Mangini Bowl I

The Rivalry continues. First it was Parcells and the Tuna Bowl. Then, it became Belechick Bowl. Now, what do you call the Mangini / Belechick rivalry with the Jets vs. Patriots? So, much has happened between these two franchises expecially if you throw in the Curtis Martin factor when Parcells stole him from New England. Now, it's a new Era of the Rivalry and as it stood, New Englad has won the last 6 meetings between thesse two teams.

I wasn't expecting much going into the game but the way the Patriots looked last week, maybe we would be able to play a close game and have it come down to the end. It was nice winning the first game of the year so at least there was so optimism knowing we couldn't be 0-2 by the end of the day.

The first half was pretty rough. I liked the fact that the Patriots started with the ball and we were able to hold them to 3 and out on the first drive of the game. However, all of the Jets drives stalled at mid-field. Here are some things that pissed me off during the game:

- Graham's punt that went 9 yards setting up the Patriots for an extra touchdown right before the half.
- The 3 - 4 defense getting NO pass rush except for the Kerry Rhodes Sack / forced fumbled when plowing Brady.
- The offensive line protecting Chad OK but making NO holes for the running game. How can we not get 3 inches on a 4th down on their own 46 resulting in a change of possession and a Patriots TD.
- The running game. We are in serious need of a running back. Do we even have a running game? 51 total rushing yards is an embarrassment. And what is worse is that the Jets had ZERO rushing first downs !
- The use of Time-Outs. There was one play were we were on Defense and there was NO way that Brady was going to get the ball snapped and WE wound up calling the timeout.
- The secondary could NEVER come up big on 3rd downs. Brady would always get the first down and keep those long drives alive.
- Poor play calling on the drive we wound up kicking a field goal. What were they doing having Chad run a QB sneak for 3 yards?

However, there were a few things to be excited about.

- Chad had his 2nd straight 300+ yard game.
- Jets scored 17 unanswered points after falling behind by 24 ponts.
- C&C Factory - Coles & Cotchery, both went over 100 yards receiving and each had an incredible touchdown.
- Nugent made his 41 yard field goal and didn't miss an extra point.
- Love the useage of the hurry up offense. This will get much better once we have a running game.
Well, 1-1 is much better than 0-2 so let's beat the Bills next week and get on the winning end again !