The New York Jets have arrived.
The Jets are for real folks. As I write this story, the Jets have just annihilated the St. Louis Rams, 47-3 at home.
Oddly enough, this story began to unfold for the Jets in week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, when the Jets narrowly escaped an embarrassing loss to upstart Chiefs. The game served as a wake up call for the Jets players and coaching staff alike. The follies began when Jet quarterback Brett Favre, the "mad heaver," needlessly started chucking the ball all over the field, playing into Kansas City's defensive strength, their secondary, resulting in three interceptions.
This game reminded me of a guy who takes out his new Ferrari, wants to test out all the bells and whistles, and in the process, looses control of the vehicle @ about 160 mph, jumps the median on the Long Island Expressway, nearly takes out the Lexus SUV and BMW 323i in the oncoming lane, flips the car three times in the air, lands the car on it's wheels, and drives off without a scratch. The life of a Jet fan in the passenger seat of a Ferrari, oh me, oh my.
There had to be some kind of fallout from this kind of mind numbing, nearly catastrophic victory? The result: Coach Mangini, (who by the way, has named his latest offspring after Favre) had a sidebar with his veteran QB and told him to cool it and just "manage" the game. How do you tell a living legend to "cool it?" This must have been an interesting conversation. To be a fly on the wall in that conversation...uhhhhum. Telling Brett Favre to "manage the game" is like telling Brett Favre well, what exactly can you tell Brett Favre not to do anyway.
The Jets immediately got back to basics in Week 9 by taking a fresh, "team first, just win the gosh darn game" attitude, and beat the Bills in convincingly unglamourous, smash mouth fashion. I observed the Jets offensive line transform itself the third quarter of that game, taking control, gelling together, and dominating the line of scrimmage like two olympic russian ice dancers about to take their ninth consecutive gold medal at the winter games. The Jets for once, looked seemless on offense.
Although Favre threw an almost disastrous pick to Buffalo corner Jabari Greer in the third quarter, (Greer proceeded to return the interception for a touchdown to bring the Bills back to within six points,) the Jets countered with a "sleeper hold" drive on their next possession.
The Jets offense wasted no time getting down to business after getting the ball back, combining a balanced ground and air attack to successfully counter with a clock eating, 8 minute, 41 second, back-breaking drive to wind down the third quarter, which resulted in a 31-yard Jay Feely field goal and put the Jets up 26 -17.
A two score lead immediately sucked all the air out of Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Jets had turned the corner, and all of a sudden, Gang Green looked like genuine "contendas!"
Yes, yes, yes, Jets, Jets, Jets!!! The $140+ million spent in free agency looks like it's paying off. As projected, it has taken the Jets approximately half the season to get their ship headed in the right direction. And now it's all systems go!!!
The additions of 11th year veteran free agent offensive guard, Alan Faneca from Pittsburgh, ($40 million over five years) and 10th year veteran free agent offensive tackle, Damian Woody from Detroit, ($25.5 million over five years) have solidified an emerging offensive line.
The offensive line has protected Favre, by only allowing 16 sacks so far this season, and zero sacks today against the Rams, and have also opened up gaping holes for veteran running back Thomas Jones (160 carries, 750 yards, 8 touchdowns including today's game against the Rams).
Jones must feel like a kid in a candy store after only rushing for one, yes one touchdown last season, and that TD came against the lowly 1-15 Dolphins.
And while we are talking sacks, lets take a look at how the investment on defense has paid off for the Jets as well. The new look aggressive Jets D has twenty-eight sacks (including the Rams thrashing) and has been harassing quarterbacks all season.
Kris Jenkins, an eighth year free agent defensive tackle acquired from Carolina via free agency (five-years, $35 million) has been solid up front with 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks and consistently stuffing the run. Similarly, Calvin Pace, a sixth year free agent linebacker acquired from Arizona via free agency (six-years, $45 million) has also been a nice fit in the 3-4 scheme, making 39 tackles and four sacks this season.
Fast forward to this afternoon and the Jets convincing 47-3 victory over St. Louis. The Jets scored 40 points in the first half and Favre only threw the ball 19 times (14 -19, one touchdown, 0 interceptions) the entire game. Did I say, "smash mouth" before?
Gang Green dominated the Rams on both sides of the ball. Thomas Jones had 26 carries for 149 yards and three touchdowns. Leon Washington chipped in with 59 yards on 12 carries. The offensive line worked as a cohesive unit. Rookie TE Dustin Keller has 9 catches for 109 yards and one touchdown.
On defense, the Jets only allowed 80 rushing yards, and converted five turnovers (two int's and three fumbles) into 27 points.
This brings us to right here, right now! JETS!! JETS!! JETS!!! The Jets are now 6-3. Can these Jets take on the 6-3 Patriots for the AFC East crown? You betya!
The Jets play the Patriots this Thursday night in New England and this contest will be a defining moment in Jets history, for better or worse. A hostile crowd awaits at Gillette Stadium, with an old master at the helm leading the Pats, and you all know who I am talking about. This game will definitely have a playoff atmosphere, and a bit of bad blood to boot, keep your camcorders at home, if you know what I mean!
The grand wizard of Foxboro has figured out a way to cobble together a winning football team minus the team leader, quarterback Tom Brady. The Patriots have also assembled an effective ground game with "no-names," BenJarvis Green-Ellis (26 carries, 105 yards, one touchdown against the Bills today), please stand up! All in all, the Patriots will be ready for the Jets, and hopefully the Jets will be ready to change the course of history this Thursday night. We shall see.
THIS JUST IN: The Dolphins beat the Seahawks to go 5-4. These fish have barracuda lteeth and are lurking more like a tiger shark than a fun-loving porpoise. Looks like "The Chad" has vengeance on his mind and has settled quite nicely in his new Florida digs. The Dolphins season ending meeting with the Jets at the Meadowlands on December 28th looks to be more and more important with each passing game.
CLOSING NOTE: I can't believe I just wrote a whole article about the NY Jets without focusing on Brett Favre and the passing game. Perhaps a new day has truly arrived in Jets country! Smash mouth football has arrived in Jets land...hello, and welcome!! Viva Viva!!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Bolts to ZAP Chiefs!
Look for the San Diego Chargers to have a big day at home against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. I originally thought I would pick the Chiefs to WIN here in this bettors delight, (KC gets 15 points in this game, last I checked) but upon further review of this game, the Chargers should handle the Chiefs with few problems.
This game piqued my interest for many reasons:
1) Ron Rivera became the new defensive coordinator for the Chargers in the bye-week. How will this "4-3" guy adapt to the "3-4?" Rivera has stated that he will be aggressive by blitzing and taking calculating risks in certain situations. Shaun Phillips gets at least one (1) sack on Sunday. Cromartie and/or Jammer get one (1) pick (or great pick opportunity!) as well.
2) KC has been knocking on the door the past two weeks after a narrow loss away to the NY Jets in week 8 and a heartbreaking loss at home last week against the Bucs.
3) San Diego's high powered offense is arguably one of the best in the NFL. Philip Rivers has 19 touchdowns vs. only 6 interceptions.
4) KC's much talked about secondary has more than doubled it's INT total (7) for the season over the last two weeks, picking Favre three (3) times in week 8 and Garcia one (1) time in week 9. Also, KC is (+8) overall in giveaway/takeaways in relation to San Diego this season.
5) The emergence of Tyler Thigpen as a steadying force for the Kansas City Chiefs and lets not forget back up rookie running back, Jamaal Charles, who had 18 carries for 106 yards against a tough Buccaneer defense.
6) The steady play of Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez, who each have three touchdowns apiece this season, both of them gaining between approximately 50-100 yards per week and providing solid targets for Chiefs QB, Tyler Thigpen.
**Interesting note, the last time the Chargers visited the Murph on September 30, 2007, a 30-16 Chiefs upset, Dwayne Bowe looked unstoppable, catching 8 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. Also, The teams are tied 2-2 in their last four (4) meetings.
All this being said, one cannot overlook the fact that KC ranks DEAD LAST in the NFL in rushing defense. As San Diego's defense adjusts under Rivera's leadership, I look for Norv Turner to devise a bit more conservative, ball-control ground game strategy this Sunday at home. LT has had more time to rest during the bye-week and should be ready to go against the Chiefs. I also look for Darren Sproles to get about 5-7 carries. And we all know what Philip Rivers can do in the air and now with Chris Chambers looking healthy, Rivers should have no problem picking and choosing his spots against Kansas City's porous defense. Rivers is having a Pro Bowl season with 19 TD passes thrown against only 6 interceptions and an overall 107.8 quarterback rating.
I do see Kansas City covering in this game, with a final score of 28 - 17. San Diego's defense, minus Shawne Merriman, will be looking to re-make a name for itself against this weaker opponent. I predict Rivera will call for outside pressure on Thigpen, allowing linebacker Shaun Phillips to attack the pocket in key situations. Also, DB's Cromartie and Jammer will probably be asked to split the field and be more aggressive in Rivera's new defensive scheme in order to stop the likes of Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez.
INJURY UPDATE: CHIEFS - RB Kolby Smith was carted off the field with a knee injury against the Buccaneers and will miss the rest of the season. Smith started at RB last week for the Chiefs. That means more of the burden will fall on rookie RB, Jamaal Charles this week. CHARGERS - Are pretty healthy, key players listed as PROBABLE: WR Chris Chambers still has been nursing an injured ankle, and Antonio Cromartie, last season's INT sensation, has an injured hip.
FINAL NOTE: San Diego finished 11-5 in 2007, before losing in the AFC championship to the New England Patriots. The Chargers are at 3-5 this season. Many pundits have stated that San Diego could very well be at 7 -1 this season with a better defensive effort. The Chargers are in a MUST WIN situation at home this Sunday against the Chiefs in order to keep there playoffs hopes alive. It gets very difficult for teams to make the playoffs once the six (6) game loss plateau has been broken with eight games left in the season. To San Diego's credit, this team reeled off six (6) straight wins to close out the 2007 season and two (2) additional wins in the playoffs before losing to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game. A notorious "late starter," San Diego will begin its turnaround this week.
This game piqued my interest for many reasons:
1) Ron Rivera became the new defensive coordinator for the Chargers in the bye-week. How will this "4-3" guy adapt to the "3-4?" Rivera has stated that he will be aggressive by blitzing and taking calculating risks in certain situations. Shaun Phillips gets at least one (1) sack on Sunday. Cromartie and/or Jammer get one (1) pick (or great pick opportunity!) as well.
2) KC has been knocking on the door the past two weeks after a narrow loss away to the NY Jets in week 8 and a heartbreaking loss at home last week against the Bucs.
3) San Diego's high powered offense is arguably one of the best in the NFL. Philip Rivers has 19 touchdowns vs. only 6 interceptions.
4) KC's much talked about secondary has more than doubled it's INT total (7) for the season over the last two weeks, picking Favre three (3) times in week 8 and Garcia one (1) time in week 9. Also, KC is (+8) overall in giveaway/takeaways in relation to San Diego this season.
5) The emergence of Tyler Thigpen as a steadying force for the Kansas City Chiefs and lets not forget back up rookie running back, Jamaal Charles, who had 18 carries for 106 yards against a tough Buccaneer defense.
6) The steady play of Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez, who each have three touchdowns apiece this season, both of them gaining between approximately 50-100 yards per week and providing solid targets for Chiefs QB, Tyler Thigpen.
**Interesting note, the last time the Chargers visited the Murph on September 30, 2007, a 30-16 Chiefs upset, Dwayne Bowe looked unstoppable, catching 8 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. Also, The teams are tied 2-2 in their last four (4) meetings.
All this being said, one cannot overlook the fact that KC ranks DEAD LAST in the NFL in rushing defense. As San Diego's defense adjusts under Rivera's leadership, I look for Norv Turner to devise a bit more conservative, ball-control ground game strategy this Sunday at home. LT has had more time to rest during the bye-week and should be ready to go against the Chiefs. I also look for Darren Sproles to get about 5-7 carries. And we all know what Philip Rivers can do in the air and now with Chris Chambers looking healthy, Rivers should have no problem picking and choosing his spots against Kansas City's porous defense. Rivers is having a Pro Bowl season with 19 TD passes thrown against only 6 interceptions and an overall 107.8 quarterback rating.
I do see Kansas City covering in this game, with a final score of 28 - 17. San Diego's defense, minus Shawne Merriman, will be looking to re-make a name for itself against this weaker opponent. I predict Rivera will call for outside pressure on Thigpen, allowing linebacker Shaun Phillips to attack the pocket in key situations. Also, DB's Cromartie and Jammer will probably be asked to split the field and be more aggressive in Rivera's new defensive scheme in order to stop the likes of Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez.
INJURY UPDATE: CHIEFS - RB Kolby Smith was carted off the field with a knee injury against the Buccaneers and will miss the rest of the season. Smith started at RB last week for the Chiefs. That means more of the burden will fall on rookie RB, Jamaal Charles this week. CHARGERS - Are pretty healthy, key players listed as PROBABLE: WR Chris Chambers still has been nursing an injured ankle, and Antonio Cromartie, last season's INT sensation, has an injured hip.
FINAL NOTE: San Diego finished 11-5 in 2007, before losing in the AFC championship to the New England Patriots. The Chargers are at 3-5 this season. Many pundits have stated that San Diego could very well be at 7 -1 this season with a better defensive effort. The Chargers are in a MUST WIN situation at home this Sunday against the Chiefs in order to keep there playoffs hopes alive. It gets very difficult for teams to make the playoffs once the six (6) game loss plateau has been broken with eight games left in the season. To San Diego's credit, this team reeled off six (6) straight wins to close out the 2007 season and two (2) additional wins in the playoffs before losing to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game. A notorious "late starter," San Diego will begin its turnaround this week.
Friday, November 7, 2008
www.bleacherreport.com
Awesome open source network for sports writers, go check it out and sign up for a free account!
Brady Quinn's debut with the Browns..
Brady Quinn played above expectations last night against the Denver Broncos, however, history was against the Cleveland Browns last night. Denver had beaten Cleveland 18 out of the last 20, and 9 out of 10 IN CLEVELAND! Go figure. The ghosts of John Elway and Bernie Kosar must still be lurking in the Dawg Pound...I don't understand what happened to Cleveland in the second half.
Quinn played solid in the first half, connecting on 11/15? for two touchdowns to oft disillusioned TE Kellen Winslow. Both Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison were product four? carries in the first half, that's almost 100 total yds. rushing in the first half! It appears that Cleveland got a bit pass happy in the second half and got away from the run. Lewis finished with 60 yds. on 19 carries and harrison did not see the ball again. Granted, Quinn did not throw any INTs, but it appears that Denver CONTROLLED THE TEMPO in the second half of this game. The Broncos scored twenty one fourth quarter points, with Jay Cutler having a huge night, 24 - 42 447yds. 3 TDs, 1 INT. I did not expect Quinn to throw more than 25 - 27 times in this game, and I projected Jamal Lewis would have to rush for at least 90 yds. in order for Cleveland to win this game. Neither of those things happened. Quinn was 23/35, 239 yds., 2 tds. no INTs. Lewis finished with 60 yds. rushing on 19 carries. I was looking for Lewis to get at least 25 carries on the ground so Cleveland could keep Denver's offense off the field and control the clock. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN!
In conclusion, the BROWNS appear to be in an identity crisis. Quinn played well at QB, but the Browns have not established a solid defense this season and were exposed last night. Also, when it cam e time to control the tempo of this game, it appeared that Cleveland abandoned the running game, which does not say much for their offensive line. All in all, the Browns appear exposed on both offensive and defensive fronts. Also, the coaching staff has to prioritize where this team is going. I would suggest that Crennel adopt a "smash mouth" Bill Parcells style of ball control, game management style of play. After all, the Browns DO NOT appear to be one of the most talented teams in the NFL this year, and every win will come as a result of executing a well thought out game plan.
It looks like NEXT YEAR has arrived already in Cleveland.
Quinn played solid in the first half, connecting on 11/15? for two touchdowns to oft disillusioned TE Kellen Winslow. Both Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison were product four? carries in the first half, that's almost 100 total yds. rushing in the first half! It appears that Cleveland got a bit pass happy in the second half and got away from the run. Lewis finished with 60 yds. on 19 carries and harrison did not see the ball again. Granted, Quinn did not throw any INTs, but it appears that Denver CONTROLLED THE TEMPO in the second half of this game. The Broncos scored twenty one fourth quarter points, with Jay Cutler having a huge night, 24 - 42 447yds. 3 TDs, 1 INT. I did not expect Quinn to throw more than 25 - 27 times in this game, and I projected Jamal Lewis would have to rush for at least 90 yds. in order for Cleveland to win this game. Neither of those things happened. Quinn was 23/35, 239 yds., 2 tds. no INTs. Lewis finished with 60 yds. rushing on 19 carries. I was looking for Lewis to get at least 25 carries on the ground so Cleveland could keep Denver's offense off the field and control the clock. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN!
In conclusion, the BROWNS appear to be in an identity crisis. Quinn played well at QB, but the Browns have not established a solid defense this season and were exposed last night. Also, when it cam e time to control the tempo of this game, it appeared that Cleveland abandoned the running game, which does not say much for their offensive line. All in all, the Browns appear exposed on both offensive and defensive fronts. Also, the coaching staff has to prioritize where this team is going. I would suggest that Crennel adopt a "smash mouth" Bill Parcells style of ball control, game management style of play. After all, the Browns DO NOT appear to be one of the most talented teams in the NFL this year, and every win will come as a result of executing a well thought out game plan.
It looks like NEXT YEAR has arrived already in Cleveland.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Congrats Week 9 - Ring of Fire NFL Pick Winner!!!
The Long Island Statman WON the Week 9 Ring of Fire Morning Sports Bite Football Challenge!! with a solid 12 - 2 showing. His great picks included the JETS over the Bills, the RAVENS over Cleveland, the COLTS over the Pats, and the STEELERS over the Redskins. His TWO LOSSES were CINCY over Jacksonville and MIAMI over Denver. Here is the re-cap for the Week 9 Morning sports Bite competition. Thanks to everyone for participating.
FINAL RANK
LI STATMAN 12 - 2
JETSFAN196 11 - 3
MASTERSHAKE 10 - 4
PAUL - SKJ127 10 - 4
LEVI WOOTEN 10 - 4
KELLY TURNER 9 - 5
JOE MARINO 8 - 6
REDSOX047 8 - 6
JOE ALLEN 8 - 6
ALAN LUPIANI 8 - 6
FINAL RANK
LI STATMAN 12 - 2
JETSFAN196 11 - 3
MASTERSHAKE 10 - 4
PAUL - SKJ127 10 - 4
LEVI WOOTEN 10 - 4
KELLY TURNER 9 - 5
JOE MARINO 8 - 6
REDSOX047 8 - 6
JOE ALLEN 8 - 6
ALAN LUPIANI 8 - 6
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Alan Show - WEEK 9 Ring of Fire NFL PICK CHALLENGE!
We have 10 participants this week! Thanks to the following individuals for participating:
Mastershake
Jetsfan196
Joe Marino
RedSox047
SKJ127 - Paul
Kelly Turner
LI Statman
Joe Allen
Levi Wooten
Link to spreadsheet:
RING OF FIRE SPREADSHEET LINK!
Mastershake
Jetsfan196
Joe Marino
RedSox047
SKJ127 - Paul
Kelly Turner
LI Statman
Joe Allen
Levi Wooten
Link to spreadsheet:
RING OF FIRE SPREADSHEET LINK!
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