September Report Card

The month of September is coming to an end. Next time the New York Jets take the grid-iron, it will be October. So Jets fans, I figure this would be a good time to evaluate our Jets on their first month of the 2011 season. Keep in mind, I still have a really bad taste in my mouth over last Sunday.

Coaching: C-
Excluding the Jacksonville game (the Jags are a bunch of scrubs anyway), we have not had a decent game plan at all this season. Remember we would have lost the Cowboys game if it wasn't for Tony (Oh-No!) Romo. In addition to the game plan, I haven't seen effective 2nd half adjustments all year. For the Dallas game we started to move the ball in the second half, but I credit Sanchez most of all, same goes for the Jacksonville game. We started scoring in the second half be again, the Jags are scrubs. In Oakland, I was crossing my fingers hoping they had figured out a way to stop McFadden in the 2nd half, but nope the Defense play worse. This team must do a better job of planning for the opponent and adjusting at halftime.

Quarterback: B-
To start the season, Mark Sanchez has thrown for more yards through the first three weeks than he ever has in his short NFL career. But, he's got a few picks already and at times he makes you worry. Every once in a while he makes you feel like he's still a rookie. This is your third year Mark, you've been to two AFC Championship games and you've won more road playoff games than any other quarterback in the history of the NFL. You shouldn't be making rookie mistakes anymore.

Offense: C
They seem to be opening up the playbook a little more for young Sanchez, but still the play calling seems so predictable. Secondly, where the hell is the running game. It doesn't exist. I don't care how mow much better Mark Sanchez is or all the receiving threats we have, the New York Jets are a ground and pound team. The offensive line has to step it up to get these running backs going. They also need to do a better job of protecting the quarterback.
Defense: D
Many may think this is too low, but I am so disappointed in how the defense played against the Raiders. Letting them tie the game before the half. Somehow Oakland scored 21 unanswered points before Sanchez connected with Burress for the 2nd half TD. Just embarrassing how they couldn't come up with an answer for McFadden. Stopping the run is what the Jets do. 171 yards for one rusher is unacceptable.

Special Teams: C+
Again, I have a real bad taste in my mouth over last Sunday. This category could have had an A if it wasn't for the Cromartie fumble, that completely took the Jets out of the game against the Raiders. We've had a punt block for six against the Cowboys, we've have pretty good returns for Kickoff and Punts but that fumble is what cost us that game. We had a real shot at being 3-0 if that doesn't happen. DESPICABLE.

OVERALL: D
I have pretty bad grade math but I'm going with a D for disappointing and despicable. This can all change if the beat the Ravens Sunday. I am a very fickle fan.

From Hero to Zero

I'm talking about Antonio Cromartie. But, before I bash that guy, I must say it wasn't all his fault. Yesterday was sloppy all around. Offense, defense and special teams need to clean up their acts before these next two road games against Baltimore and New England. This is a tough three game stretch for the Jets. An optimistic Jets fan would like to return to the Meadowlands in three weeks 2-1 over the road trip and 4-1 on the season. That goal is much tougher now that the Jets lost the game they had the best shot at winning. Fortunately the next two games are on the East Coast and I partially blame the long trip for the loss.

But, who do I blame the most. Not Antonio just yet. I must give credit where credit is due. Darren McFadden is a beast. Running backs just don't run like that on a Rex Ryan defense. He ran all over us. He's big, he's strong and he's deceivingly quick. Now I know what all the hype was about when he was drafted. Also, Oakland's defense played great, specifically the front seven. Those are some big, mean mamma jammas. I also got to give credit it to Oakland's coaching staff. In the first half, the Jets were practically moving the ball at will. They were moving the pocket and Sanchez had all day to throw. Not in the second half. Anytime the Jets tried to do what they did successfully in the first half, Oakland made the pay. They sacked Sanchez six times in the second half, and shut down the running attack for pretty much the whole game.

Now my boy Cro, who ought to eat crow after yesterday's performance. "Hero to Zero," refers to last week where he had arguably his best game as a Jet. Yesterday, he was flagged four times for holding or pass interference. Yes, some of the calls were bullshit, but you have to realize when the Refs are throwing flags like that, you have to back off. A lot of the balls that were thrown his way weren't  even close to the intended receiver, yet he still fouled. And what does that mean? Spot foul or 5 yard penalty and an automatic first down. Too many drives were extended because of these dumb penalties. Cromartie has been killing it in the kickoff return game but yesterday he got overzealous and fumbled which led to an immediate score and completely demoralized the team. You have to realize when Janikowski is kicking off, especially with these new rules, you're not returning the kick. He tried to be a hero like he was last week and wound up like a zero.

Even though you can't remember your kids names, remember your job on the field and do it. 

I am absolutely disgusted and I don't want to talk about it anymore.

If You Ain't First, You're Last

I don't think I'm the only Jets fan with this opinion. If the Jets don't win the AFC Championship this year, the season is a bust. They could (and probably will) make the playoffs, but it's not good enough.

Now, as a Jets fan, I've seen twice as much bad as good and I should be happy just having made it to the AFC Championship the last two years. It's like the Jets are dangling a carrot in front my face and I've finally realized it walking back to the Pittsburgh Westin Hotel from Heinz Field with my head down. I want that freaking carrot.

The last two season, the first two seasons with our franchise head coach and quarterback, we've gotten so close. Maybe it's because I was so close (physically, that is) having traveled with the Jets to see them defeat San Diego and New England (greatest day of my life) in the divisional round of the playoffs the last two seasons then lose to Indianapolis and Pittsburgh in the last two AFC Title games.

This year we have to win that game. First we have to make it there. It would help if we could dethrone New England and win the division. And the cool thing about that, if it happens, is the Jets would likely get a first round bye and home field advantage through out. Why that assumption? I don't care who you are or how well the Jets do, New England will for sure have one of the best records in the NFL at the end of the year. Top three at least. But, I don't need the division necessarily. I need to make the playoffs and win the AFC Championship.

Do I need to win the Super Bowl? I need to take a step forward and that means just making it there. If we do I'll have tremendous confidence, but all I need is that AFC Championship. Did you know the New York Jets are the only team in the NFL (excluding expansion teams) that hasn't won a conference championship since the AFL-NFL merger? That's a fact. Since the merger we made it there once with Kenny O'Brien, once with Vinny Testaverde, and now twice with Marky Mark Sanchez.

You all probably think I'm crazy, speaking like I'm actually a part of this team. I need this, we got to do it. Let me assure you... I am definitely crazy. I leave you with some words from the great Sam Cooke.


"It's been a long, a long time coming

But I knooooooow a change gonna come."

All in all, it has been way too long, and I truly believe Jets fans have had enough. We've been too close the last two year that anything short of the Lamar Hunt Trophy will be a disappointment, not just for me but for all Jets fans. So, maybe I should change the title to if you ain't first or second (in the NFL), you might as well be dead last.

The Jets and Jags

The Jets have a reputation amongst the league and in particular Jets fans to play to the level of their competition. Now this can be a good thing when the Jets play a good team because they seem to step up their game. But, when the Jets play a team that they are clearly better than, like the Jacksonville Jaguars, they've had the tendency the play down to the level of competition. Fortunately that was not the case yesterday. The Jets had a convincing 32-3 victory over the Jags.

Even with the victory, I still have some concerns (like any true Jets Fan). First however, I'd like to discuss the positives. DEFENSE was excellent. Gang Green made Luke McCown look like a high school quarterback. I actually think a high school quarterback could have posted a better passer rating. McCown was 6-19 for 59 yards and threw four interceptions with a dismal 1.8 passer rating and was eventually benched for rookie Blaine Gabbert who didn't do better. Why did you ditch David Gerard? Money! Your idiots. Maurice Jones-Drew was the only sign of life for the Jags offense and still was held to 88 yards which is a good sign for the Jets defense because he usually runs all over the Jets. Yet, the Jags couldn't get anywhere near the endzone. Antonio Cromartie had arguably his best day as a Jet with two of the four Jets picks. One was originally and Pick-Six but was reviewed and overturned (The Jets the quickly scored). Crow also was a monster returning kicks averaging 42 yards per return. Eric Smith had an interception but was in position to have two more if he could only catch the ball. That's why they say if D-Backs had hands they play wide receiver. Even Josh Magua (WHO?) had an interception. Last thing on the defense, I have to formally welcome New Jersey native and Jets first round draft choice Muhammad Wilkerson who had a huge sack which resulted in a safety in the first quarter. Way to go Mo!

Offensively, the line did a much better job of protecting Sanchez, however the Jags don't have a premier pass rush and Sanchez got hit in the second half and was slow to get up. We need to protect this kid. We he has the time he usually makes good decisions. But Mark Sanchez did throw two interceptions. He has a problem of telegraphing his passes. Everybody and their mother knows where he's going to the ball. Since his rookie year he's gotten progressively better, but by now this should not be a problem any more. Overall offensive play was inconsistent. It was nice to see an opening drive touchdown which hasn't happened in a while. Rex Ryan and the Jets purposefully elected to receive after winning the opening coin toss, something they never do. During the post-game interviews we learned they did that to help the confidence of the offense. It was a methodical drive and I was happy to see it in the endzone where my seats are. We need to get out running attack going. Shonn Greene has been disappointing but I do like what I see from Tomlinson as a receiver out of the back field.

It was a great win for the Jets who open up the season 2-0 and now head to the west coast to take on the the improved Oakland Raiders. How much improved? Not that much, but enough for the Jets not to take them lightly. The Jets are historically a good road team but they sometimes struggle when traveling to places on the other side of the country. They are a team with a routine and I think the time change messes with that. Not to mention this is the start of an even longer road trip for the Jets. They won't be back in Jersey for three weeks with Oakland the Sunday, Baltimore next then and then New England. So not only is it a long road trip but it is a tough one, especially with the Baltimore and New England. I just hope the Jets don't look past the Raiders. You want to be 3-0 heading in to the  Ravens games.

How to Blog Like a Jet

Greetings Jets fans and bandwagon hoppers! Welcome to Blog Like a Jet, your one stop shop for the unorganized ramblings of one truly committed (I should be committed), die hard New York Jets fan. 

For those who saw HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Training camp with the New York Jets” last season, you may be familiar with the phrase, “Play like a Jet.” For those unfamiliar, this is the mantra Head Coach Rex Ryan instilled in his players and assistant coaches. If you ask Rex what it means to play like a Jet he’ll tell you a bunch of stuff about tough, physical football, brash, hard-nosed and hard work and dedication, and the big hit. But, how is that any different from what any other tough and physical team preaches. How about, Rex’s old team, the Baltimore Ravens. They’re very similar to the Jets style of play, do they say play like a Raven? They probably say, “Quoth the Raven, nevermore.” Some Jets players, like wide receiver Santonio Holmes take the mantra literally and extend their arms and pretend to fly after a big play. 

The point is, I don’t get it but I like it. I wear a wristband that says it, “Play Like a Jet.” I’ve bought in. I’ve drank the Rex Ryan cool-aid. But, after last night’s performance on Sunday Night Football against the Cowboys added to the definition of “Play Like a Jet.”

To play like a Jet you must give all your fans heart attacks before finally coming through and being the first team in the history of the NFL to beat the Dallas Cowboys when they’ve led by 14 points in the forth quarter. I know what Rex says and what everybody says, “Good teams find a way win games.” That’s great but why do you have to take the scenic route we’re I’m screaming at the top of my lungs and pulling my hair out for the first three quarters. I continued to scream at the top of my lungs in the fourth quarter but that I didn’t mind. Those were cries of joy. 

In this blog dedicated to Gang Green, I promise to blog like a Jet or a least a true jet fan because I am a true Jet Fan. A true jet fan who gloms off of his Father’s season tickets and gets too drunk to even remember the game the next day. A true Jet Fan who is perennially pessimistic but would never give up on the boys in green. You get close at times but you never give up. That’s a true Jet Fan. 

I’ll leave you with a joke I heard Comedian Artie Lange tell at Lincoln Center a few years back. This true encapsulates what it is to be a real die hard Jet Fan. Even though Artie’s a Giants fan, he makes a lot of sense.

“My uncle was a big Jets fan and he sat me down to talk football. He said, ‘when I was really young I was the biggest Jet Fan. They were my life. But, then I started liking girls. Eventually when I got older I went back to being a really big Jets fan. You know what I realized? No matter what happens, the Jets will always F*ck you.” 

Quick thoughts on last night. Defense started slow but came around in the end. We need to improve the push on the offensive line. We couldn’t get anything going on the ground yesterday. Also the O-Line needs to do a better job of protecting Mark Sanchez. He needs more time to throw. And Lastly, Mark is great in the 2-minute offense, we should run the no huddle more often. Click to see Highlights from Jets Vs. Cowboys check out Mark Sanchez's 6th career fourth quarter comeback of his short career on the NFL Website.

Here is the pre-game ceremony recognizing the the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Very touching stuff.

We should have an easier time with Jacksonville next week.