Ball or Nuthin' » Jets

Three Keys to Patriots Win Over Jets

T Lamont — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:16:33 +0000

Although Sunday Night Football presented the New York Jets with a chance to take control of the AFC East, the outcome was a bit on the predictable side.

The New England Patriots outclassed the Jets with a dominant second-half performance, and cruised to a 37-16 road victory to avoid its first three-game losing streak in nearly a decade.

Rex Ryan and his crew kept the contest close in the opening half, keeping the game manageable and trailing by only four points at intermission. But things swung in favor of the visitors, thanks to the following occurrences that sealed New York’s fate:

Rob Gronkowski was an unguardable force.

While Aaron Hernandez has had his nights in the limelight, Rob Gronkowski was the unmatchable tight end tonight. He ended with eight catches for 113 yards and two TDs (a number that could have been higher if not for stepping out of bounds during the play, and an offensive penalty). Tight end are usually in the quarterback’s initial line of sight, and are thus regarded as the easiest receiving targets on the field. With a quality passer like Brady you can be sure that the throws are that much easier than they would be for an average QB, and he took full advantage.

New York turnovers gave the Patriots the cushion that it needed.

After a relatively mistake-free first half, the Jets play was not so sharp when they came out of the locker room. Joe McKnight’s major-league punt muff – which somehow hit his chest but didn’t touch his hands – set the Patriots up with instant field goal position. A New England penalty saved the Jets from giving up seven, but New York continued to operate in a gift-giving mood. In the ensuing possession, Mark Sanchez attempted a check-down pass to LaDainian Tomlinson. The pass had a little too much heat for L.T., slipped through his hands, off of a defender, and finally into the hands of linebacker Rob Ninkovich (who picked off two passes on the night). Three minutes later – thanks to Brady and Rob Gronkowski – the Pats had posted another seven on the board as they began to separate themselves from New York.

Brady unleashed his football IQ on Rex Ryan and the Jets tonight.

Tom Brady showed off his top-notch quarterbacking pedigree.

With the Jets attempting to knock on the door of a comeback, Brady showed us why he is viewed as an elite signal caller in the NFL. The two-time MVP brilliantly used the no-huddle to victimize the Jets defense. Brady got his offense to the line quickly, surveyed the New York defensive personnel, and then audibled according to what he saw. He effortlessly toggled between pounding the ball on the ground and connecting through the air to march the Pats down the gridiron. The result: a 13-play, 84-yard drive that gave the visitors a two-touchdown lead that crushed the Jets’ short-lived momentum and effectively sealed the game in favor of New England.

NFL Free Agency Starts With a Bang

T Lamont — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:31:53 +0000

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Now that the NFL is back in business, there’s exponentially less time for players and teams to link up with each other.

Free agency has clearly gotten out a hot and heavy start, and here’s a look at the potential impact from some of the most notable signings and moves:

Plaxico Burress signs with the Jets:

What do the Jets have to lose? Not much, as they answered everyone’s question about where Burress would end up. Plaxico should fit in nicely as a third option, behind Santonio Holmes and Jerricho Cotchery. Although Plax has never really been a consistent deep-ball threat, replacing Braylon Edwards’ 2010 pass-catching totals (53 receptions) should not be a hard thing for Burress to accomplish. While the Virginia Beach native has been away from football for some time, one thing has not changed – his size. It should assist him in re-establishing himself as an important possession receiver for Rex Ryan.

Plax's new deal allows him and his wife to stay in New York.

Nnamdi Asomugha, Vince Young, Ronnie Brown sign with the Eagles:

Word has it that Asomugha, the top corner on the market, left lots of money on the table because he wanted to play for a team that would give him the best chance to win. This says a lot about Asomugha’s priorities, but it also says even more about peoples’ expectations for the Eagles. Philly went out and picked up troubled Vince Young – a great additional to their team as a back up quarterback with a playing style similar to Eagles starting QB Michael Vick (let’s face it – given Vick’s natural athletic attributes, we all know that he will spend some amount of time on the shelf…so this is very significant). Philadelphia topped that off by signing former Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown who, along with LeSean McCoy, will give Andy Reid even more versatility in the backfield. Philly, who was booted out of the postseason by the Super Bowl Champion Packers due to a failed final drive, appeared to be a candidate for the second-best team in the NFL last season. Knowing how difficult it is for NFL teams to repeat, the Eagles – for the first time in decades – sit atop the list of expected Super Bowl participants.

Donovan Mcnabb traded to the Vikings:

Good move by the Vikings? Hardly. Having an experienced quarterback that will set an example for first-round draft pick Christian Ponder is fine and dandy, but McNabb hasn’t been the best at demonstrating good performance habits of late. He suffered mightily with the Skins – so much so that Washington was chomping at the bit to send him packing after one season. Minnesota would have been better advised to stop trying to make last-ditch efforts to make their team relevant (see Brett Favre and Randy Moss), and to simply go back to the drawing board.

McNabb's disappointing tenure in D.C. didn't deter Minnesota from taking a chance on him.

Chad Ochocinco, Albert Haynesworth traded to the Patriots:

Another year, and another couple of players with a past history of disrupting their teams’ harmony get signed by New England. Both Ochocinco and Haynesworth underachieved in big ways last season, but who really believes that they’ll be flops again this season? At the very least, they’ll be on their best behavior. The Patriots were able to reform one of the all-time grumpiest players of all – the recently-retired Randy Moss – into one of the most productive single season performers of all time (in 2007), and were able to appease him for over three years. Comparatively speaking, Ocho and Fat Albert should be child’s play for the motivational abilities of Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England organization. And I’m sure that Ocho will tweet us with all of the details.

‘Hard Knocks’ is a Hard Sell for NFL Teams

T Lamont — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:31:29 +0000

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How about those Jets from last year?

As the New York Jets played each regular season game, I felt like I knew more about them than the average team.

The perception that I had was based on New York’s appearance on the HBO ‘Hard Knocks’ series that chronicled the Jets’ camp and preseason games.

Equipped with eccentric personalities, as well as being led by the outspoken Rex Ryan, the Jets seemed to be a perfect match as the team pitted in the weekly drama. But the public also got to hear the stories of little known talents like Danny Woodhead and John Conner, and follow their paths to contributing on an NFL roster.

As an NFL fan, I thought it was great to know the behind-the-scenes team drama. At times, it’s quite compelling and interesting to witness players not getting along with their coaches and/or teammates. While we could certainly make it without focusing on the players’ personal lives, watching last season’s Antonio Cromartie feature was one of the funniest moments that I can recall in a serious, brutal sport.

But if I’m an owner, do I want to have my organization involved in such a media circus?

The filming, interviews, etc. could become a major distraction for those who are unable to maintain a sharp focus.

So far this year, two teams have turned a cold shoulder to the program, expressing their lack of interest in being considered for the series. As far as their possible participation, both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos have said ‘no, thanks’ through the media.

In addition, with this whole lockout thing going on, things would get very tricky between organizations, their owners, coaches and players. If HBO attempts to stick to its candid approach of team coverage, the potential would loom for football players to get caught up in some compromising situations.

Freeman and the Bucs should continue their improvement and stay away from the spotlight.

On the flip side, HBO may not be able to get any good footage at all. Given the situation at hand, teams are so disjointed that it may become difficult for the network to cover a full spectrum of issues within an organization.

Either way, it’s easy to understand a team’s penchant to stay away from airing its dirty laundry. Last year’s New York Jets, for the most part, were a team of high-profile stars who easily absorbed the media attention bestowed upon them. More importantly, they were eventually able to channel it into the motivation required to put them into the AFC Championship Game.

However, the average team would not be capable of this sort of concentration under the spotlight. Denver is a team that is trying to return to the upper echelon of its division, while Tampa Bay just missed out on a playoff berth last season, finishing at 10-6. Filled with young, untapped talent, both organizations are looking to take the next steps towards being legitimate contenders in their conferences.

But, hopefully, there’s at least one organization that will accept and be on the show.

With the NBA season begrudgingly coming to an end, there’ll be plenty of TV time that needs to be occupied.

No Wonder Favre Won’t Retire

T Lamont — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:00:16 +0000

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For years the media has been wondering when the grey-haired one was finally going to step down and out of the NFL.

Well, now, at least we have a reason as to why he hasn’t. He loves to throw passes, and in his career he has been known for throwing ill-advised one…so the latest rumors involving Brett Favre seem to be fitting.

Allegations have surfaced linking the 41 year-old quarterback to two New York Jets message therapists. But linking is probably not the most precise description for what Favre is being accused of. It would be much closer to being a perverted old man than making an actual pass.

Favre may have a similar look on his face if he hasn't yet explained this to his wife.

The women claim that Favre, who has been married for 14 years, sent lewd text messages and that he invited them both to his hotel room. The alleged incident occurred during the Jets training camp prior to the 2008 season.

Favre played for one season with New York, and afterward began his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings. With the details of this still under investigation by the NFL, it appears to be no coincidence that Favre’s Jets tenure was a short as it was. After the Ines Sainz debacle that transpired earlier this summer, the New York organization has developed a stereotype that it quickly becoming cemented with each passing day.

As for Favre, he’ll have to make sure that his future pass attempts go only to open receivers.

T Lamont’s Top 10 NFL Teams – Week 2

T Lamont — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 03:12:09 +0000

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With two full weeks of NFL action in the books, deciphering the league’s best can be a bit tricky. If there’s one thing that can be expected, it’s that this top 10 will endure its share of changes as the season progresses.

But without further adieu, let’s take a first look at the teams that rank as the cream of the crop early in the new campaign:

10. San Diego Chargers

In their opening game, the Chargers got flat out shocked by the Kansas City Chiefs – and quite frankly, so did the rest of the world. But looking in detail, the outing wasn’t as bad as it seemed. San Diego nearly put up 400 yards of offense (double that of K.C.), and Rivers threw for 298 yards. Three turnovers thwarted their ability to put points on the board. So, when the Bolts put 38 on the board this week, it was business as usual for one of the league’s high powered offenses.

9. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore was the trendy pick for a Super Bowl appearance prior to the start of the season. On the defensive side of the ball, there’s no question that this team has what it takes to get there. Offensively, there’s still too much inconsistency. Or to be honest, their offensive inconsistency is something that has been consistent about them for the past decade. It comes down to QB Joe Flacco. If he limits his mistakes (as he did in Week 1 against the Jets), the Ravens win. If he tries to do too much (4 interceptions against the Bengals), things will remain tough for them.

8. Cincinnati Bengals

Jordan Shipley has 10 receptions in his first two regular season games.

Yes, their air attack has the ability to be quite explosive. Ochocinco, Owens and rookies Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham provide Carson Palmer with a set of talented options. But their defense – which seemed to be in disarray versus the Patriots – stepped up and resembled the successful unit from last year. The Bengals defense should gain even more confidence given their next couple of opponents are the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns.

7. New York Jets

Did they burn the playbook from their Week 1 Monday night debacle against the Ravens? It sure looked like it as Mark Sanchez looked like someone worthy of a high draft pick. L.T. is doing his thing, averaging 6.3 yards per carry through two games. The defense has struggled in certain matchups, but has not totally broken – they are only allowing 12 points per game. A physical Sunday night matchup against the Dolphins awaits.

6. Miami Dolphins

Miami has started the season off with road wins (Vikings – very impressive, Bills – not so much). Their defense was shredded by the most complete running back in the game, Adrian Peterson, but were ultimately the beneficiaries of some poor decision-making by Brett Favre. And give Miami credit for stuffing A.P. when it counted – fourth and goal from the 1-yard line leading 14-10. In their upcoming contest versus New York – with Darrelle Revis out of action – the Dolphins should be looking forward to having Brandon Marshall working one-on-one against Antonio Cromartie. If Marshall saw any footage of the Ravens-Jets showdown, he should be licking his chops.

5. Indianapolis Colts

Sitting at 1-1, the Colts have the look and feel of a team that is unfazed by their loss to the Texans. Indy has averaged 31 points per game, and the offense is still in stellar shape. Peyton Manning is in full control of his unit, and put on a clinic against his brother and the Giants. Defense is always the big question mark with this squad. The defensive ends will bring the heat – Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis – but the secondary is very weak at this point.

4. Houston Texans

The Texans came through with two signature wins to start this season. The win over Indianapolis allowed the Texans to overcome an obstacle that they have seemingly always stumbled upon. Couple that with an improbable come-from-behind victory at Fedex Field and you have the makings of a team that has good things in store for the future. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Arian Foster are all playing like Pro-Bowlers. They’ll have extreme confidence in their next game versus the Dallas Cowboys.

The Texans have gotten productive running from Arian Foster.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

Defense has been the name of their game. The Steelers have held Michael Turner (Falcons) to 42 yards rushing on 19 carries. They’ve held last year’s Offensive Player of the Year Chris Johnson to 34 yards on 16 carries. Their quarterback situation is one that will be fixed in a couple of weeks, but they are maintaining in a better than expected fashion without a discernible leader for their offense.

2. New Orleans Saints

The Super Bowl champs? At number two? Yes, because they have not looked like last year’s Super Bowl champs on the offensive end of the ball. Brees and company have only put up 39 points in two games – - a stark contrast to their beginning of 2009 – which saw the Saints run up 93 points in their first couple of games. But New Orleans got it done against the Vikings and Niners, teams with tough defenses. With their mix of talent and experience, it’s safe to anticipate that the Saints will be near the top once again when all is said and done.

1. Green Bay Packers

If the Packers and Saints squared off today, it would be an extremely tight game. But one thing’s for certain: Green Bay has looked sharper than New Orleans thus far. The Pack has the best point differential in the league, which means that they have been playing offense and defense. They have the appearance of a group that believe in themselves, and they have effective leaders on both sides of the ball in Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews. Things are looking up in Green Bay, and the best part about it is that Brett Favre is nowhere to be found.