear after an abismal start to defeat the Dolphins 24-6 at Metlife Stadium.  The Jets moved to 3-3 with the win, including 3-0 at home and the Dolphins fell to 0-5 with the loss.

The Jets came out of the gate at home not as expected.  Their first four drives were all three and out.  They could not get one first down the first four drives.  They still held a 7-6 lead in the second quarter without having a first down thanks to a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown from cornerback Darelle Revis.  Many questioned whether it may have been a pass interference committed by Revis to get the pick, but nothing was called and Revis would weave his way through defenders to take it from one endzone to the other.

The Jets would finally get offensive yardage on their 5th drive as they drove down the field for a touchdown to take a 14-6 lead.  That would be the score at the half.  The Jets would get a field goal in the 3rd quarter to take a 17-6 lead going into the 4th.  The Dolphins offense was stagnant.  They could not get the ball down the field whatsoever in the second half.  The Jets defense dominated and Matt Moore proved why he is a backup quarterback in the NFL.  He struggled all night, especially in the second half.  The Jets would score early in the 4th quarter thanks to a 38 yard catch and run by Santonio Holmes with the help of a couple great blocks down the field.  The Jets had a 24-6 lead and would hold on by that score.

Mark Sanchez had an average game throwing 14 for 25 for 201 yards and one touchdown as well as a rushing touchdown.  Shonn Greene ran for 74 yards and the Jets finally got back on the winning side.  Meanwhile, nothing is going right for the Miami Dolphins.  They have struggled mightily all season.  Matt Moore, who was playing for the injured Chad Henne did not look sharp throwing 16 for 34 for 204 yards and an interception.  It seems as the Dolphins will be in the race for quarterback Andrew Luck this year as they are looking like they will have one of the top picks in the upcoming draft.

The key thing for the Jets is that they won the game.  This was a much needed win just to get them out of their funk.  Yes, they beat a team who has been awful and arguably the worst team in the league, but it was a win that could build them some confidence going into next week.  The Jets will face the surprising Chargers team at home hoping to get back over the .500 mark. The Dolphins face Tim Tebow and the Broncos in Miami.