Well, it happened the Lions gave the Jets a run for their money on Sunday forcing Mark Sanchez to score 10 points in under five minutes. Despite coming away with the victory the Jets still showed many of the same issues that have plagued them over the past three games. So I've compiled a list of a few things that we can take away from the game:
"Same Old Jets," I think not: The way the team struggled for most of the game had many Jets fans crying the famous "Same Old Jets" addage. However; "The Same Old Jets" would never have won that game, the Same Old Jets would have run down, scored a touchdown and then heaved it four times to end the game. These new Jets can play mediocre and still win, which is something you need to be able to do in today's NFL because anyway you slice it, a win is a win. Rex Ryan's Jets are resilient and have the play makers to pull out games like this.
Wilson, Where Art Though?: If there is anything that can be seen from Sunday, it's that the coachign staff has lost as much faith in Kyle Wilson as Wilson has lost in himself. The Jets highly coveted first round pick out of Boise State has been burried in the depth chart behind Dwight Lowery and Drew Coleman, who was victimized by Nate Burleson. The issue of the nickel corner is something the Jets coaching staff is going to have to address because it is obvious that Drew Coleman is not the answer here, which should have become obvious after the AFC Championship game last year. Obviously, Mike Westhoff still had faith in Wilson had as a kick/punt returner as he shared punt returning duties, at least initially, with Jim Leonhard. Westhoff's faith in Wilson may be waining as well after he fumbled a punt return early in the game. Wilson must have no confidence in himself if Drew Coleman is starting over him, hopefully the coaching staff will be able to gradually re-insert him into the starting lineup.
Revis Christ is Back!:If anybody still thinks Darrelle Revis is still being hampered by his hamstring injurt, forget it! Revis delivered a vintage, shut-down performance against Calvin "Megatron" Johnson, shadowing him all day and holding him to one catch for 13 yards, despite him immense size, (6"5, 236) and talent. Revis showed that he was back to 100% early in the game when he broke up a pass intended for Johnson on a deep streak. With Revis back to his old self and assuming that Cromartie continues to play well and stops committing penalties, it should allow Rex Ryan and his defensive think tank to bring a variety of blitzes from a number of different fronts, perhaps allowing Vernon Gholston to get his first sack...
The Sanchize: Mark Sanchez, dubbed the "Sanchize" by teammates is maturing ever-so-slightly each week but he still has "a ways to go." Sanchez is still having trouble with his accuracy and finding the right read on certain plays but was still able to make several key throws. The kid is developing great poise and presence in the pocket, in terms of stepping up and avoiding the rush and checking down when he needs to, instead of forcing the ball down-field like he did last year. Despite his lofty expectations that come with being the quarterback of an "overly-hyped" team with Super Bowl aspirations, fans and critics also need to realize it is only his second year in the league and is still going through some growing pains. One thing that should not be questioned is his confidence in his ability to run the offense and come up with plays in crunch time after leading two consecutive drives down the field with less than five minutes on the clock, to send the game into OT. Sanchez shined in over-time, culminating with a 52 yard hook up with Santonio Holmes to set up the game-winning field goal. The kid looked good toward the end of the game, now let's see if he can put it together for four quarters.
Stumbling Running Game: The Jets running game has seemingly hit the wall in recent weeks, it looked as though Brian Schottenheimer was being a little stubborn in terms of the play-calling, running right into stacked boxes several times. As was expected Shonn Greene saw an increased work-load, which should continue to happen as long as he is able to keep the ball in his hands and not on the ground. LaDainian Tomlinson still looks quicker than last season but slower and less effective than he was earlier in the season, maybe he can't handle the bulk of the carries any more but he is still an invaluable asset in the passing game as seen on the game tying drive.
Folk Yeah!: Well, for those of you, (myself included) who thought Nick Folk would be a mess and unreliable in the clutch were proved wrong as he kicked the game tying and game-winning field goals in succession. Folk has missed only three field goals this year but it will be interesting to see how he fairs in the New Meadowlands in December and January as it has proved to be just as much of a wind-tunnel as the old place.
Mangini on the warpath: Eric Mangini is on his 2010 revenge tour as his Browns completely dismantled his former mentor, Bill Belichik's Patriots, 34-14. He is undoubtedly looking to do the same this week as he faces his former employers, who jettisoned him after two winning seasons, the latter one ruined by the stubborness of the "old gun slinger/photographer" Brett Favre.
6-1 Fluke: After getting thoroughly man-handled by his protege, Eric Mangini and the upstart, rag-tag Cleveland Browns it seems as though Bill Belichick's Patriots early success is starting to look like a bit of a fluke. The real test will come this week against the Steelers who look like they are the team to beat in the AFC.
A Win is a Win: Jets fans, you can complain all you want about what a poor showing the team had against the lowly Lions however; a win is a win and in the NFL you can't take wins like that for granted. The reality is that the Jets are 6-2, tied for the best record in the NFL and are sitting atop their division.....not bad eh. For all you "Hard Knocks hype" bandwagoners that feel like jumping ship when things look rough, this your stop.
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