Just when you thought Gang Green turned the corner and was prepared to make a run at the playoffs, WHAM! They remembered that they are the
”Same Old Jets.” Once again the New York Jets found a way to lose a must-win December game against an opponent that was already eliminated from the playoffs. Does this song ever change Jets fans? I mean it appears that the faces and names will change, but the results are always the same. Here are some thoughts from the Jets 10-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Offense
I am not sure what was worse, the play calling from Brian Schottenheimer or the play of Mark Sanchez. At some point will Schottenheimer understand that he has a rookie quarterback and that he should call plays to help him, not challenge him? Maybe throw the ball on first down once in a while instead of always in obvious passing situations? Maybe get rid of the jumbo package and spread the field to keep the defense off balance just a little? And how about quick slant passes over the middle or even dump offs to the running backs to let the young quarterback find his rhythm? This play calling has been a problem all year and is one of the major reasons why Gang Green will once again not make the playoffs.
As for Sanchez what is there to say? The kid looks great at times, and then looks lost like a deer in headlights. Mark has had the rookie excuse all year but at some point you would think he would have a breakout game. Once again Sanchez threw 3 terrible interceptions, took a terrible sack, and had a mind boggling intentional grounding. It is great that Sanchez got some experience this year, but it is no secret that with a veteran quarterback playing this is a 12-win Jets team. This season is going to leave a bad taste in your mouth for a long time, potential wasted once again.
Defense
When you hold a team to 10 points, regardless of whom you are playing, you did enough to win the game. With that being said once again Gang Green came up short when they had to make a stop late in the fourth quarter in order to win the game. The Falcons really only have two legitimate receiving threats on the team in Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez and the Jets were burnt by both of them. For whatever reason Kerry Rhodes, who somehow got his starting job back, was eaten up by Gonzalez for a touchdown. To say his coverage was mediocre is being generous. As for White he also burned the Jets, when he was covered by Donald Strickland, not Darrele Revis. Why Revis did not follow him all over the field is a great question to ask Rex Ryan.
Special Teams
One word- PATHETIC. It is no secret that kicking in the Meadowlands in December is no easy task, but yesterday’s performance by the Jets special teams was downright embarrassing. The Jets missed three field goals- one a shank, one blocked, and one on a botched snap. How in the world does that happen in one of the most important games of the season?
Overall
This is another one of those games where you just cannot help but think that this franchise will never win another Super Bowl. I spent over 3 hour shoveling snow to attend the game and upon leaving the stadium felt like I should have never left my couch. The 2009 Jets found new ways to lose close games all year and the result will be not making the playoffs. Congratulations Jets you once again broke the hearts of all of your fans.
This just in, tickets are on sale for seats in the new stadium. Good seats still available for only the price of a mortgage.
On a lighter note, I just want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season. Many times we all get caught up in sports and everything else, enjoy some time with your family and friends.
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