It’s billed as New York’s Team (the capital of the world) vs Dallas aka “America’s Team.” It’s the defending two-time AFC Championship losers vs. Jerry’s kids. It’s the battle of the Ryan brothers: Rex vs. Rob. It’s opening day. It’s the Anniversary of 9/11. It’s Sanchez vs. Romo. It’s the first chance for the Jets to play a meaningful game since the Pittsburgh meltdown.
And in typical Jets fashion, just as they did numerous times last year, the Jets trailed by 14 in the 4th quarter and somehow, the comeback kids win again! Growing up a Jets fan, most losses were like, “How the hell did we lose that game?” Now, the last few years, the question after the game becomes, “How the hell did we just WIN that game?”
I can’t recall a home opener, or even the first game, as exciting as this. Hell, this may even rank in the Top 5 All-Time Jets Home Wins Ever right behind “The Monday Night Miracle” and “51-45.”
For the Jets to win more games this year than last, all they need to do is fall behind by 10+ points in the 4th quarter and all will be okay. That seems to be the magic formula for this team.
The biggest issue on this team is going to be the offensive line, specifically Wayne Hunter. For most of the first half, Sanchez barely had time to throw the ball; he was getting knocked all over the place. In additional, the offensive line couldn’t make any holes either for the running game. The coaching staff needs to fix this issue immediately.
The defense didn’t look great either, especially to start the game, letting the Cowboys walk right down the field to take an early 7-0 lead and not much later, it was 10-0. Luckily, the offense was able to do something before the half when Sanchez hit Keller in the endzone to make it a game going into the 2nd half. I would have liked a bit more pass rush even though the Jets did get a few sacks on Romo including two from Calvin Pace. But, this defense buckled down in the right spots when we needed a big play.
Mark Sanchez did a decent job from the end of the 2nd half onwards, completing 26 of 44 for 335 yards and two touchdowns to Dustin Keller and Plaxico Burress. Sanchez needs to hold on to the ball better fumbling the ball twice.
Plaxico finished with four catches for 72 yards. He will be a huge weapon for this team with his jumping ability as long as he can stay healthy.
Dallas a 24-10 lead early in the fourth quarter and things were looking bleak but we were able to cut the lead to 7 again.
With about 10 minutes left in the game, Jim Leonhard came up huge chasing down Jason Witten before the goal-line on a 67 yard play. Three plays later, Romo fumbled the ball and the Jets avoided a disaster.
Sanchez eventually hit Plaxico, who finished with four catches for 72 yards, for a touchdown. He will be a huge weapon for this team with his jumping ability as long as he can stay healthy. The Jets were still in this game an only trailed by seven.
Then, things go interesting. With the Cowboys facing a 4th and very long with around 5 minutes to go, Joe McKnight blocked a punt which bounced perfectly into Isiah Trufant’s hands who took it back for a touchdown. Can you say TIE GAME !
Then, with under a minute to go and the Cowboys had the ball with a chance to drive for the winning score, Romo hits Darelle Revis to returned the ball 20 yards to set up Nick Folk’s 50 yard, game winning field goal.
AMAZING!
It wasn’t pretty but it’s a win. You have to figure that if you want to get a home game in this league, you can’t lose more than 4 games all year. The Jets were so close to having that 1st of 4 losses. However, so close means nada.
Sure, the game was a little ugly but win basically no off-season, and the starters playing minimal football in the 4 preseason games, let’s hope this game helped get some of the rust out.
The Jets made the city proud on this historic day of the 10th anniversary of 9-11. Let’s hope they continue to make the city proud unlike the Giants who didn’t uphold their end of the bargain.
I have no voice. I got no sleep. And…I don’t care!
Bring on the Jags!
INTERESTING FACTS:
1. The Jets played game with no penalties. The last time the Jets were not called for any penalties was a 16-9 loss to Philadelphia in 2007.
2. This is the first time the Cowboys have ever lost a game in which they led by 14 or more points in the 4th quarter
3. There were 27 seconds left when Nick Folk made his 50-yard go-ahead field goal. It's the latest into regulation that the Jets have ever hit a 50+ yard go-ahead field goal.
4. This was the 3rd time in Jets history that they came back from 14+ down in 4th quarter to win. The other two games were November 21, 1983 against the Saints (came back from 14 down to win, 31-28), and October 23, 2000 against the Dolphins “Monday Night Miracle” (from 23 down to win, 40-37).
5. This was the Jets first win in team history in which they did not have a Rush TD or at least 50 Rush Yds in the same game.
6. The Jets 27-24 win tied for the 2nd-narrowest Week 1 win in team history, their closest since 1991, when they beat the Buccaneers, 16-13. The closest win was a 21-20 win over the Boston Patriots in 1961.
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