Herm & Chad Together Again ???

Pictures taken BEFORE yesterday's Jets / Chiefs game:







Wonder what they were talking about !

Year Finally Over !

Well, for the 2nd time in 3 years, we had a chance to secure a TOP 3 pick with a loss. And guess what? We win the last game of the season again were we will now get either the 6th pick. What a dumb time to win a game...again !

Herm Edwards was back in the meadowlands along side his assistant - Dick Curl. I cracked up outloud when Ian Eagle said his name. If my last name was Curl and my first name was "Dick", I'd have people call me "Rich" or "Richard". Okay...I just had to get that out of the way since there isn't much to talk about from yesterday's snooze fest. And what made it worse, was that we had to go into overtime to determine a winner. And the poor fans that were there couldn't even drink a beer as sales were banned. I'm just glad I sold my tickets for this game back in August.

We have a BIG question mark going into the off season - the QB position. Will Chad Pennington return? Will we draft a QB? Will Kellen Clemens be our starter? He didn't show much this season going 3-5 with a 60.9 passer rating (the lowest by a Jets starter since 1992 - Browing Nagle). Yesterday, it was just ugly (13 of 25 for 115 yards and 1 TD). It's not all is fault. He has a limited running game. An Offensive line that can't protect him giving him not much time to throw or throw while running for his life. He was missing Laverneaus Coles and then, besides Cotchery, there was many other people to throw to that can consistently catch the ball. I, personally, would take the risk next year and go with Clemens and improve the offensive line and the wide receivers. This will help all facets of the offense and then, let's see if the offense can move. What is great is that we are FINALLY out of cap hell. We have over $27 million to spend this year so it could be a FUN off-season.

Other question marks besides Pennington are Vilma and Coles. Will they be back or will they be traded? I think they need Coles as Cotchery is not a #1 receiver and Coles is one of the team leaders. I love Vilma but with the system the Jets play, this guy is being held back. David Harris has played great so Vilma can be used as trade bait to pick up some additional draft picks.

The end of the game was interesting. After kicking the game winning field goal, we had a penalty and then had to kick a 43 yarder which I thought Nugent would miss. And it figures, that he knocked it through lowering our draft pick by 3 positions.

It was nice to see Leon Washington, our team MVP, throw a 38 yard completion to Wallace Wright and Thomas Jones had some nice runs.

Well...it was a bad year from Day #1 but now the off-season has begun and it is sure to be interesting !

NOTES:
1. The Jets ended with 12 losses, tied for the third-most in team history.

2. The Jets allowed three sacks, finishing with 53, their highest total since 1989.

Where's The Offense ???

What has our offense become? A combination of Trick Plays with Brad Smith and no running game resulting in basically ZERO offense !

'08 Opponents Decided

The Jets future schedule is as follows:

2008
Home: New England, Miami, Buffalo, Denver, Kansas City, Arizona, St. Louis, Cincinnati
Away: New England, Miami, Buffalo, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tennessee

2009
Home: New England, Miami, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Carolina, AFC North
Away: New England, Miami, Buffalo, Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, AFC West

In August of 2001, the NFL announced its scheduling rotation for eight seasons (2002-2009). The schedules will take each team through a cycle of games — home and away — against every other team in the league. Over eight seasons, every team will play every other team at least twice — once home and once away.

Under the formula, the New York Jets will play 16 games as follows:

- Home and away against its three division opponents – Buffalo, Miami & New England - (6 games).

- The four teams from another division within the AFC on a rotating three-year cycle (4 games).

- The four teams from another division in the other conference on a rotating four-year cycle (4 games).

- Two intraconference games based on the prior year’s standings. These games will match a first-place team against the first-place teams in the two same-conference divisions the team is not scheduled to play that season. The second-place, third-place and fourth-place teams in a conference will be matched in the same way each year.

Therefore the matchups for 14 of the 16 regular-season games for the Jets in 2009 are fixed and known. Following the 2009 season, a decision will be made whether to continue with the same rotation or modify it.

NY Jets Awards Announced

From www.newyorkjets.com :

The New York Jets announced their 2007 team awards today. Running back/returner Leon Washington was voted as the team’s Most Valuable Player, quarterback Chad Pennington was named the recipient of the Dennis Byrd Award for most inspirational player, wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery earned the Marty Lyons Award for community service, and Brad Smith was given the Kyle Clifton Good Guy Award. As previously announced, Laveranues Coles was honored with the Ed Block Courage Award.

Washington was named the team’s MVP as voted by his teammates. Washington has a Jets-record three kickoff-return touchdowns this season: a 98-yard return vs. Miami (9/23), a 98-yarder at the Giants (10/7) and an 86-yarder on the opening kickoff vs. Washington (11/4). His 28.2-yard kickoff return average is second in the NFL and he has five returns of 49 or more yards. The second-year man from Florida State also pulled off a 33-yard punt return in overtime to set up Mike Nugent’s game-winning 38-yard field goal vs. Pittsburgh (11/18).

Washington has scored three rushing touchdowns, including two at Miami (12/2). He took a direct snap 18 yards in the first quarter and capped the scoring with a 12-yard run late in the fourth. He led the Jets with 57 yards rushing on four carries at New England (12/16), including a 49-yard run, the longest by a Jet in two years (Curtis Martin, 49, at Buffalo, 10/16/05). On the season, he has accumulated 281 yards rushing (59 carries, 4.8-yard average), 198 yards receiving (31 receptions, 6.8), 1,186 yards on kickoff returns and 172 yards on punt returns (10.1).

For the second straight season, Pennington won the Dennis Byrd Award as voted by his teammates. The eight-year veteran has started seven games this season, completing 153 of 228 passes for 1,503 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. He injured his ankle in the opener vs. New England but rebounded after only one week on the sidelines to lead the Jets to a victory over Miami. Pennington is the most accurate passer in NFL history for players with more than 1,500 attempts, having completed 65.3 percent of his passes in his career. He also missed time with a wrist injury in 2003 and separate shoulder injuries in 2004 and 2005.

Cotchery received the Marty Lyons Award for his dedicated off-the-field support to causes and programs in the community. Cotchery and his wife, Mercedes, created the Cotchery Foundation in January as a not-for-profit organization established to benefit underprivileged youth. The foundation’s mission is to inspire children to conceive and achieve goals by providing programs and services designed to enhance their futures. The Cotchery Foundation hopes to plant seeds that bridge the gap between what you have and what you hope for, ultimately demonstrating that the two can be one and the same. This year, for each Jets home game Cotchery gave 10 tickets through the foundation to residents from MercyFirst/St. Mary’s Children and Family Foundation. MercyFirst/St. Mary’s Children and Family Foundation is a foster home for troubled youth located on Long Island.

Jerricho has also participated in many Jets community events and is scheduled to attend more. In May, he was present at the Jets' "Taste of the NFL" event to benefit Shop-Rite Partners in Caring. At the event, he auctioned off one-on-one experiences with himself to help raise additional funds for charity. On Nov. 12, he supported Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum at the Hofstra Saltzman Community Services Center Benefit Dinner honoring Tannenbaum.

Smith received the Kyle Clifton Good Guy Award, which is voted on by members of the Jets organization. The award, now in its 12th season, recognizes exceptionally consistent willingness, cooperation and professionalism in the everyday dealings with the various departments within the organization.

Coles, who has 55 catches for 646 yards and six touchdowns this season despite missing multiple games due to injuries, was previously awarded the Ed Block Courage Award, named in honor of the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts who was a pioneer in his profession and a respected humanitarian. The award is given annually to one player from each NFL team. Award recipients embody everything that is positive about professional athletes as they serve as inspirations in their locker rooms and constructive role models in their communities.

Coles, along with each team’s award recipient, will travel to Baltimore in March to receive his trophy at a gala and spend time at the local Courage House at St. Vincent's Center. This visit and the time spent with the hospitalized children allows each recipient to fully comprehend the true meaning of the award.

Happy Holidays

Have a VERY Happy Holiday Week !

Happy Holidays

A holiday loss this weekend helps solidify our draft standing ! Happy Holidays to all !

Big Off Season Jets Trade ?

JetNation.com has learned that the Jets have had conversations with the Kansas City Chiefs about a blockbuster trade. The Jets would send both Chad Pennington and Laveranues Coles to Kansas City in exchange for the Chiefs 1st round pick. The Jets would also receive a 4th rounder and a possible 2nd day pick in the 2009 draft. The 2009 pick would be tied in some way to performance. We are told that a deal is essentially in place and it will be announced in the off-season.

The Jets would like to avoid a situation next year where both Chad and Coles are unhappy in camp. The staff likes what they see from Kellen Clemens this year and they are ready to proceed in that direction. The Chiefs are under the 2008 cap and since Chad and Laveranues both have manageable cap numbers, this deal is workable. Herman Edwards is under tremendous pressure in Kansas City to improve an offense that has been very unproductive under his watch.

Close...But No Cigar !

The stages was set. A nor easter in town. And so were the Jets. Yes. It was SpyGate Bowl. It was a rematch of arch Enemies going in two different directions but this time, the Jets came to play. Unfortunately, the results were still the same as the Jets suffered their 11th loss of the season (20 to 10) while New England now stands at a perfect 14-0. Yes...it's enough to make me puke green knowing that they are undefeated and we had our chances to beat them yesterday and ruin their perfect season.

The game started out nice. We played some nice defense and forced a punt so how can you complain. But, then Kellen Clemens made a terrible mistake as he was under pressure and threw it to the Pats for a touchdown to put us in an early hole. I was pissed on that play as the ball was released and Clemens was pounded into the ground by a 300+ lb Richard Semour. Hey zebras...where's the roughing penalty??? Still...Kellen made a really bad throw and then was out of the game with injured ribs. So, the jury is still out if he is going to be our starting QB next year.

What didn't help is that Laveraneus only played in one play in the entire game as he suffered what they call a "freak accident" to his ankle at the team hotel. Great...our best receiver was out.

Now, once Kellen was out of the game, I hated was Mangini was doing giving Brad Smith so many plays in a row behind center. Brad Smith is a trick play guy and when he was in for multiple plays, you saw the things that can happen. First there was a toss to the halfback Washington that was fumbled. Then, there was a play that we needed 2 yards for a first down and Smith throws a terrible pass to a wide open Chris Baker. Hey Eric Mangini...put Pennington in to make those short throws and run the offense and use Smith to change things up. I didn't understand what Mangini was doing. Personally, they should have attempted the field goal but if you are going to go for it, let Chad make the throw instead of Smith.

Chad was a bit rusty but played good despite the weather conditions, not playing since end October, not getting the reps during the week's practice, and in horrific weather conditions. Chad finished 25 for 38 for 186 yards. One of the big problems all game was 3rd down conversions. Some of the play calling on 3rd down made me scratch my scalp and I don't have dandruff. We were 3 for 14 on third down for the game. That's pathetic. Worse is the way we played in the red zone. We were there 4 times and wound up with only 3 points. The Chris Baker fumble while in the red zone didn't help much either.

Scoring for both teams didn't come easy. Kellen gave them a TD in the start of the game with an interception and we gave them another touchdown as they blocked a punt. So, that was 14 points for them all wrapped up for Christmas. They gave us 7 points from a blocked punt. So, the net difference is 7 points in their favor which would have made the game even closer than it was. But, we didn't deserve to win as there were too many mistakes. And we need a receiver to come in that can catch. Justin McCareins continued his dropping ways with two bad drops with the 2nd one being in the endzone that he bobbled that would have given us 7 points to cut the deficit to 3 with time remaining to get the ball back. And after not scoring a touchdown, we wind up missing a field goal. OUCH.

As for the defense, they played great. If you take away the 14 gift points, the defense held the high scoring Patriots to just 6 points. How can you complain when we held Brady, having a year for the ages to 14 for 27, 140 yards, and an interception. Plus, it was the first time all season that Brady didn't throw a touchdown pass. And, it was the first time in 17 games that the Patriots didn't score at least 24 points. So, you gotta take your hats off to the defense as this unit is improving and I look for them to be even better next year.

Well...there are only 2 more games left in this miserable season before we start looking forward to an interesting off season and the draft. I'll go more into this once the season is officially complete. As for the Patriots, I'm not rooting for them to go to the Super Bowl and then get upset by the Packers ! GO FAVRE !

The Handshake

So, we've had a handshake and a hug so far. Do you think these two are gonna kiss after this Sunday's meeting?

Sunday Atire

Since my Jets jerseys haven't been working, I'm wearing this shirt for Sunday !

Whupped ?

People are saying we are going to get slaughtered. I bet we put up a nice fight (knock on wood !)

Let's Rock These Bastards !

I hate the freggin Patriots. This weekend is OUT playoff game in this miserable season. Let's go out there and kick their asses, pull off the greatest regular season upset in the History of the NFL, and ruin a perfect season for our ENEMY !

24 Point Underdogs !

24.5 point underdog? Who cares. I'd love to beat these assholes and ruin their perfect season !

Browned Out

What the hell was wrong yesterday? How can we play the WORST defense in the NFL and not score a touchdown until a few minutes left in the game? Is it the play calling? The poor running? The poor passing? Poor coaching? What is wrong that we can't score points. Hey...but we are good and getting field goals !

The offense was terrible yesteday. Kellen Clemens is learning the game but threw 2 bad interceptions with one of them being in the endzone when we were on the 2 or 3 yard line. Plus, we sucked on 3rd down converting twice in twelve opportunities. I like things that Clemens is doing. I like that he can run and scramble and I like the zip on his balls. I think we need a tall receiver for him to thrive. I did like the use of our tight end - Baker. It's nice when the Jets finally get the tight end to catch the ball instead of just block. I loved how Clemens drove the Jets to finally score a TD with three minutes to go. I hope the future shows a lot more late game drives like this one.

After recovering a rare onsides kick, a big part of yesterday's loss came down to POOR coaching. What the hell is Mangini doing with under 2 minutes to go down 5 having the team kick a field goal to make it a 2 point game since we missed the 2 point conversion on the last drive. Go for it. Worst case scenario is that the Browns have the ball on their side of the field and the Jets still have 3 timeouts remaining.

So, now what does Mangini have the Jets do? We kick ANOTHER onsides kick? What time do you know of in NFL history that has recovered onsides kicks on back to back attempts? Kick the ball deep and use your 3 timeouts to leave time on the clock to get the ball back. So, with good field position and us using 2 time outs, we let Jamal Lewis walk into the endzone for a 31 yard TD stroll. Great job Defense. You know they are going to run the keep the clock moving but he goes right up the middle barely touched? Come on. Get your players prepared and in the right position to make what should have been an easy tackle.

Things then get even stranger. We get the ball back on the kickoff and drive all the way to the Brown's 17 yard line. We need TWO scores to win and he has the team kick ANOTHER fieldgoal. Guess what? Now it's time to kick ANOTHER onsides kick. Come on. Who is running this team...Mickey Mouse?

Now, we are 24.5 underdogs to play the Patriots. USA beat the USSR back in 1980. The Jets won Super Bowl III. The Mets won in 1968. Buster Douglass knocked out Mike Tyson. Do you believe in miracles....YESSSSS!!!

Gatorade Inventor Robert Cade, 1927-2007, Given Touching Memorial Tribute

A Squish Of The Fish

Can you believe it? We won a game! Well, it was against the even more pathetic Dolphins who haven't won a game yet but at least we proved that we are a MUCH better team than the stinkin' fish. I'd be embarrassed if we had lost that game.

First of all, the Jets need to get rid of the throwback uniforms. If they were green and white, I'd have NO PROBLEMS with it. But we are GANG GREEN and people chant "GO GREEN" and we were wearing BLUE for the 2nd time this year. I'm not EVER gonna say "GO BLUE" as that sounds like I'm rooting for the Giants or Michigan. So, let's wear GREEN and stop with this retro nonsense to sell shirts and hats.

Okay, as for the game, I liked some of the things the offense did as we squished the fish 40-13. This was our biggest margin of victory in 17 games dating back to last season so that was nice to see a romp in our favor.

What I liked most was Kellen's poise in the pocket. His interception was NOT terrible as it was a deflection and that should have definitely been caught. If we get a better offense line, I think he can do a lot better as he was constantly under pressure all day with one of those pressures being a blind side blitz causing a fumble for a touchdown. At that point, I thought it was gonna be a long day. Kellen's arm looked great throwing the ball downfield numerous times and hit on a 50+ yarder to Justin McCarins. I loved Kellen's use of the shovel pass as it worked twice for nice gains. Kellen passed for 236 yards and improved a bit on his completion percentage which I like seeing. Again, if he wasn't running for his life a lot of the time, his numbers will get even better.

I think we overused Brad Smith with the direct snaps to him. Eventually, the Dolphins figured out what was gonna happen. We even had a direct snap to Leon Washington who scored 2 TDs for the day. But, Brad Smith needs to catch better. He suffered another drop yesterday. If he wants to be a #3 receiver in this league, he needs to have better hands. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington had nice days running and Jones finally got his first TD of the season.

The defense really was the story. We had 3 interceptions - Rhodes, Revis, and Coleman. We had a 2 sacks that caused fumbled - Thomas and Harris. The defense gave us great field position all day long pressuring the QB and playing solid D.

I like what I saw but, again, we were playing the winless Dolphins so I'm not getting too excited about this game. If we ever beat the Patriots to ruin their perfect season, then YES, I'd get excited.

Notes:

1. In three games since the bye week, the Jets have recorded 13 sacks after only nine in the previous nine games.

2. Mangini improved to 4-0 vs. the Dolphins.

3. Thomas Jones scored his first touchdown as a Jet after 226 carries.