Week 11Yet again, the Jets failed to play a full 60 minutes but still won. At 8-2, the Jets remain an enigma. They are off to their best start since 1986. But their performance raises concerns that an '86 like collapse could be just around the corner.
The Jets were in total control early in the 4th quarter today, and while Shonn Greene's fumble was inexcusable, the defensive collapse is of more concern. Once again, the secondary seemed confused. While Brian Schottenheimer is closely scrutinized as offensive coordinator, it might be time to question defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.
The defense was again not able to muster a pass rush. Calvin Pace has been especially disappointing.
On special teams, Rob Turner took an awful unnecessary roughness penalty wiping out a nice return by Brad Smith just before the 2 minute warning, just after the Texans took a 24-23 lead.
On offense, the Jets running game has slowed down considerably - though LaDainian Tomlinson has contributed in the short passing game. Dustin Keller needs to get back into sync with Mark Sanchez. Hopefully, the injury to Damien Woody is not serious.
I don't know if the Jets can sign both Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards - but they had better try. Holmes is better, but Edwards is very good too. As much as Rex Ryan insists otherwise, the Jets have become a passing team.
posted on 11/21/2010
Week 10The Jets continue accumulating wins despite mediocre play.
Led by Mark Sanchez, the offense made a number of plays but couldn't finish several drives. It didn't help that Nick Folk had a meltdown and appears to be back to his 2009 form. Shonn Greene finally carried the ball 20 times. Greene also looked good catching three passes. Santonio Holmes keeps making big plays.
The defense was awful during the first half, and after making solid halftime adjustments, disappointingly gave up the tying TD in the final minute of the 4th quarter. Once again there wasn't much of a pass rush. Eric Smith looks lost. Ultimately, the Jets were lucky that Chansi Stuckey fumbled the ball in Jets territory during overtime.
The coaching staff made a very dubious move letting the 4th quarter end despite the Jets having the ball, 32 seconds, and two timeouts. Eric Mangini had his team better prepared at the start, but the Browns foolishly tried to win the game with the ball at their own 3 late in overtime. Their first down incompletion set the stage for the Jets to get the ball back with 24 seconds left.
Overall, this was a better performance than the recent wins over Denver and Detroit. The Browns are improving and play hard and physical. Still, the Jets need to do a lot better to be a legitimate contender. They certainly will need a much better performance from Folk, as well as a defense that plays a full game.
posted on 11/14/2010
Week 9The Jets again won a game they deserved to lose. Horrible penalties, poor playcalling on offense, a fumble by Braylon Edwards, drops by Jerricho Cotchery, terrible coverage by Drew Coleman, and coaching gaffes leading to two wasted timeouts put the Jets in position to lose in the 4th quarter. Fortunately, the Jets were playing the Lions, whose own questionable decisions and bad penalties resulted in an unexpected win.
Right now the Jets offense looks out of sync. On paper the Jets have numerous receiving weapons, but their passing game has been unimpressive. LaDainian Tomlinson looks slower than early in the season, and has not been able to get anything going on runs up the middle.
On defense, Darrelle Revis had his best game of the season. But the Jets' safeties continue to play poorly. The Jets' linebackers are also giving up too many big plays to RBs and TEs over the middle.
If the Jets continue to play and coach the way they are now, they are headed for a second half collapse not unlike the 2008 team that started 8-3 and finished 9-7. If they can get back on track and play with intensity and discipline, their 6-2 start can propel them to an AFC East title and first round playoff bye.
posted on 11/07/2010
