The Jets lost a heartbreaker yesterday but we were actually lucky the game was even a heartbreaker as the first 3 quarters we looked like a terrible team. Kellen Clemens made his first start yesterday while Chad Pennington played backup due to his injured ankle.
The offense didn't really move much for the first 45 minutes. Kellen had limited time to throw the ball due to poor protection from the offensive line. Plus, we didn't run the ball that well again, and then had no choice but to throw the ball as we were playing from behind.
The defense, for the 2nd week in a row, couldn't put any pressure on the QB. I think they knocked Boller down once after he released the ball but that was the only time we really touched him. Why can't we rush the QB? Why when we blitz, do they pick it up ever time? Why do teams run so well against us? The answer is the 3-4 system no working with the personnel we have.
Anyway, the story of the game was Kellen Clemens. Yes, Chad Pennington is still our starter and when he is healthy, he should be back behind center. But, you have to hear the clock ticking. In an NFL season, the goal is to not have more than 6 losses or the odds of making the playoffs is not in your favor. We already have 2 losses meaning that we can really only afford 4 more losses over the final 14 games of the season. That's not much leeway. If Chad comes back and we suffer a few more losses, the season will be shot. At that point, you have to turn the ball over to Clemens to have him get some more experience. But, what I saw from Kellen in the 4th quarter yesterday, makes me believe we could have our quarterback of the future.
We were down 20-3 and it was looking ugly but Clemens had a fantastic quarter passing for over 170 yards in the final quarter. First, he had protection in the final quarter which makes a huge difference. Secondly, we were playing from behind which gives the receivers a bit of a cushion. However, Kellen did some things that I haven't seen a NY Jets QB do in a long time - throw the ball hard and deep down field. He made some great throws as he has a strong arm and looked pretty accurate in his throws. After leading the team to another Nugent FG and then a Chris Baker TD, we were only down by 7 points with plenty of time remaining after the defense held ground and we got the ball back. After a key completion and run from Cotchery, we were in good field position. Clemens goes back to pass and throws a nice line drive to a wide open Justin McCarins on the 7 yard line. He puts his hands up and OOOPS...drops the damn ball ! That is unacceptable to be an NFL receiver and drop a perfect pass like that with the chance to tie up the game. However, we still had more chances. Kellen throw a ball a bit low to Coles in the endzone but Laverneaus was unable to scoop it up. OUCH. Almost but no cigar ! Finally, Kellen throw a bullet a bit high to McCarins again and this time, it goes off his hands and into the hands of a defender for an interception. SHIT ! Game Over. Three chances to score and tie up a game and Justin had two dropped balls. The latter would have been a great catch but receivers need to make a catch like that especially after dropping an easier one a few plays prior.
So, we take it on the rump and lose another game. However, despite what Mangini says, we could have a QB controversy brewing.
Other things I noticed. What is wrong with our Kick Return coverage? Last week a 108 yard return and this week a 60+ yard return? What happened to our blocking and tackling? The injury to Justin Miller is a tough blow. Let's hope he's OK. There was also some great play from Kerry Rhodes and Darelle Revis on defense.
1. For the first time in Eric Mangini's 18-game tenure as HC , the Jets are two games under .500 at 0-2.
2. The Jets are 7-17 when Pennington is out injured.
3. After two games, the Jets' defense has no takeaways and no sacks.
4. Jerricho Cotchery had seven catches for a career-high 165 yards.
5. The Jets finally held Willis McGahee under 100 yards - barely. He rushed for 97, snapping his five-game streak of 100-yard games against the Jets.
6. Mike Nugent missed a 52-yard FG attempt, snapping his streak at 19, three shy of Pat Leahy's team record.
7. C Nick Mangold caught his first NFL pass on a deflection, and he lost 3 yards
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