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.
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