Sportstuffblog

NY JETS and Plax Will Make Offense Fly

2011-08-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

After Plaxico Burress' first game action in over two years in a 27-7 Preseason NY Jets win over the Cincinnati Bengals, it is evident that Rex Ryans' 2011 Jets will be more of an open offense than just a typical Ryan pound and ground attack. Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer must be licking his chops with the talent the Jets offense has this season. Three great receivers in Derrick Mason, Santonio Holmes, and Burress, as well as having Ladainian Tomlinson out of the backfield, the solid TE Dustin Keller, and good depth at running back with Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight and Tomlinson as 3rd Down specialist. If the offensive line can be effective after key injuries to versatile backup Rob Turner (broken leg) and RG Brandon Moore, and the retirement of RT Damien Woody - a necessary feat for Mark Sanchez, as well as the running game, to succeed - the offense should be a force to be reckoned with around the NFL. Jets skill players will be on the top of everybody's Fantasy Football list this year.

Rex Ryan has traditionally been a grind it out with the running game, use the passing game to keep you honest, and play good aggressive smash-mouth pressure defense kind of guy. With the acquisitions of Burress and Mason this off season and Holmes already established as Sanchez's go to guy, Rex Ryan will not be able to resist giving Schottenheimer more freedom to think pass first and run second, at least some of the time. It would be too much of a waste in resources not to take advantage of their experience. These receivers are gonna give defensive backfields fits if they stay healthy and Sanchez has time to get rid of the pig. Schottenheimer will be like a kid in a candy shop. Shonn Greene should be a great compliment to the passing game if he stays healthy too. Greene's success is also dependent on the offensive line's status.

All in all, the NY Jets should resemble more of a West Coast kind of offense in 2011 with the likes of an improved, seasoned Sanchez throwing the ball to Holmes, Burress, Mason, Keller, and Tomlinson. Look out Joe Montana and Jerry Rice! Here comes Mark Sanchez, Santonio Holmes, and Plaxico Burress.
J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!

I Had A NY Jets Dream

2011-01-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

I had this weird dream last night that Rex Ryan and the NY Jets beat Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs. You know how I know it's a dream? The Jets pretty much dominated the Patriots and led them through most of the game! We all know that if the Jets could muster up a W against the Pats that they would keep us on the edge of our seats till the last moments of the game, or better yet, into overtime!

Martin Luther King
In fact, it turns out, it was not a dream. I woke up and the paper confirmed it! And the final score of 28-21 does not reflect the domination the winning Jets imposed upon the Patsies. Tom Brady and company were pretty desperate at the end, trailing 28-14, and scored what turned out to be a garbage time TD to bring the score to within a TD. But the Jets covered the onside kick (twice) and New England is history, see ya next year, adios! And the New York Jets advance to the AFC Championship Game once again. As Rex Ryan said "..same old Jets, we're in the AFC Championship Game again. The only difference is we plan on winning it this time". It's the new "Same Old Jets", and they're quite entertaining and fun to watch. Certainly better than the stuffed sweatshirts that their counter part, arch rival, Patriots are!

New York Post
As I said in my post before the Patriots game if Mark Sanchez plays better than in Indianapolis and the Jets stick to the ground and pound and the defense applies pressure to Brady (three big ifs) the Jets can win this game; and I say the same thing about Pittsburgh, just substitute Brady's name with Big Ben Roethlisberger. Use the same mentality and the Jets can beat the Pittsburgh Steelers like they already did in December. The Jets are built to beat them. If they play their A Game they can beat anybody, just take a look at the tape from yesterday's game; total domination of a 14-2 team with a future Hall Of Fame Coach and quarterback. Bye bye Patriots. Here we come Pittsburgh Steelers. Been there, done that, let's do it again! Wouldn't it be ironic if Rex Ryan's NY Jets played the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl? Both teams with Super Bowl connections to Ryan's father Buddy, who was with the Jet's as an assistant and the Bears as Head Coach during both teams Super Bowl appearances. Well let's not think too far ahead. Pittsburgh first. See you there.

Jets To Knock Next Monkey Off Shoulders

2011-01-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

In beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, Rex Ryan and the New York Jets earned the chance to go to Foxboro and knock the next monkey off their shoulders. They wanted the chance to play the New England Patriots a third time to prove that the last match up was an anomaly in their 11-5 season; that it was just a day they woke up on the wrong side of the bed and got blown out 45-3 by Bill Belichick's bullies. But this monkey up in Massachusetts is more like an ape! He even kinda resembles one on the sideline in sweatpants and a hoodie and holding a clipboard. And his quarterback, Tom Brady, is just as fun as monkeys in a barrel!

Tom Brady

If the Jets play like they did against the Colts in the AFC Wildcard Game this past Saturday, they can plan on being home on their couches to watch the AFC Championship Game the following week. The defense played a great game, short of that one long play to Garcon for the TD in the 2nd quarter. The Jets ground game was awesome, they kept the ball away from Peyton in the 2nd half, which was key. But this week Mark Sanchez has got to do better than he did against the Colts. Sanchez just makes you wonder whether his shoulder is hurting more than he's giving on to, or if he's regressing, or did he just have a bad day? Some of his passes had some zip on them and others were just plain off. He made the big play to Braylon Edwards on the winning drive, but most of the game he was unimpressive to say the least. The Jets need Sanchez to be on top of his game against the Patriots because their not gonna get away with a one dimensional offense through a whole game in New England. They need to keep the Patriots honest with some sort of passing game. Use the run to set up the play action for some big plays. If not, Rex Ryan should put Mark Brunell in. He looked pretty good against Buffalo. But I guess anyone would've look good against Buffalo! Anything would look better than the kid did last week.

I'm not saying Mark Sanchez needs to play like Peyton Manning. He just has to play better than last week. The Jets should stick to the "ground and pound" mentality and just use the passing game to open up the rushing game and vice versa. I think The Man on offense really should be Shonn Greene. All you have to do is look at the Jets Playoff run last year to see that Greene gets strong at this time of year. He was a monster in last years Playoffs and can be the key to keeping the ball away from Tom Brady in the Divisional round on Sunday! And that's what the Jets should try to do. Keep it away from Brady (like they did against Manning) and run, run, run! Then pass it when you need to and when you think you can catch the Patriots defense off guard. Only time will tell, but I have a feeling the Jets will be ready to play on Sunday. Hopefully Sanchez and Rex Ryan and the NY Jets can knock the Belichick and Brady Monkey off their green backs. Let's Go Jets!

Rex Ryan's Jets Face Old Demon

2011-01-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

Rex Ryan and his NY Jets go into this Saturday's AFC Wildcard Game facing a familiar nemesis - Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning - otherwise known as Superman. And IF the Jets can pull it off against Manning's Colts they will be the lucky team to earn a chance to go to New England and play against Tom Brady's Patriots! Joy, joy! Hey Jets fans, we're in The Tournament and that means that anything can happen. Look at last year. Who thought the Jets would have gone as far as they did, before crashing in the second half of the AFC Championship Game against Manning and the Colts. That's why Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum went out in the off-season and acquired the missing pieces on defense that they felt would bring them up to that next level and be able to beat Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, and Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Those pieces to the puzzle are namely; Antonio Cromartie playing opposite Darrelle Reevis, and Jason Taylor and Trevor Price playing spot rolls on the line when they need to bring the pressure on the quarterback. Not to mention bringing in LaDainian Tomlinson and Santonio Holmes, two future Hall of Famers, on offense.

They specifically added these guys on defense in order to be able to beat the next two teams and QB's they must face (if they make it to the Divisional round) in the Playoffs. They know that both teams are beatable, and that they did already beat the Pats once this season. But in that first game the Pats WR Wes Welker was injured and out, and the second game the Jets got creamed by Bill Belichik and Brady and company 45-3! But first they must beat Indy by putting their brass' decisions and newest members on defense to the test. Manning doesn't have all of his weapons at his disposal due to injuries but has been raising the level of play of the fill-ins week in and week out. He's the kind of player who can do that.

Lots of people have been criticizing Rex Ryan for being so confident and running his mouth off so much; but what should he do? Say he expects to lose? Should he say that the Jets will never make it to the Super Bowl again? "I wouldn't want to insult Tom Brady now, because then he'll be mad at me and beat us". Is that what he should say? Every team and coach should go in to every game they play expecting to win it. If not, they shouldn't be playing professional football. The Jet's made it to the post-season and should be planning on winning it all. And every team should have that same plan! Isn't that what this thing is all about anyway? I enjoy Rex Ryan's enthusiasm and I think his players thrive on it. I think if anyone can bring them up to that next level it's Rex Ryan. Hopefully he gets his revenge on Peyton Manning and earns that trip to a third game against old Tom Brady. Because, hey you never know. Let's Go Jets!

New Jets Mentality

2010-11-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

As a long term Jets fan I'm starting to think that I'm gonna have to change my way of thinking around here. However hard it may be, I'm gonna have to cut the cynicism and start believing! It almost rubs against my Jets grain. I've expected the Jets to screw up after decades of mediocrity and ineptitude and a few okay years. It's hard to break the habit of trying to figure out how the organization would blow it on a weekly and annual basis. Now I have to adjust to them being winners. Wow! What an adjustment.

Rex Ryan brought that winning mentality to New York-Jersey last year and continues with it in the 2010 campaign. At first it was entertaining and refreshing but I couldn't believe it yet. Now, after a trip to the AFC Championship Game last season, and an 8-2 record after four 4th quarter or overtime comeback wins in a row, I'm starting to become a believer. It's the only thing I can do! If you can look past the fact that the Jets defense keeps putting them in these situations where they have to come back at the end of games (which I can), then you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. And that light is the Big Game at the end of the playoffs.... dare I say it? No, I won't yet.

The NY Jets do seem poised to go in to next weeks game against the Patriots with a 9-2 record after beating the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving. And if they can beat New England again they can be 10-2 going in to the home stretch four games. But I'm looking too far ahead. First they have to beat the Bengals, who are a much better team than their 2-8 record indicates, with their high powered passing game featuring Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco, and Terrell Owens. First things first. But this NY Jets fan is starting to assume that these New York Jets are going to win (you know what happens when you assume). And with Mark Sanchez at the helm and the Jets offense playing the way they are playing it's hard not to believe; even if it does go against my losing Jets fan attitude. Thanks Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez, you're changing my way of thinking. Happy Thanksgiving! Let's not be turkeys. Win this one without a last minute comeback. Give the kid a break, so he can go home after the game and have some turkey and look forward to a great match up against the Patriots next week. Let's Go Jets!

Mets Start New Era With Collins, Alderson

2010-11-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

The New York Mets ushered in a new era in GM Sandy Alderson announcing the hiring of the fiery Terry Collins as Manager. Collins previously was managing the Mets farm team. At his introductory news conference Collins said he hopes to lead the Mets to the Promised Land! Well Hallelujah! Praise The Lord! I hope so!

Terry Collins News Conference

After donning his new Mets uniform and cap he declared "I'm full of enthusiasm... I've learned to mellow a bit, but my love for the game itself leads me to wanting the game to be played correctly and that will never take a second step to anything. I'm not the evil devil that a lot of people have made me out to be". He praised the Mets roster and it sounds like the core might stay pretty much intact. We'll see. He said "We've got a lot of talented guys. We've got to let them play their game".

And so It seems like Terry Collins will be a colorful, interesting guy to watch and listen to, much like Jerry Manual and Willie Randolph of recent Mets Managerial history. Whether he can lead us to the Promised Land is to be seen. He says that there's no reason why they shouldn't be a winning team. It ought to be entertaining to watch him try anyway.

Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins

It's exciting to see a whole new regime for the New York Mets. It's gonna be a fresh new start. Let's hope they restore respectability to a team with great history in MLB. Terry Collins, welcome to New York!

No Fall Classic For Cablevision Subscribers

2010-10-28T14:43:00.001-07:00

News Corp's Fox 5 and Cablevision still have not settled their dispute over a new contract and News Corp continues to hold their programming, including the MLB World Series, hostage. The Dolans and Cablevision continue to play hardball and now some 3 million Cablevision subscribers across New York and Philadelphia are left to scramble to watch the Fall Classic, including yours truly.

I received an email from Cablevision last night, at around 6:30 PM, an hour before Fox 5's TV coverage of Game 1 started across the country, informing me that if I registered at MLB.com and paid $9.99 Cablevision would refund me the money by crediting my bill. I could watch the World Series right on MLB.com. Sounded good to me at the time, and so I immediately registered and paid the ten bucks. It was a no brainer! Unfortunately there were a few drawbacks. First of all; it turns out that MLB.com is partially owned by Fox. So the money I paid, which Cablevision promised to return to me, is going to News Corp anyway! The other major problem, for me, is that watching the game streamed on MLB.com sucks! They give you many camera angles to choose from, but you don't get any stats on the screen, nor any pitch count, and the picture keeps freezing up. So I wound up paying more attention to the Knicks game on my TV (broadcast on MSG Network) than the World Series freezing up on my laptop. What a bummer! At least the Knicks won. Oh well. I guess I don't have the right to see the Fall Classic this year. I only hand over close to $140.00 per month to Cablevision; why should I be able to watch what I pay for? I long for the time that things were simpler, when televisions were hooked up to rabbit ears and analog signals came over the air waves. It's the price we pay (or don't pay if you're Cablevision) for living a digital life! I don't know what I'm gonna do for the Jet's game on Sunday against Green Bay. Maybe I'll just go to my neighborhood bar and watch the game with all the other low lives who don't have Verizon Fios. Play ball!

Favre Left To Explain After MNF Loss

2010-10-12T05:06:00.000-07:00

Photo: Jennifersterger.com
After Brett Favre got sacked trying to go fourth-and-inches with gorgeous former NY Jets intern Jenn Sterger last week, he and his Minnesota Vikings lost to the Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on Monday Night Football last night. After leading the Vikings the whole game, the Jets were up against the ropes with a 22-20 lead with four and a half minutes left in the game and the dangerous Favre with the ball in crunch time. But the future Hall Of Famer has not been too dangerous (unless you're the 5'2" cutie Sterger) lately. Dwight Lowery sealed the game with a Pick Six on a 23-yard touchdown on an interception of Favre with 1:30 left in the game.

Typically, the New York Jets Prime Time game was surrounded by controversy, distractions, and big time side stories. This time, though, the dirt was in someone else' eyes. After Brett Favre was busted sending "salacious" photos to Sterger back in 2008, he was left crying to his teammates before the big MNF game, and likely crying after. His teary apology to his team for the distractions leading up to the game can only be read as an admission to his accusations; sending Jennifer Sterger crotch shots of himself and voice messages which are quite incriminating. It's quite sad to think that Favre would do such a thing and risk his squeaky clean reputation, not to mention his marriage. You would think he would know better than that! So now the NY Jets go on to meet the Broncos (2-3) in Denver next week and Brett Favre goes on to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to explain what he was thinking back in 2008. No wonder why he went 1-4 those last five games with the Jets. He had other things on his mind. Good Luck Brett. See you in the tabloids.

Revis Off His Island

2010-09-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Darrelle Revis really stinks for listening to his uncle and agents and holding out the whole preseason. It’s disrupted progress for the whole defense and special teams, and shows how self centered he is rather than being a team player like Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Instead of having Kyle Wilson focus on returning, he had to concentrate on playing corner, prematurely, in place of Revis. Tannenbaum was also forced to keep Joe McKnight on the active roster since the Jets needed him to return punts. I give lots of credit to Mr Tannenbaum and Woody Johnson for not caving in to Revis' demands for so long! Unfortunately they need Revis there and had to give him enough to keep his whining mouth shut! I’m also kinda bummed about Tony Richardson being cut and hope he’s back soon!

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Too bad Football is a business… It ruins allot for the fans. I would have liked to see the NY Jets go all the way without Mr Island. Don't get me wrong; I love Revis and am happy he's back. But I think he should have honored his big boy rookie contract and if his agents couldn't get it worked out before training camp, he should have been at camp this whole summer. Oh well. Welcome back DR. Now put your money where your mouth is. Let’s Go Jets!

The Ninth Annual Brett Favre Show

2010-08-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to the 9th Annual Brett Favre Retirement Show. Put away your hankies for the moment; The Man has not made up his mind yet. Contrary to what Favre may have texted to his buddies on the Minnesota Vikings or tweeted to the world, rest assured, there's only one thing for sure on the Brett Favre front, and that is that nothing is for sure.

The Canadian Press
This time of year Favre can change his mind like a woman in a shoe store. Keyshawn Johnson said on ESPN that he wouldn't trust that Favre will retire until the start of the regular season. I would take it a step further; I would say that Favre could step in any time during the NFL Preseason or maybe during the regular NFL Season. Who knows, maybe there will be an injury on Minnesota or elsewhere and he'll play. Don't count him out just yet. If Favre heals from his left ankle surgery successfully he might just be playing the last game of the preseason with some team (remember the Jets?) and then be anointed the starter. He loves to find a situation where he doesn't have to go through the whole training camp thing. He'd rather go fishing for the summer and then step in somewhere and play. Stranger things have happened. Actually THAT happened. So don't put it past the King of Football Drama Favre. Just sit back and watch the 9th Annual Brett Favre Retirement Show, and enjoy it while it lasts.

Saints Ain't Aints No More

2010-02-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints defeated their own Archie Manning's son Peyton and the mighty Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV and finally replaced the stigma of the brown paper bags of Archie's "Aints" with the Who Dat? Nation of the Sean Payton and Drew Brees era! And it sure feels good for a city such as New Orleans which suffered the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and is still trying to get it's feet back on dry ground. The underdog New Orleans Saints did the unthinkable in beating Manning and the Colts 31-17 in Miami at Sun Life Stadium.

It was a great Super Bowl! No matter who you wanted to win, it was just a great game to watch. The Colts dominating the 1st Quarter with a lead of 10-0. The Saints stole the momentum back in the 2nd Quarter making it 10-6 going in to halftime on two field goals, failing to convert touchdowns but putting points on the board nevertheless. They never gave back the momentum in the second half; opening up with a gutsy on side kick and recovering the ball to drive it down field for a TD and their first lead of the game at 13-10. But more important than the lead the Saints continued their momentum and even though the Colts did score one more TD New Orleans just did what they had to do; scoring another 18 points including a Field Goal, a TD and two point conversion and the pick-6 of Manning on his would be comeback drive by Cornerback Stacy Porter. That pretty much sealed it with the Saints up by two TD's. Porter was instrumental in picking off Brett Favre late in the NFC Championship win over the Minnesota Vikings as well.

There was no Peyton Manning heroics at the end of this one. Hey, the Saints won this one for old Archie. Finally the New Orleans Saints have won a Super Bowl. They're world champs. Take off those paper bags. This is the Who Dat? Nation now. Let Mardi Gras begin early! Grab a drink and a Po Boy. Lets party. Oh when the Saints, Oh when the Saints, Oh when the Saints come marching in. Oh how I'd love to be in that number. When the Saints come marching in.

Can Saints Stop Super Manning In Super Bowl XLIV?

2010-02-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

I usually root for Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in the post season after the Jets are out of contention. Indy is kinda my "second team" after the Jets. Especially since they've been out of the AFC East. When they were in the Jets division I hated them. Once the NFL realigned the divisions in 2002 from five to four teams per division and placed the Colts in the AFC North I had no problem liking them. Hey, they weren't in my team's division anymore. They were always an exciting offensive team to watch with a great quarterback in Manning and I liked Tony Dungy. So why not? Jets fans needed a team to root for in the Playoffs anyway. So I chose the Indianapolis Colts. But this year I just can't do it. Not after the NY Jets fell to the Master Manning and his Colts in the AFC Championship Game two weeks ago. I just can't bring myself to root for them. So I'm gonna go for the New Orleans Saints.

I love the city of New Orleans, having gone down there many times to go to Jazzfest, a wonderful music and heritage festival held every spring during the last weekend in April and first weekend in May. I absolutely fell in love with New Orleans while there for my annual fix of music, food, and partying in the streets. So why not cheer for their football team? Seems the right thing to do to me. After Katrina the city definitely can use the money and attention associated with a Super Bowl win. But can the N.O. Saints stop Manning in Super Bowl XLIV? It's not going to be easy! The Saints secondary is the weak link to their defense and Peyton Manning will find a way to exploit that weakness. Hell, he finds a way to exploit defenses even when they don't have such a suspect group like the Saints secondary. So why shouldn't he in this game? The key for the Saints defense will be if they can apply pressure up front with the front seven and rush Manning in to making quick decisions. If they can do that and contain the Backs (a huge feat in itself) they will have a chance. Like I said it's not gonna be easy!

Most teams, like the Jets, can come up with a plan to rattle Manning temporarily, but eventually he will figure the plan out and then he'll pick them apart. It's almost like opposing defenses should come up with two game plans for Indy and Manning. One for the beginning of the game and the other to switch to after Manning starts figuring out the first one. I kept thinking that that's what the NY Jets should have done in the AFC Championship Game. After Peyton started figuring them out and directing traffic in the second half the Jets should have come at him with something completely different. Like showing pressure up front but then dropping back in to coverage after the snap. Who knows? Maybe Rex can figure it out next year. Now it's Sean Payton's turn. Hopefully he can figure out a way.

I really just want to see a good game. It would be real sweet to see the Saints win the big game finally after all those years of futility and the wounds of Hurricane Katrina still fresh. It's just what the city can use. Drew Brees wants to deliver the victory to his adoptive city. And I'd definitely like to see Peyton lose now. So let's go Saints. It should be a great offensive game for both teams and that should make for a fun game to watch. Enjoy everyone. Who Are You? Who Who? Who Who?

Rex Ryan's NY Jets Fall To Superior Colts

2010-01-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

I could say that I'm happy that Rex Ryan's New York Jets even made it to the NFL Post Season let alone a berth in the AFC Championship Game against the mighty Indianapolis Colts. I could say I'm satisfied because Rookie Mark Sanchez and the NY Jets started out with three wins to start the season, then went to 4-6 the next seven games and were pretty much written off by everyone (including themselves) with two games left to the regular season at 7-7 and dependent on lots of factors and little hope. I could say I'm pleased to know that the NY Jets look good going in to the off season knowing they've secured that franchise quarterback in Mark Sanchez, a feature Back in Shonn Greene, a Defense with lots of talent and promise, and a team which has bought in to Rex Ryan's system and love to play for their new Head Coach. This team should be sitting pretty next season once all-purpose RB Leon Washington and colossal Nose Tackle Kris Jenkins return from injuries, shouldn't that bring a smile to my face? No! This AFC Championship loss by the New York Jets hurts just as much as the others from the past.

The fact of the matter is that any loss in a game like that has to be considered a huge failure! Ask Rex Ryan and he'll tell you that the ultimate goal for the Jets was to go to and win Super Bowl XLIV. Which they failed to do, however entertaining it was to watch along the way. The New York Jets failed to be the better team on the field, a task they accomplished the previous four games. This time around both teams played as hard as they could and Peyton Manning and the Indy Colts proved they clearly are the superior AFC team, leaving the Jets at home to watch Super Bowl XLIV on TV once again. I know, I shouldn't say "same old Jets", what with the new culture Rex Ryan has brought to New (Jersey) York. But I will say "same old result". No AFC Championship for the Jets this time around, and no chance to play for the big ring and Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Ah the same old result; "there's always next year"! There does seem to be allot of promise for the near future for this NY Jets team. But you never know. It's not every year that you get a chance to play in an NFL Championship Game and you better take advantage of it when you do get the chance. Like the Colts did. Two things kind of puzzle me about the Jets in this game though; One - after giving up a TD to the Colts late in the first half, and with it the momentum in the game, why didn't they try to put more points on the board with 1:13 left in the half and one timeout and the passing game in top form? At least try to get three more points! It's the Championship Game for God sakes! Two - After Shonn Greene went down early in the 2nd Half and Thomas Jones essentially ineffective, why didn't Schottenheimer go to the Brad Smith Wildcat offense for a spark? Or insert Smith as a straight Running Back? Which he can do! Oh well, it's easy for me to second guess. I've had 41 years of practice!

So, it's been an interesting season for New York Jets Fans. They DID advance further than expected and show tons of potential for years to come with Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez at the helm. So for now it's back to the same old story; "look out for the New York Jets next year". Hey Jets - Atlantic City is just up the road. Why not take a ride and try your luck? Or maybe a few of you will head to Miami for the Pro Bowl. Enjoy the Super Bowl with your families. Hope to see some more magic next year. For now I'm left with that same old feeling of lost dreams and misery all Jets fans share in this heart breaking fraternity of ours. Let's Go Saints!

Underdog Jets Continue Unlikely Run

2010-01-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, I admit it, I've been down on the NY Jets the whole season. Well actually it's been longer than this season. Well I guess it's been for a few decades. It's a defense mechanism of mine. If I expect them to blow it and lose then when they win I'll be happy and when they lose I can say "see I told you so". But now I'm happy they proved me wrong once again by defeating Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers yesterday in San Diego. The ball has just seemed to roll Rex Ryan and the New York Jet's way the last couple of games, and they've reveled in the underdog roll. Now they go to Indianapolis next week for the AFC Championship Game as underdog again with all the pressure on Peyton Manning and the Colts. I'm sure all the experts will be jumping on the Colts' bandwagon this week, predicting a Colts-Saints Superbowl. But Rex's Jets are gonna be loose and the Indianapolis Colts can't be too happy about the prospect of playing a confident NY Jets team that just seems to have the luck of the draw these days. One more magical game and the Jets will finally return to the NFL's big stage after a 40 year drought. Wow! Who whoulda thunk?

Rex Ryan just has these guys believing. And you know what happens when guys believe? They start to prove their beliefs. And that's precisely what Mark Sanchez and these New York Jets are doing. They've bought in to Ryan's scheme and they're following his NFL Playoff schedule, which ended with a NYC Tickertape parade, as well as his prophecy at his first news conference as Head Coach of the NY Jets when he proclaimed that his new team would be making a trip to the White House in the near future. Now he's brought them to within two wins of that very goal in his rookie season with a rookie QB in Sanchez, and all Jets fans can do is keep their fingers crossed and try not to think of the last two AFC Championship Games the NY Jets were in. Those memories are all too painful to me and all long time Jets fans; the Mud Bowl in Miami in 1983 which Richard Todd threw away to A.J. Duhe and the more recent 1998 loss to the Denver Broncos with Vinny Testeverde at the helm. Hopefully the Cinderella Jets continue with their unlikely underdog run and once again prove all the critics wrong. Once again they play a formidable foe in the Indy Colts. And once again they just have to execute their game plan of pressure defense, great rushing offense, and a mostly mistake free passing game.

American Stamp Collectibles New York Jets Evolution of the Team Uniforms Picture Frame
The Jets should be motivated by all the talk following their game 15 win over Indianapolis as being a present from Head Coach Jim Caldwell who pulled Manning and a number of other starters and seemed to basically concede the game to the Jets, who were later accused of backing in to the Playoffs after beating an uninspired Cincinnati Bengals the following week to "back in". The rematch with the Colts should be interesting to watch at the very least. The New York Jets have a huge task at hand if they plan on beating the Colts in Indianapolis for the right to play in Miami in the Super Bowl. I bet you Rex Ryan will have his guys all fired up and ready to compete at a high level come Sunday afternoon. One more game and you're in Jets. A few weeks ago we were saying that in reference to the Playoffs, now we're saying it in reference to the Super Bowl. Let's get rid of that Joe Namath curse once and for all. The one in which he traded the Jets soul to the devil for that one win after his cocky guarantee he would win Super Bowl III. I think this 2009 Jets team wants to do it to prove Rex Ryan's press conference prediction correct. So far Ryan seems to know what he's talking about. Next Sunday we'll see if the Jets can do it again.

NY Jets Advance Beyond Expectations

2010-01-14T02:53:00.000-08:00

Rex Ryan's New York Jets have done the impossible by beating the Cincinnati Bengals two weeks in a row, at home and away in the Wildcard Playoff Game, to advance to the Divisional round against the San Diego Chargers. I have to admit they proved me wrong last week and beat the Bengals convincingly by playing their new brand of Jets Football; Pressure Defense, Strong Rushing Offense, and a mistake free, high percentage Passing game by quarterback Mark Sanchez. They were able to accomplish this as a result of the guys in the trenches; the Offensive and Defensive Lines as well as the whole Defense providing constant pressure on Carson Palmer and shutting down Cincinnati's Receivers. Darrelle Reevis continued his incredible run against Chad Ochocinco by nearly shutting him out completely, making Laverenues Coles the Receiver to go to for Palmer. Coles had a good day, but took a real beating by the Jets Defense as well.

Highland Mint New York Jets Mark Sanchez Draft Photomint
The Bengals just really did not play well. Palmer was off target and constantly under pressure. They really did not even look like a playoff team the last two weeks against the NY Jets. Don't expect Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers to do the same for the Jets. The Jets seem to have lots of confidence and momentum, good qualities for an NFL Playoff team, but the Chargers are a red hot team. If the Jets stick to their Rex Ryan game plan and excecute like they have the last three or four weeks they'll have a chance. But it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be a fight on both sides of the ball. Hopefully they don't go in too cocky. It's hard to not be cocky with a coach like Rex. But I like that he's confident and expects his team to win and go all the way. Every team should believe they're gonna go all the way. If not then why would they be playing anyway? Let's do it Jets!

NY Jets On Flight To Nowhere

2009-12-28T12:55:00.000-08:00

So everything fell in to place for the NY Jets on Sunday; the Dolphins, Broncos, Ravens, and Jaguars all lost their respective games and Indianapolis Colts' Head Coach Jim Caldwell decided to hand the game to the Jets by pulling Peyton Manning and the rest of his starters halfway through the third quarter, and reducing the game to an exhibition game for his second string. Surprisingly the Jets stepped up to the opportunity, something they have failed to do repeatedly throughout the season, and manhandled the Colts backups, handing Indianapolis their first loss of the season and first loss in the last 24 regular season games (an amazing run by a powerhouse of an organization). It's obvious that had the Colts stayed with their starters they would have won that game and continued their streak. But Caldwell chose to rest his guys and get the second stringers some reps. Result - Rex Ryan's New York Jets' Playoff hopes are still alive. And if Cincinatti Bengals' Head Coach Sherman Lewis decides to do the same thing by resting Quarterback Carson Palmer and friends before the Playoffs the NY Jets will be the lucky recipients of another gift victory for the second week in a row.

But where do you think the New York Jets are gonna go? The Playoffs? The AFC Championship Game? Dare I say the Super Bowl? Wake up Rex Ryan! Wake up Jets fans! The NY Jets are on a flight to Nowhere, USA. If, by some miracle charity donation from Sherman Lewis, the Jets do win their last game at Giants Stadium, they have no chance in the post season. Believe me. I've been a Jets fan my whole life. I know. They're setting us up for heartbreak. But I won't let them break my heart this time; because I don't believe they can beat a real NFL Playoff team - with their starters - anyway. They may very well play the Bengals again in Cincinnati in the Wildcard Game if they do beat them this week at Giants Stadium, and that would be a good Bengals team including all their well rested starters. Let's face it; the Jets lost to some bad and mediocre teams this season including Buffalo, Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Miami twice. If rookie Mark Sanchez didn't throw the game away the Jets seemed to always find a way to lose it on defense offense or special teams gaffs. Always giving up the big play at crucial moments in the game. So if the New York Jets get a late Christmas present from the Bengals enjoy it this week because next week their just gonna find a way to break their fans green hearts. The legend of Joe Namath will live on.

Photo Getty/Andy Lyons

Mark Sanchez Throws Jets' Season Away

2009-11-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

I should have known it before Mark Sanchez and the NY Jets' loss to the New England Patriots in Foxboro on Sunday; I just didn't want to admit it yet. But it's pretty much official now at 4-6 the New York Jets are out of the NFL Playoff hunt. I should have known it after last weeks loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The New England Patriots are not the same team the Jets faced in the second game of the season when Tom Brady was still working off the rust and Wes Welker was not back yet. And the New York Jets are not the team we once thought they were at 3-0 or even 3-3. They clearly played over their heads at the beginning of the season, particularly Mark Sanchez who has looked every bit like the Rookie he is the last two months.

Buy New York Jets Tickets
Rex Ryan talked a good game. It was fun while it lasted (three weeks). It was really fun beating the Patriots in week two. I guess that was like Jets fans' Super Bowl for 2009. There's always next year. Bill Belichick's New England Patriots are the class of the AFC East and the Miami Dolphins are still in the Wildcard hunt. Rex Ryan says that Mark Sanchez is the Jets Quarterback of the present and the future, so for now we'll just have to sit back and watch him throw interceptions and fumble the ball and hopefully learn from his mistakes.

Rex Ryan 11/22/09 AP Photo
Rex Ryan's defense has also been a disappointment this year. Expected to be a strong point of this years Jets team, the defense continues to fail. This past Sunday they couldn't figure out what to do about Wes Welker in the slot, giving up 15 receptions for 192 yards to him. Rex Ryan is gonna have to figure out a way to get his defense to play more inspired football in the future, or else he won't have much of a future in New York. The Jets just need to go back to the drawing board and put the pieces together. The rest of this 2009 season will just be to develop Sanchez and the Defense and evaluate the depth on the whole team. Hopefully the NY Jets can save some face the remainder of the season and learn as much as they can and go in to next season with some more talent from the draft and free agent market and put a winning program together in the near future. If not we'll be looking at another change in coaching and philosophy in 2011. Right now it seems like the rest of the season it will be the (excuse the cliche') Same Old Jets again. Oh well. I guess I can route for that other team in New York for now.

NY Jets' Statistics Lie

2009-11-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Wow! Look at the NY Jets Stats against the Miami Dolphins yesterday. They must have kicked the Dolphin's butt huh? The Jets dominated in all offensive and defensive Stats including 23 First Downs to the Dolphin's 10, 378 Total Net Yards to Miami's measly 104, and 6 Sacks for a loss of 60 Yards to Miami's 2 Sacks for a loss of 14 Yards. Mark Sanchez also played a solid game, going 20-35 for 265 Yards, 2 TD's and one Rushing TD. You'd expect that the Jets won; but not so fast! The one Stat that proves to be the difference in this game, the second loss to the Dolphins this season, is Kickoff Return Yardage. The Dolphins' Ted Ginn Jr. returned 6 Kickoffs for 299 Yards and 2 Touchdowns. Ironically Ginn Jr. was in the doghouse this week after a series of drops against the Saints last week, which actually cost the Dolphins the game. Benched as the starting WR, Ginn Jr. made up for his sins by coming up big on Special Teams. In the process he made the Jets Special Teams, ordinarily a strong unit, look downright terrible. I mean TWO TD's on Kickoff Returns! ONE is bad enough! But TWO! Ted Ginn Jr. became only the eighth player in NFL History to return two in the same game for touchdowns. Rex Ryan "takes his hat off" to Ginn Jr. It's hard to believe that that happened to a Mike Westhoff coached Special Teams. A complete anomally in Westhoff's career as well as in the history of NFL Football. Ironic that it should happen against the Jets in a divisional game which had huge implications in the AFC East. The Jets had a chance to be 5-3, which would have put them only a half game behind New England, and would have put the nail in the coffin of Miami, which would have been 2-5. But No. They had to lose and now they're going in to the Bye Week at 4-4 instead of two games above .500. Now Miami is 3-4, only a half game behind them. And the Jets already lost to Buffalo, so they have to win that second Buffalo game in order to have a chance of going .500 in their division. That also means they'd have to sweep the Patriots, by beating them again, and New England is looking better as the season goes on.

New York Yankees "Got Rings?" T-Shirt by Majestic Athletic

Rex Ryan has told his players to go and enjoy themselves for the week off. So the Jets can enjoy the Bye week and come back in two weeks against Jacksonville (3-4) and try to turn a new leaf over and start winning. They need to go 6-2 in their second half of the season in order to be a 10-6 team. That means winning the games against the 3-4 teams like the Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills, and Tampa Bay Bucaneers(0-7), because they have some tough teams (Cincinatti Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, and the Patriots) that they'll have to beat a few of in order to go 10-6. So after Rex and the boys rest up we get to see whether they can muster up enough character and be the team Jets fans thought they were at the start of the season when they went 3-0 and the ball seemed to bounce their way. All I know is that the NY Jets can't lose this week. We'll see what the following week brings.

What do you think the New York Jets are gonna do the rest of the 2009 season? Leave a comment and let us know.

Mets Fans Should Root For Yankees In World Series

2009-10-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

I was checking out Danabrand.com, a NY Mets Fan's Blog, and he insists that Mets Fans should root against the Yankees no matter what. Even at the expense of rooting for our arch rival Phillies. He says that the NY Mets are like the Rodney Dangerfields of New York Sports; they get no respect. And I admit he does have a point. Growing up a Mets and Jets fan in New York there always was alot of rivalry and animosity between us and our counterpart Yankees and Giants fans. But I always felt that it was good sportsmanship to root for the other home town teams in New York as long as they weren't playing one of my teams. The NY Yankees are a great organization with great history, players, fans, and management. And after all, both my parents are from the Bronx and grew up rooting for the Yankees and didn't become Mets fans until they moved to Long Island and the Mets were more of a local team playing in Queens.

2009 World Series Tickets

(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Well anyway I have to disagree with Dana Brand and I have to root for the Yankees. I just can't bring myself to root for the Phillies anyway. How can a Mets fan do that? It's like sleeping with the enemy. It would make me feel dirty. So lets go New York Yankees. Hope it goes seven and they wrap it up at home in the city that never sleeps. It's up to you New York, New York.

Newsday Fantasy NFL Football League Pigskin Pick'em

2009-10-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

I used to play a NFL Football pool at work but stopped a few years ago. I'm a huge NFL football fan and New York Jets fan but I'm not the biggest gambler and it kind of bothered me sometimes to pick against the Jets while using the spread some weeks. Sometimes I'd be rooting against my own team just because I wanted to win the pool (which I never did). It also bothered me that I'd be rooting more for a particular score rather than a win or loss in any given game. It also bothered me that some people would win the pool even though they knew nothing about football; the nerve of 'em. So I stopped playing. I never really caught on to the Fantasy Football thing either because it just took too much time to manage for me. But I just discovered a Fantasy Football League that's different from the others. It's more like a giant weekly and season long football pool on newsday.com's website. It's called Pigskin Pick'em. You can register for free at any point in the NFL season (I just registered week 6). You pick winners for each game each week without a spread. I love that there's no spread; makes it purer. Then you can choose up to five "Best Bets" out of the weeks games.

Game Scoring

You earn 5 points for every winning team you pick
You do not lose any points for a pick which your team lost
You earn 5 points for every correct Best Bet (a game you chose as a Best Bet where you also chose the winning team)
You lose 5 points for every incorrect Best Bet (a game you chose as a Best Bet where you picked the losing team)
In the event of a tie between two NFL teams, the game is voided for the current scoring period. The game and your pick will still display on the My Picks page but not be included in the scoring update for the week. If you chose a best bet on a tied NFL game, it also is voided, neither gaining or losing any points.

Reebok NFL Recline PH3 Jets Mens

Each week there are prizes of $25.00 for whoever scores the most points and at the end of the season there are big prizes for the top three cumulative winners. 1st Prize is $1000 Cash, 2nd Prize is a Playstation 3, and 3rd Prize is a Blu-Ray Player. It's fun and I can make my picks any time before the weekend and I don't have to put up ten bucks each week to play. The one thing it's missing is social networking. It would be nice to be able to interface with the other players. You can view their names and scores but you can't communicate with them. I earned 35 points my first week picking seven winners and seven losers. I wish I joined the first week of the season because some people have over 300 points already, but now I know and I can play next season from the beginning. And I don't have to pick the New York Jets every week, but this week I did pick them. They better spank the Oakland Raiders in Oakland.

So go to Newsday's Pigskin Pick'em and check it out. If you register and play you can look for me progressing up the chart to beat you. My name is Sportstuffblog (surprise, surprise). Drop me a comment to let me know you joined and tell me what you think. Have fun. Play Ball!

Mounted Memories Chicago Bears Gale Sayers Autographed "Rookie of the Year 1965" Jersey

New York Media Starts Same Old Jets Talk

2009-10-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

The honeymoon is over Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez! It only took the New York media till week seven to start the "Same Old Jets" talk. If nothing else they are the same old Jets just because the media has decided to anoint them as such. After week three the NY Jets were 3-0 and the NY media was putting them up on a pedistal and calling Mark "The Kid" Sanchez the second coming of Broadway Joe, and Ryan was Weeb Ewbank. Now three weeks later at 3-3, after an ugly loss to the lowly Buffalo Bills in which Broadway Mark threw six INT's, they're looking more like Joe Walton and Glenn Foley. Such is life in the New York spotlight. In this town when you're playing well you're darlings, and when you're not you're in the doghouse. Welcome to the city that never sleeps Rex and Mark, have a nice stay!

Buy New York Jets Tickets

I think Rex Ryan knew that this season with a rookie QB at the helm, no matter who that QB is, there were gonna be some ups and downs. He also knew exactly what it would be like in the Big Apple under the microscope in the biggest media market in the world. All he had to do was ask his father Buddy. But Rex is a realist and he knows where his team stands. He knows he still has good players (one less if you count Kris Jenkins) who will respond to these losses and try to make the improvements needed to win again. He'll also have to make improvements in his game management. In the first three games things just seemed to fall in to place for the Jets. And the last three games it was just the opposite, especially the Bill's game, when they committed penalty after penalty after turnover after turnover after questionable call. Now they're talking about simplifying the playbook for Sanchez and going back to a more basic plan. After giving Sanchez the car keys and letting him take take out his date he should go back to riding his bicycle now. There's got to be a happy medium. Maybe they just let him bite off a little bit too much than he can chew. I give Rex Ryan credit for sticking with Sanchez. It's the right decision at this time. Don't panic just yet. Make a change now and you lose the team's confidence in your decision making. Sanchez made mistakes in his first three games. The difference was he didn't make too many mistakes, and the rest of the team, especially the defense, played much better and got the job done. We got a glimpse of what this team can do and we started to jump the gun like so many other seasons in New York. We liked what we saw and started dreaming of yesteryear. But wake up now. Back to reality.

The Jets go in to this weeks game against another lowly team, the Oakland Raiders. They should win this one. Sanchez just needs to develop his short term memory and forget about last week in particular. Protect the ball and don't turn it over. That, combined with better defense (without Jenkins), and good running will win games for the Jets. Once again, a good running game will take the pressure off The Kid and open up his Play-Action passing game. Get the win here where you should and prove the media wrong. Don't be the Same Old Jets!

Jets Need To Take Off After MNF Loss

2009-10-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

In my last post I said that the NY Jets needed to do three things in order to win their Monday Night Football game in Miami against the Dolphins. I said rookie Mark Sanchez needed to protect the ball - he did. I said the Jets running game needed to get something going - they really didn't, but the passing game and offense overall was very good. And I said that the Jets defense had to find a way to contain the Miami Dolphins' Wildcat offense - they couldn't. Out of those three things you would have thought that the defense would handle their part of the deal. You would have thought that Sanchez would blow it somehow and or the running game would be anemic. Leon Washington and Thomas Jones only rushed for 44 and 42 yards respectively, but the running game was boosted by a pair of fake punts engineered by Special Teams Coach Mike Westhoff - one a beautiful 26 yard run by punter Steve Weatherford and the other a 12 yard scamper by Brad Smith. No, the Jets lost this one in surprising fashion. The previously tough Jets defense was totally unprepared to stop Miami and their ball control, clock eating, run happy Wildcat offense. Which, by the way, is what the Jets offense could look like if they could just excel at running the ball.

With the addition of Braylon Edwards, Mark Sanchez has another big threat at his disposal and the Sanchez-Edwards combo picked up any slack from the injured Jericho Cotchery and the weak rushing game, connecting five times for 64 yards and a TD. Edwards also made some key catches to set up two more scores. I get the feeling that Edwards is gonna be a key player on the New York Jets and I hope he keeps himself out of trouble so he doesn't wind up like the receiver from that Blue New York football team! Kudos to the Jets brass for going and rescuing him from Cleveland.

The Jets defense, though, is not the first defense to be embarassed by the Dolphins' unpredictable Wildcat scheme. They've been giving defenses fits since last season when they did it with Chad Pennington, and now they're doing it with Henne at the helm. Rex Ryan might be right that the Jets defense made Henne look like Dan Marino, but Mark Sanchez stepped up this game and looked like Ken O'Brien. The difference in this game was when the Dolphins went to the Wildcat the Jets D continued to come with the pressure and over pursued, and got burned for it. Repeatedly! But it wasn't like there was a lack of effort on the Jets' defenses part. Maybe they should have played more of a read and react type of game against this type of offense than a pure attack defense. But Rex Ryan's Defenses don't play that way. So they got burned. I think they'll be okay. They played great defense the first four games and the offense (Sanchez) made their mistakes. Now Sanchez stopped making mistakes and the offense played well but the defense had a lapse. When they finally put it all together with all three phases the New York Jets are gonna be some team. They should keep their heads up high. The Jets have to go in to next weeks game at home against the 1-4 Buffalo Bills and do just that. Put a complete game together and win a game that they should win. The Bills have their backs up against the wall and should not be considered a gimme. But the Jets should win this game and go in to the Raiders game at 4-2. And we all know what they should do against the Raiders. That would make them 5-2 when they meet up with Miami again. Maybe by then Rex Ryan can come up with some kind of plan to stop the Dolphins' dangerous Wildcat.

NY Jets' Sanchez Crash Back To Earth

2009-10-06T01:04:00.000-07:00

After an incredible, unprecedented 3-0 start to his NFL career, Mark Sanchez - and the NY Jets - finally played a game in which they were unable to overcome his rookie mistakes against a strong New Orleans Saints team in The Big Easy. It looked like The Kid Sanchez had one too many Frozen Hurricanes on Bourbon Street Saturday night (hey, is he old enough to drink?). Throwing multiple interceptions(3), one for a TD, and fumbling in his own end zone, while handling the ball like a hot enchilada, for another TD, Sanchez finally played a rookie clunker of a game! It was bound to happen, especially against a solid playoff caliber team like the Saints at home. The sad thing is that the Jets defense played so incredible that it's amazing how bad the offense had to perform to lose this game. I mean two series which they held the Saints back on 4th down tries and a couple of times they made goal line stands and forced them to kick field goals instead of going for a touchdown. But without a consistent running game the Jets offense becomes one dimensional and predictable, and that's not a good thing when you have a rookie QB in there. This, coupled with the poor protection from the Jets offensive line, spelled disaster for Sanchez and company, despite the strong play from the defense.

Highland Mint New York Jets Mark Sanchez Draft Photomint

Hopefully The Kid learns from these mistakes. My guess is he will. He made mistakes in the first three games but not as many as in New Orleans. Brian Schottenheimer and Rex Ryan have undoubtedly been telling Sanchez to protect the ball the first few weeks. I'm sure this week they must've been screaming it at him. But the key for Rex Ryan's players is to be lose and have a good time. We'll see this Monday night in Miami if Mark Sanchez can do that. It's not as easy to have fun when you lose, and I'm sure Sanchez is feeling that right now. He doesn't want that losing feeling again; so the key for him is to protect the football and minimize his mistakes. If the Jets' running game can get something going (don't they have two Pro-Bowl running backs?) and if the defense can limit the Miami Dolphins' Wildcat Offense, which has been averaging 183 yards per game (tops in the NFL), and if Sanchez wipes the butter off his fingers, they can win this game and be 4-1 atop the AFC East after the New England Patriots lost to Denver Sunday to go 3-2. Those are three big ifs.

It's a huge test for these New York Jets, and it will reveal what kind of character they have in '09. If they can bounce back on the road after a big loss away from home it'll show what kind of a team Rex Ryan is building. We'll see what the New York Jets are made of on Monday Night Football in Miami. Mark Sanchez; are you ready for some football? Hold on to it this time and IF the rest of the team can keep their part of the bargain you should come out ahead.

New York Jets Becoming Darlings of NFL

2009-09-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

After win number three against the Tennessee Titans, Rex Ryan's New York Jets are becoming unlikely darlings of the NFL. With another solid performance by rookie QB Mark Sanchez, and the Rex Ryan pressure cooker defense, the Jets go 3-0 and are starting to really look like a sure NFL Playoff team. Okay I said it! Why not? Sanchez The Kid became the first rookie QB since the NFL/AFL merger to win his first three games and looks more like a seasoned veteran than a first year kid, showing a resiliency to bounce back after committing mistakes, and an ability to put the nails in the coffin when the opportunity arises.

AP Photo Ed The Fireman

After playing a stellar first quarter in which he threw for one TD and rushed for another after the Titans rookie Ryan Mouton fumbled the ball on the ensuing kickoff return, Sanchez slipped back to rookie mode in the second quarter - fumbling the ball deep in Jets territory - and allowing the Titans back in the game. The defense also had a setback in allowing the first TD to be scored on them this season (wow! it took three games to give one up) when LenDale White brought it in from 5 yards out. Sanchez and the defense both showed they could bounce back from adversity later in the game, with a little help from the Special Teams. Brad Smith forced Mouton to fumble on another kick return and Larry Izzo recovered for the Jets on the Titans' 23 yard line. Four plays later Sanchez hit Jericho Cotchery for the go ahead points which the NY Jets never relinquished.

But the details are not the important thing here for the Jets. The important thing, and the thing which will make the New York Jets winners this season is that they're playing football and they're having fun playing football the Rex Ryan way; tough defense and special teams, strategic offense which sets the opposing defense up for big plays, and a loose, fun, confident, winners attitude. And the players and fans and media respond to this attitude by making the NY Jets the new up and coming Darlings of the NFL. There's no denying it any more. These guys are fun to watch and will be fun to watch as long as Rex Ryan is the Head Coach. It's a nice change after the last few years under the other guy (what's his name in Cleveland?). So let's sit back and enjoy Jets fans. Spark up those barbecues and bring on the beer! The New York Jets are fun to watch again. Play ball!

Reebok New York Jets / Titans of New York AFL 50th Anniversary Mark Sanchez Replica Team Color Jersey

Jets Get Patriots Monkey Off Their Back

2009-09-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

After all the big talk the past week by Rex Ryan and his New York Jets leading up to the home opener against the New England Patriots, the Jets finally backed it up. They outplayed Tom Brady and the Pats in a 16-9 Jets victory, the first home win against New England in 9 years and a huge statement to the AFC East, and the rest of the NFL, that this NY Jets team is gonna be a force to reckon with. The aggressive Rex Ryan defense continued to play exciting rush-the-passer schemes; blitzing much of the time and not allowing Tom Brady to get comfortable in the pocket to complete passes. And Darrelle Reevis and company were brilliant in the secondary, virtually shutting down perennial Pro Bowl Receiver Randy Moss (having Patriots TE Wess Welker out didn't hurt the Jets either).

AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

Once again Mark Sanchez "The Kid" played solid football for a rookie (or a veteran for that matter)! After a slow first half in which Sanchez only atempted five passes, completing two for a net minus two yards, The Kid played a good, mistake free second half; going 12-of-17 in the second half for 165 yards and the only TD of the game. Sanchez didn't throw an interception (he did fumble the ball early in the game but it was recovered by the Jets).

What I said after last weeks win in Houston still holds true. If the Jets defense continues to bring the pressure on ala Rex Ryan (they're starting to resemble the Baltimore Ravens D), and Mark Sanchez continues to play smart mistake free football, and they can get a good running game going, they're gonna be good. That's alot of If's! But so far they've done all those things. It's only two games so far, but all indications are that the 2009 NY Jets can back up their talk and beat some good teams. Hey, they beat Bill Belichick's Patriots. So look out Tennessee Titans. Here come the NY Jets!

NY Jets New Era Gets Off To Good Start

2009-09-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

The NY Jets Rex Ryan/Mark Sanchez Era got off to a nice start with the first game of the 2009 NFL Season. Sanchez The Kid looked like a seasoned veteran at times, making some mistakes at others, including one interception and an illegal hit on the ensuing return, and almost threw two more int's. But overall The Kid played at Pro speed and was surprisingly good, going 15-24 for 207 Yards with a 104.0 Rating! He was almost refreshing to watch.

AP Photo David J. Phillip

I know, I know! Don't get carried away now. I mean...these are the New York Jets after all. I'm sure it's not gonna be peaches n' cream the whole season, but if Bart Scott and the Jets defense continues to pressure opposing quarterbacks and take away the run the way they did today to the Houston Texans and Matt Schaub, and the offense gets the ball into Leon Washington's hands, they should be pretty good this season. Especially considering they did it today without Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace. I can't wait to see the defense once they're both back.

Kudos to Rex Ryan who breathed fresh life in to the Jets Defense as well as the whole team with his straight forward cockiness inherited from his dad. His team clearly outplayed the opposition. Rex's dad Buddy Ryan is probably pretty proud right now! But one game does not make a season; and there are 15 more games coming up, with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots coming up next week. So don't count your green eggs just yet Jet's Fans. Lets see what happens. Hopefully the misery is behind us. It seems like it'll at least be interesting to watch this year; unlike the last few years under the boring Mangini regime. Now that the NY Jets have a coach with a personality the team will have a personality too. So sit back and enjoy. Enjoy and be entertained. Isn't that why we're watching anyway? This season certainly promises to be entertaining at the least...and if we win? It's a new era so let's dream.

Highland Mint New York Jets Mark Sanchez Draft Photomint

New York Jets Trade Up For Future In Sanchez and Greene

2009-04-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

Get $15 Off Your Purchase of $100 or More Until 05.31.09 at NFLShop.com.

In the first round of the NFL Draft Mike Tannenbaum and the New York Jets traded up from the 17th spot to number five to pick what surely will be the future of their franchise (we've heard it before around here!) in USC QB Mark Sanchez. Then the next day they did it again in the third round by moving up to the first pick, via a deal with the Detroit Lions, to get RB Shonn Greene from Iowa, the highest listed RB on the Jets board. For Greene they gave the Lions their third-round (76th overall), fourth-round (No. 115), and seventh-round (No. 228) picks. For Mark Sanchez they gave Eric Mangini's Cleveland Browns their first-round (No. 17), and second-round (No. 52) picks as well as defensive end Kenyon Coleman, quarterback Brett Ratliff, and safety Abram Elham. These two maneuvers left the NY Jets with only three picks in the 2009 NFL Draft. The other player taken was Nebraska guard Matt Slauson in the sixth-round. In minimizing the number of picks this year by trading away all the other picks, Tannenbaum has put more pressure on himself, his fun rookie coach Rex Ryan, and young Mark Sanchez. If these guys don't pan out, along with all the offseason free agent aquisitions, it most surely will be Tannenbaum's demise. If Tannenbaum were a cat he most certainly would be on his 9th life. But now on paper these decisions all look good. They always look good in April!

Buy Mark Sanchez Jerseys Here

Remember Richard Todd, Ken O'Brien, Browning Nagle, Chad Pennington, Boomer Esiason, Vinny Testaverde, and I'm sure I missed a few... oh yeah, remember that guy from last year? The one who was supposed to be the savior? The second coming of Joe Willie Namath! I guess we'll see if Mark Sanchez has the stuff to lead us to another Championship after forty-plus years of futility. He does seem to have the qualities you want in a New York quarterback; confidence, a good arm, and the personality to deal with the media. The one thing he does not have is experience. Although he played in a pro type offense at USC, in college football's biggest market, he only started 16 games. He might not win the starting position right away from Kellen Clemens.

Sanchez already is a New York media darling. After throwing out the first pitch on Monday at the Mets game at Citi Field he talked in the booth with Ron Darling and Gary Cohen. Before the Mets game he was seen with fans in Citi Field signing autographs and talking. The kid definitely has personality. We'll see how that personality holds up after he loses a few games in New York. That's when you want to judge the kid. When he meets with some adversity in the Big Apple (New Jersey). If he can handle that and bounce back and win. That's when you'll see a good New York QB. Maybe not the second coming of Namath but someone who can lead you to a Championship nevertheless. Only time will tell Jets fans, only time will tell. Until then....It's always good in April. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Baltimore Ravens Loss Will Be NY Jets Gain

2009-01-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

The loss by the Baltimore Ravens yesterday in the AFC Championship Game by a score of 23-14 to the Pittsburgh Steelers will add up to a big gain for the New York Jets. This will be apparent soon when the NY Jets announce the hiring of Rex Ryan, the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator for the past four seasons after six seasons as an assistant there. It isn't official as of now but Wikipedia already has him listed as the Head Coach of the New York Jets. According to sources close to the Jets they have already notified the other coaching candidates that Ryan, the son of Buddy Ryan, former Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals and Defensive Coordinator of the Super Bowl Champion '85 Chicago Bears, will be the successor to Eric Mangini, who now is the Cleveland Browns leader.

This will mark the beginning of yet another new era for the perpetually cursed franchise whose soul was traded to the devil by Broadway Joe Namath when he promised a Super Bowl victory against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts, and delivered, in Super Bowl III 40 years ago. Since then (believe me I know) Jets fans have suffered through thick and thin (mostly thin). Hopefully Ryan can come in and change things around enough to bring the NY Jets to the next level while leaving most of the personnel intact (minus Favre). He won't have anything resembling the defensive personnel he had in Baltimore, but he does have a good nucleus and his coaching style seems to be extremely motivating to his players, who describe him as a players coach. It would be nice to see him do something similar to what his Ravens boss, Head Coach John Harbaugh, did in going with one of the young arms on the team as QB. Harbaugh went with Joe Flacco and rode the wave all the way to the AFC Championship with good offense and great defense, and maybe Rex Ryan can do the same with the Jets by going with Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff (who the Jets seem to be higher on than Clemens). I think with the right influence on the defense and some mistake free ground it out offense the New York Jets could be on their way to some good things. Only time will tell. Next year Jets fans, next year. Sound familiar. If it doesn't your not a NY Jets fan for too long. Good Luck Rex Ryan!

Lucky Win Yields "Same Old Jets"

2008-12-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

These 2008 New York Jets tried their best to give the hapless Buffalo Bills the game Sunday but Dick Jauron and the Bills just didn't want to take it. Jauron decided to overrule his offensive coordinator and change a call late in the game and have quarterback J.P. Losman roll out and attempt a pass rather than continue to do what was working and eat up the clock by running the ball. The whole game Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson ran on the Jets like O.J. Simpson running from the cops. They were unstoppable rushing for 158 yards combined on 28 carries, and all Jauron had to do was hand it to one of them just before the 2 minute warning and get one more first down to win. By now you know what happened instead; Abram Elam knocks the ball loose from Losman and Shaun Ellis scoops it up and rolls like a joint into the endzone for the winning TD and the first of his career. Give Ellis a big bong hit, he earned it! But all this win is gonna do is prolong and postpone the agony. These 2008 Jets are headed on a flight to nowhere quick. I could already see the final game of the season for the AFC East, against Chad Pennington's Miami Dolphins, being set up as the big letdown weeks ago, and now it looms just around the corner. Same Old Jets on the way. This Jets Fan is so used to it by now I actually expect it!

Brett Favre and the Jets offense looked pretty good this game, but as in all of the Jets losses this season, and some wins, they failed in one or two of the facets of the game; this time it was a porous run defense (a recurring theme this year) and poor special teams play. It always seems to be that way with the Jets this season; if the offense plays well they blow it on defense or special teams, if the defense plays well (not often, but sometimes) they blow it with missed plays and mistakes on offense. They owe this win to lady luck and bad coaching, they'll take it and deny the truth; that they deserved to lose this one.

The potential is there, as seen in the five game winning streak, especially the wins against New England and Tennesee. All they have to do is put the winning teams (offense, defense, and special teams) out on the field consistently these last two games (and in the...dare I say it...Playoffs!). But all of us Long Time Jets Fans know what's in store for us in one way or another. Here come the "Same Old Jets"...get ready for the holidays!

Jets Crash Should Be Wake Up Call

2008-12-05T01:19:00.000-08:00

So the NY Jets finally crashed against the Denver Broncos after flying high on a five game winning streak ending in Tennessee against the previously unbeaten Titans. Really, losing is probably just what the Jets needed to wake them back up for the last four games of the regular season. Even though they claim their heads were not swollen from the five game winning streak it's gotta be hard to not be a little over confident going in to a game like the Denver Broncos game. They seemed to be a good match with the Broncos poor rushing defense and the Jets recent success at the running game; Thomas Jones has already rushed for over 1000 yards in 12 games. But the Jets went in with a bad game plan and failed to adjust after the half, and Brett Favre and the receivers regressed to their early season problems of not being on the same page, and the defense failed to put enough pressure on Jay Cutler or stop Denver's weak running game. It really boiled down to fundamentals: poor tackling, bad game plan, penalties, turnovers, poor play calling. Now the New York Jets need to do some soul searching and turn things back around against an inferior but Mike Singletary motivated San Fransisco 49ers team. Hopefully Mangini went back to stressing those fundamentals in practice this week so that the Jets don't blow another game on the west coast. So far they're 0-2 on the west coast this season, losing big against the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football and losing to a terrible Oakland Raiders team in overtime in a game they should have dominated. Following that game came their five game winning streak in which they seemed to build steam because of that Raiders loss. The NY Jets need to use the Broncos loss for the same kind of inspiration and go back to playing mistake free football and it needs to start this week in San Fransisco.

NY Jets Better Not Get Caught Sleeping

2008-11-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

The New York Jets (5-3) are in a great position to sieze the moment and right the ship once and for all going into a game at mid-season against a 2-6 St Louis Rams team lead by interim coach Jim Haslett. But you really never know with these Jets after a loss to the terrible Oakland Raiders, a team they were favored heavily to beat, and a tough time against Herm Edwards pitiful Kansas City Chiefs, another game they should have won with ease. Then last week they came up big and beat the Buffalo Bills, pretty convincingly, to make it a three way tie for first place in the AFC East with the Bills and Tom Bradyless New England Patriots. The much improved Miami Dolphins are only a game behind at 4-4 in second place in a division that is the most evenly competitive in the Conference at mid-season. Being a longtime New York Jets fan I can tell you that this is the time for the Jets to crash...or..dare I say it...soar. If they win this game against another mediocre team they can go into next week against the Patriots with nothing less than another tie for first place in the Division and a chance to be atop it alone. That's why this week these Jets better not get caught sleeping. They need to go in to this game and stay disciplined, not make alot of bone headed mistakes against a team they're favored to beat at home by 9 points. Brett Favre needs to minimize the interceptions by not taking too many risky chances and throwing punts to the Rams. The NY Jets are poised to make that next step and prove everybody wrong once and for all; that they can win consistently against the teams they should beat as well as some of the upper echelon teams like the Buffalo Bills. Hopefully they set the alarm clock and don't get caught in bed with their pants down. Wake up Jets: there's still a chance to soar. All you have to do is do it!

Jets Beat Bengals with Defense & Special Teams

2008-10-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

The NY Jets(3-2) won this weeks game against the 0-6 Cincinnati Bengals primarily with good defense and special teams which kept creating good field position. Even after both of Brett Favre's interceptions, deep in Bengals territory, the Jets held Cincinnati and got the ball back with good field position and scored a field goal and a touchdown in response. After Favre's fumble was returned for a touchdown by Chinedum Ndukwe(say that 10 times fast) on the first series of the game, the Jets came right back with a long 10 play TD drive of their own. That drive was set up by another great kickoff return by Leon Washington of 46 yards, shortening the field for Favre and the offense to drive downfield; and this was the case throughout the game with the Jets offense starting on average at their 46 yard line. That's what wins games, and it was accomplished with good special teams, great run defense(43 Net Yards), and pressure up front on the inexperienced Ryan Fitzpatrick(Sacked 5 times, Hurried 6) by Calvin Pace, Kris Jenkins, and company. So in a game that future Hall Of Famer Brett Favre made his share of risky mistakes, the New York Jets did what they needed to do with their other units to get the job done and get the ugly win; and we all know that an ugly win is still a win whether Favre considers it ugly or not. The Jets need to win, ugly or pretty, the next two games, which concludes the soft part of their schedule, at Oakland and at home against Kansas City. They could conceivably be 5-2 going into week 8 at frigid Buffalo (4-1) Nov 2nd. By that time the Jets need to play consistently in all three phases of the game because most of the remaining games, starting with the Bills, are against real teams and defense, special teams, and offense need to produce. If not they'll be losing some ugly games instead of winning them.

NY Giants Look Like The Team To Beat In NFL

2008-10-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Eli Manning and the defending Super Bowl Champion NY Giants are starting to look as though they've emerged as the team to beat in the NFL. Even without banished WR Plaxico Burress at their disposal the New York Giants slaughtered the Seattle Seahawks at Giants Stadium yesterday 44-to-6, dominating in all facets of the game. Manning played one of the best games of his career throwing for 267 yards completing 19-of-25 and 2 TD's. The Giants showed their depth at wide receiver with rookie Domenik Hixon replacing Burress as starter and catching 4 passes for 102 yards and one TD before leaving the game with a concussion and being spelled by Sinorice Moss (4 catches, 45 yds, 2 TD's). This combined with a strong running game by Brandon Jacobs (15 rushes for 136 yds 2TD's), Ahmad Bradshaw, and Derrick Ward produced 523 total yards of offense for the game. With that many yards on offense you don't even have to play good defense but the Giants did; yielding only 6 points to the Seattle Seahawks, a projected NFL Playoff team. That leaves the New York Giants and the unlikely Tennessee Titans as the only two undefeated teams in the NFL after 5 games into the season; and the Giants, being defending Superbowl Champs, are officially the team to beat in the National Football League. They are no longer the underdogs they love to be. It's a new role for these NY Giants and they look like they're ready for the prime time spotlight in the NFL right here and now.

Keep Favre's Breakout Game In Perspective

2008-09-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Brett Favre finally had his breakout game for the NY Jets we all knew he would eventually have. Who thought he would throw for 6 TD's in one game, 3 to Laveranues Coles? Well I for one know that anything is possible with Favre. But with that possibility also comes the risk of throwing some interceptions when chances are taken. So if you want Favre and Schettenheimer to take those chances rather than run the ball three times in a row (i.e. New England Game) you have to be willing to accept an interception or two along the way. He's that kind of a quarterback; you have to let him take his chances and sling the ball and hope that he makes more plays than he blows; and historically he's made a whole lot more than he's blown to date.

Favre's breakout game is due to two major reasons though. One: Favre is more on the same page, obviously, with his receivers, especially Coles who had his best game TD-wise with 3 TD's. Two: The Arizona Cardinals are not such a great team. They tried to hand the game to the Jets with 7 turnovers (3 INT's, 4 Fumbles lost). The Jets took the game over in the 2nd quarter by scoring 34 points after a scoreless 1st quarter, but tried to hand the game back to the Cardinals by spotting them 21 points in the 3rd quarter to make things interesting. They just happened to outscore them in the 4th quarter enough to win the game by 21, in a wild mistake filled game with a Final score of 56-35 Jets. Crazy!!! But keep this win in perspective. Favre did have a breakout game, no doubt, and it's nice to see Cole's get over his crush on Chad Pennington already and get involved in a big way; but The Jets defense really played up and down in this game by laying down in the 3rd quarter and giving up 35 points in the second half. The Jets were lucky they were playing the hapless Cardinals who repeatedly turned the ball over at the most inopportune times (like the whole game). So far this season the Jets beat two Bad-to-Mediocre teams and lost to two Superior teams. So keep it in perspective. They're 2-2 now. Not bad, but not great either. Favre does make it exciting and the Defense did show flashes of what they might become, but they were too inconsistent to believe they're gonna get away with a win every week if they play like that. The Jets are headed in the right direction from the looks of it. They just have to continue to head that way. In two weeks, after the Bye Week, we'll see. They play Cincinnati, an 0-4 team, who most likely will be 0-5 after playing Dallas this week, and will certainly have their backs up against the wall one way or another. That should be a game The New York Jets dominate too. They could easily be 3-2 going into week 7. Don't think they're sittin' pretty yet. We'll see. Enjoy being .500 right now though fellow Jets fans. Enjoy.

Cool Sports Blankets!

Shea It Isn't So! Mets Anything But Amazin'

2008-09-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

The New York Mets organization paid tribute to Shea Stadium last night in an anti-climactic celebration following their season ending, playoff eliminating, loss to the Florida Marlins. While the '08 "Anything But Amazin'" Mets cried in their clubhouse after the 4-2 loss, Mets greats from the past participated in a bittersweet ceremony to bid farewell to Shea. Such greats as Willie Mays, Yogi Berra, Lenny Dykstra, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight "Doc" Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, and a whole lot more participated in the ceremony. Each one stepped on home plate one last time. They finished the ceremony with a last (ground) pitch by Seaver to Piazza, followed by the two of them walking off embracing and closing the big blue gates leading to the field one last time while waving goodbye. The Beatles "In My Life" played through the PA system. I couldn't help but think about how the Jets used to open those gates up when the opposing teams would attempt field goals, inviting the swirling winds, and close them on the Jets FG attempts. However sweet it was to see Seaver and Piazza walk off together, two generations of Mets beloved by fans, it was that much bitter to see the last Mets season at Shea Stadium end the way it did; with a loss to the Marlins, and a win by the Brewers to clinch the NL Wildcard spot. The second year in a row collapsing at the end of the season and failing to live up to their potential. It's a bitter pill to swallow for any Mets fan. Who knows what they'll do next year; hopefully they turn over a new leaf in their new Citi Field Stadium. They need to be more consintent the first half of the season so that they're not in that position again. They need to do something about the lame bullpen and get a competent closer to replace Wagner. Oh well Mets..See ya next year. Farewell Shea Stadium. Thanks for all the good (and bad) memories. It's been Real, It's been Fun, It hasn't been Real Fun.

Photo: Kathy Kmonicek, Newsday

Can NY Mets Pull Off One More Miracle For Shea?

2008-09-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Can the Roller-Coaster Mets turn into The Miracle Mets one more time for Shea Stadium in a finale series against the Florida Marlins this weekend? Or will the 3rd place Marlins play spoiler again like a recurring nightmare replay of last seasons collapse? Will we see Pedro Martinez pitch another game at Shea Stadium, or anywhere other than Hall Of Fame videos in Cooperstown? Who knows? What we do know is the Mets won't win these games, or playoff games, with the bullpen. The only way they'll win is with great offense; hitting and base running like last night at Shea in a win to prevent a 3 game series sweep by the Chicago Cubs, who took the first two games of the series in two heart breakers. You never know with these '08 New York Mets. Last night had that Miracle Mets feel in the last 2 innings when in the 9th Carlos Beltran hit his 12th game winning RBI of the season, driving in Jose Reyes from second base, after a two run eighth inning on a Ramon Martinez single RBI and a miracle play slide by Ryan Church into home plate off a Robinson Cancel hit. Church was beat by the perfect throw by rightfielder Kosuke Fukudome to catcher Koyie Hill but somehow slid around Hill to his right and Hill missed him on a swipe tag allowing Church to reach back and score. The runs in the 8th set up the winning RBI by Beltran in the 9th to possibly save The Mets season and extend Shea Stadiums life a little longer. Thank the Baseball Gods it didn't come down to the relief pitching or closer Luis Ayala or any other closer, because whenever it comes down to the bullpen you know what the results are. Lets go Mets. Lets put a couple of games of really good offense together. Lets make some more of those miracle plays. Lets do it for Shea.

Jets Need To Capitalize On Opportunity vs Chargers

2008-09-22T15:45:00.001-07:00

Brett Favre and The New York Jets need to capitalize on this opportunity against the weak pass defense of the San Diego Chargers tonight at Qualcomm Stadium on Monday Night Football. This is the perfect time for Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to let Favre open up and air it out against a Charger's Defense, ranked 30th in the NFL, that gave up 437 yards in their first two games. Now is the time to sieze the moment to catch up to the New England Patriots(2-1), who lost to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday for the first regular season loss in 21 games. Especially after a week of heavy criticism by the New York media in response to last weeks conservative play calling against the Patriots in a series in which they rushed the ball three times in a row inside the Pats 10 yard line and didn't put it in. They wound up settling for a field goal on that series and ultimately lost the game. It would be a shame if The NY Jets didn't take advantage of this rare opportunity to be neck-and-neck with the Mighty Patriots at 2-and-1 three games in to the young season. So you gotta hope Schottenheimer unleashes Favre's arm finally. Let the Gunslinger sling the gun. Get ready Coles, Cotchery, and Stuckey; hopefully you'll have big games and open this thing up already on the big Monday Night Football stage.

Photo: C.W. Griffin/Miami Herald via MCT

Bottom Of The 9th 2 Outs Full Count For Yankee Stadium

2008-09-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe tonight is the last game at Yankee Stadium, "The House Ruth Built". Wow! Even this Mets fan can wax poetic about the MLB stadium with the richest history in the league. It's seen more World Series Games and MLB Championship Teams than any other baseball stadium in history. For me it's partly because my parents were both born and raised in The Bronx and my Father, Grandfathers, and Uncle were obviously NY Yankee Fans from the get go. My parents eventually settled on Long Island and my Father switched over to The NY Mets since my brother (not me yet since I was but a tot) and eventually I were Mets fans due to the proximity of Queens and Shea Stadium. The Mets were, and are, more of a Long Island team in my opinion. Anyway, I saw my first baseball game I can remember at Yankee Stadium probably around 1969 when I was 4 years old. My Grandfather brought my brother and I. I wish I had a picture from that day. I do have a memory though. My Grandfather was upset that all my brother and I were interested in were the hot dogs, cotton candy, and peanuts. Oh well, what do you expect from two little Mets fans? I still feel it's sad that this "Coliseum" of sorts will be torn down. What an incredible building. It's as much part of the New York landscape as The Twin Towers were. Well it's the bottom Of The 9th, 2 Outs, Full Count for Yankee Stadium. Goodbye House That Ruth Built. We'll miss you. You'll forever be ingrained in our memories as New Yorkers and Major League Baseball fans.

Acclaimed Sports Photographer Neil Leifer Book Signing SoHo NYC

2008-09-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

Taschen Store in SoHo, New York City is hosting an event with the acclaimed sports photographer Neil Leifer tomorrow, Sept 19th. Leifer did a collector’s edition with Taschen last year that has sold out. Neil Leifer is a noted photographer for the Time family of magazines. As a boy in New York City, Leifer would gain free admission to New York Giants games by pushing the wheelchairs of handicapped patrons into the stadium. Using his free ticket and a camera, he would then position himself on the field with the photographers...Neil Leifer has photographed greats such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Namath, Bear Bryant, Willie Mays, etc. (read more about Leifer). This signing tomorrow is to celebrate the release of the unlimited $40 trade edition of his book. Taschen Store is located at 107 Greene Street NYC. If you love the photos of Neil Leifer don't miss this event. For more information call Taschen Store at 212-226-2212.

Photo: Neil Leifer

New England Patriots Still Class of AFC East and NFL

2008-09-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

The NY Jets still couldn't pull off a victory against the New England Patriots at the Meadowlands Sunday even with The Patriot's hands tied behind their back. Without Tom Brady leading the Bunch the Patriots proved they're still the team to beat in the AFC East. Matt Cassel's first career start(16-for-23,165 yards,no TD's,no INT's) was one in the "W" column for the Pats as well as the New York Jets first loss of the season, dropping their record to .500, and extending the Patriots regular season winning streak one more game. It's apparent that even with Brett Favre (18-for-26,1TD,1INT) at quarterback Mangini's Jets are still not in the same class as the Patriots. The Jets were in the game until the fourth quarter, but just missed too many opportunities and made too many mistakes to compete on the same level as New England. Matt Cassel and Belichick's Patriots played mistake free football as usual, and The Jets were "the same old Jets" as usual too! The major difference between teams was the Jets were penalized 6 times for 60 yards compared to twice for 10 yards by the Pats, and the big interception of Favre by Brandon Meriweather on an ill advised, off balance pass in the 3rd quarter. Sometimes the chances Favre takes pay off, sometimes they don't. This was one that worked against him. Like the interception in last years Championship game against The Giants, Favre wished he could have this one back. Lets face it; Favre is exciting to watch because of the risks he takes to put his team in a winning position. But sometimes these very risks he takes backfire, and this time that's what happened. Another hiccup was Jay Feely's missed 31-yard field-goal attempt in the first quarter. You just can't make these kind of mistakes if you plan on beating the Patriots. Just ask the other NFL team that plays in New Jersey. Tom Brady is certainly one of the best quarterbacks of all time, but the Patriots proved that they can win without him. They're still a great team with a great system and a great coach (however much he lacks in personality). The Patriots are still the team to beat in the AFC East and in the NFL!

NY Mets Going Nowhere Fast

2008-09-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

With 14 Games remaining in the '08 regular season the NY Mets seem to be headed down the same path as last September. The path to nowhere! With 27 blown saves this season, 11 of which were committed in the 9th inning, The Mets bullpen has the team ready to lose the National League East Division. If they do win it they're not gonna go far without a competent closer. Either somebody wakes up or the New York Mets can kiss the Pennant goodbye. This past weekend The Mets dropped two out of three to the weak Atlanta Braves after nice starting efforts by Johan Santana in Saturday's early game and Oliver Perez Sunday were blown in the 9th innings of those games. The Mets salvaged the series with one win in the late game Saturday. It seems as though they're trying to emulate last years collapse, blowing a seven game lead with 17 games remaining. Now they only have a one game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies with 14 games left. I guess if Luis Ayala or someone else doesn't pick up the slack of losing Billy Wagner the Mets seem like they're destined to repeat the downward spiral of last years end to the season. It's like their games are a microcosm of the season; sometimes strong going into the home stretch, but they find a way to blow it in the end.

Should NY Jets Rejoice Pat's Tom Brady Out?

2008-09-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Players and teams are never happy to see opponents get hurt, especially a season ending injury like New England Patriots Tom Brady suffered the first game of the season Sunday. And the Jets did express sympathetic feelings upon learning of Brady's season being cut short. But the consequences do exist. Matt Cassel will be the starter at the Meadowlands next week against the NY Jets, and presumably the rest of the '08 season; and you would expect the Jets, and the rest of the NFL's AFC East, to rejoice that they won't have to face him this year. But stop right there Don't write off the New England Patriots just yet! Bill Belichick's teams have overcome key losses in the past (see Brady replacing an injured Drew Bledsoe a few years back) and they'll most likely rise to the occasion again. You never know! They may find another rising star in Cassel. He certainly has a great supporting cast around him on offense, and Belichick's Defenses are always strong units with lots of depth and this year will be no exception. So don't start rejoicing yet Jets Fans. There's plenty of football left. Tom Brady was just one player, although an important one, on a very strong team. He didn't single handedly win 16 regular season games and two Playoff games including the AFC Championship Game in '07. He was just one player on a whole team of champions to make it happen. I expect the Patriots will not lose a beat. They'll persevere; and they'll still rise to the top. It should be interesting though to see how this plays out for the Jets and the rest of the AFC East. What do you think will happen?

Note: New York Jets signed Kicker Jay Feely, 32, to replace the injured Mike Nugent.

Brett Favre's NY Jets Have That Magical Feel

2008-09-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

The New York Jets much anticipated debut of Brett Favre vs the Chad Pennington led Miami Dolphins, which came right down to the wire, showed that this season, if nothing else, will be lots of fun for NY Jets Fans. It was fun to watch Favre(15-for-22,194 yards,2TD) work his magic with a mix of smarts, awareness of the situations around him, and a few gambling improvisational moves thrown in when needed. That 4th and 13 TD toss from the Dolphins 22 yard line to Chansi Stuckey proved that with Favre at Quarterback anything can happen. Not to mention his first TD pass as a Jet, a 56 yard play to Jericho Cotchery on 1st and 10 from the Jets 44 in the 1st Quarter (whoops! I mentioned it). Not that Chad Pennington(26-for-43,251 yards,2TD,1Int) was a slouch with the Jets or as a Dolphin yesterday, but Favre just has a special magic about him that can't be defined; and if yesterdays game is any indication of things to come this season for The New York Jet's it's gonna be interesting and exciting to watch. He brings that long game back to the Jets that they've lacked for a long time; probably since Vinny Testeverde's mirage season. The respect for that passing game also seemed to open up the running game for Thomas Jones; who ran for 101 yards and a TD, matching his TD total of last season in his first game of this one.

The Jets Defense looked pretty good too; with constant pressure on Pennington, including 4 Sacks of him, and giving up only 49 yards on the ground. Although it did get a little scary towards the end with Pennington driving with his ball control offense and never give up attitude, but the Jets Defense held on with a big interception by Terrelle Revis with seconds left in the game to put it away. And new aquisitions Calvin Pace (5 Tackles, 1 Sack) and Kris Jenkins, and Rookie Dwight Lowery (4 Tackles, 3 pass deflections) looked impressive.

Right now things look pretty good for the Jets. 1 and 0 for the season. Undefeated! Yes Jets Fans let's have fun this season and enjoy it while it lasts, because even if we do make the NFL Playoffs this year, and advance in them, the speculation will start again: will he play or will he retire. Oh well, just have fun and enjoy The Magic. Let's do it Brett! Jets,Jets,Jets!

Long Island Ducks Good Family Fun

2008-08-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

I went to City Bank Park in Central Islip to see the Long Island Ducks play the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs and I was pleasantly surprised by competitive Baseball played in a beautiful intimate ballpark. It helped that I was in a private skybox, compliments of my brother-in-law, right behind home plate, but even if not it would have been fine. It's a very enjoyable atmosphere that's clean, friendly, and reasonably priced (food,souvenirs,tickets). Nice to see some familiar faces in Coach First Base Coach and part Owner Bud Harrelson, previously Manager of the Mets. As well as Pete Rose's son P..J Rose in the infield. All in all a nice place to see a Baseball game. I'd definitely go again. The Ducks won the game 4 to 1 also. Hey, it beats watching the Mets try to lose a 6 or 7 point lead in the closing innings from the side of my couch at home. There's grass on the infield, Play Ball!

Giants Lose Much More Than Game To Jets

2008-08-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

The loss of Osi Umenyiora in an exhibition game against the NY Jets is a big blow to the NY Giants Defense. In a Preseason game that received much New York media focus on the Brett Favre Craze, Giants DE Omenyiora went down with a torn lateral meniscus in the second quarter while pursuing Favre, leaving the Giants with a monumental hole to fill on the Defensive Line for the season. Michael Strahan, retired and settled into his Fox television job, most likely will not come back. So the Giants are forced to cover for Omenyiora from within right now, with the most likely scenario of replacing him with Dave Tollefson or moving LB Mathias Kiwanuka back to his natural DE position. The second of which could be done easily due to the Giants depth at the Linebacker position. Only time will tell (of which they have little of) what the Giants will do to replace Omenyiora for the season. I say they shouldn't bother with Strahan, who might not be interested anyway. It's a chance to see if Tollefson can step up and play a bigger role than planned in this talented Giants defense. If Tollefson doesn't work out there, then go to Kiwanuka. In the meantime you still have Justin Tuck on the line to provide pressure on opposing QB's. I think Tom Coughlin will rise to the occasion and find a good solution to filling the gaping hole left by the loss of a key Pro Bowl player on Defense.

New York Jets Leaving Hofstra

2008-08-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty bummed that the New York Jets are not gonna practice any more at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY just a short ride up Hempstead Turnpike for me. I've been spoiled with the NFL New York Jets practicing a few miles away most of my life. I've taken the opportunity to attend practice a few times every year for as long as I can remember. I took my daughter, five years old at the time, to practice two years ago and we were steps away from Curtis Martin, a living legend. There was nothing but a little fence seperating us. It absolutely left a lasting impression on my now seven year old. She still says to me "I miss Curtis, Daddy". I was there when Bill Parcells brought Vinny Testeverde back to New York. I watched the ageless Testeverde toss passes to Keyshawn Johnson and Wayne Chrebet while Parcells barked sarcastically at them. I went this year in the rain to the annual Green vs White Game before they released Pennington. I would have gone to see Brett Favre practice with his new team over the last two weeks but it's been too much of a zoo over there for me to deal with the hysteria.

It's kind of sad, though, that the NY Jets will be severing their last ties to New York. I mean they now practice and play in New Jersey. Why not just change their name to the New Jersey Jets. We could call them the Joisey Jets. Ehhh! What-a-ya-gonna-do? I'll still be a Jets fan. I'm smitten for life. I guess if I want to see the Jets practice next year I'll have to spend my $5.00 a Gallon on gas and head over the George Washington Bridge in bumper to bumper traffic just to get a peek. I don't think I'll be doing that too often. Oh well, thanks for allot of great memories Jets. I hope you like your new facility in Jersey.

Jets Practice at Hofstra July o7

NY Giants and Hixon Look Like Champs

2008-08-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

In the New York Giants second preseason game Monday night at The Meadowlands against the Cleveland Browns WR Domenik Hixon and the Giants looked like the Champs they are. Hixon, in the absence of Plaxico Buress and Amani Toomer, hooked up with Eli Manning for two Touchdown catches and returned a Free Kick for another, all in the first half! Andre Ware was the highlight of the second half, rushing for 97 Yards on 10 Carries, and had 117 Yards on 3 Kickoff Returns.

But the good news for the Giants is that Eli Manning actually looked sharp in the preseason when he usually looks wishy washy. He's got a new confidence and swagger about him, finally starting his season off as a proven success in the NFL. Maybe he'll carry it in to the regular season and have a landmark year. You can only hope as a New York fan that he plays consistantly at that level for the whole year. If he does I can easily see the Giants going all the way again. And thats coming from a New York Jets fan.

What do You think?

Congratulations Michael Phelps Your No Mark Spitz

2008-08-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Michael Phelps on winning Eight Gold Medals, one more than even Mark Spitz took home from Munich in 1972! Who thought we'd see that record broken in this lifetime? Not me. I remember watching those Summer Olympics in 72, when I was seven years old, with the rest of the world. It made such a lasting impression on me that I never forgot Spitz' name, and never will. But move over Mark Spitz, there's a new hero in town! His name is Michael Phelps. And not only did he break your record, but he's a much more personable, friendly, sportsman than you were in your day. You were almost considered arrogant by your swimming teammates and athletes in Munich in 72. But you do deserve plenty of credit for winning those seven Gold Medals and providing motivation for a generation of swimmers after you, including Michael Phelps.

Michael Phelps your a class act who will not only earn the big bucks in promotions, but also be a great ambassador for the sport of Swimming. Because of you little boys and girls all across America, and all over the world, are dreamming of breaking your record of 8, as you did one day. Maybe it'll take another 36 years to do; or maybe it will never happen. Who knows? Congratulations and Thank You Michael Phelps. You've been a pleasure to watch.

Photo:Paul Newberry AP

Brett Favre Debut's With NY Jets

2008-08-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

So the iconic superstar Brett Favre started his first New York Jets game, and most likely the last chapter of an incredible NFL career. NY Jets fans act as though The Jets need only pick up their Superbowl rings and go home for the offseason. Although I'm a lifelong Jets fan and usually at this time of the preseason proclaim "This year we're going all the way", I'll reserve my opinion for a while. There's got to be a reason why the Green Bay Packers let him slip away for a no name quarterback like What's His Name! I do admit that along with Favre comes lots of excitement, personality, talent, armstrength, and a winning attitude which comes from....well winning!

Don't get me wrong. I've always rooted for Brett Favre. There's something magical about him. Not only that, but the Packers wear green and gold and those were my High School colors (Lynbrook,NY). So, historically, as soon as the Jet's were out of the Playoff race, which was most years, I would root for Green Bay. Last year I rooted against them in the Championship Game because I liked The NY Giants for a change. You know; that whole underdog thing, and they are from New York!

I think The New York Jets do have a good chance of going to the NFL Playoffs this year, and I think Brett Favre puts them in a better position to get there. He's not the savior though. There are ten other guys on the offense and a whole defense and special teams too. So lets not jump too fast on this bandwagon. Give The Jets a few games (regular season games) before we annoint them Superbowl winners (or Playoff worthy for that matter). And even if they do well this season; who's to say they wouldn't have done well with Chad Pennington at the helm? Or Kellen Clemens for that matter?

"This year we're going all the way"

J.E.T.S. Bretts, Bretts, Bretts!!!!

Get 10% off the New Brett Favre Jets Jersey Until 8.31 at NFLShop.com!