By Tom Rock
I’ve just returned from the future and am armed with a midseason report on the Jets. At 8-0, they seem to be a lock to win the AFC, and the intriguing matchup of the Jets against Kevan Barlow’s former 49ers in the Super Bowl is becoming more and more clear.
Gotcha.
No, the immediate future of the Jets is much more mundane, according to the documents I now hold. So here, as we head out of the Bye week and into the game at New England on Nov. 12, is the State of the Jets:
After winning the opener on the road in Tennessee, the Jets lost four straight games. In Week Five, Lee Suggs’ leg fell off below the knee while trying to turn the corner on a sweep, which allowed the Jets to come from behind and beat the Dolphins. Smirked the Jets after the game: “Told you so!” They also beat the Lions before falling to the Browns on the road to end the first half at 3-5.
Intrigued by Brad Smith’s versatility, Eric Mangini took it upon himself to turn the one-time college quarterback who was a one-time NFL receiver into the Jets’ starting cornerback. With David Barrett injured and Justin Miller’s talent not making up for gaps in technique, Mangini had no other choice.
D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who set an NFL record by leaning or jumping offsides 19 times in his first two games, has settled in nicely. After being benched in favor of Adrian Jones in Week 3, Brick came roaring back and has been an impervious pass-protector and an unbelievable run-blocker – at his new position, fullback.
Curtis Martin returned after missing the first six games. He took every handoff of the win over the Lions and looked better than ever. Remarkably, he is unable to walk from Mondays through Saturdays, but on Sundays he bounces around like a ninja and rolls over defenders like a tank. He attributes the comeback to weekly artificial knee replacements, a new procedure that has become as commonplace as teeth cleanings and laser eye surgery.
Oh, and Chad Pennington is still healthy. I know, it’s hard to believe.
Comments (6)
That's very creative stuff. I am quite impressed. Maybe you should offer to contribute to the game plan :-)
Seriously, what's your take on the preparation for Tennessee? Are the practices enthusiastic? Do the payers have their legs under them? I am only asking because you (plural) made it sound that Mangini ran a very punishing camp. Please let us know what to expect this Sunday. Thanks
Wow, Mangini's tight lips are really gonna cost you a job!
Week One: Chad Pennington throws out his shoulder during the coin flip. Unsure who the number two quarter back is, Ramsey and Clemons run out on the field at the same time and knock each other out. Brad Smith now the starter. Jets set record for fewest plays from scrimmage.
After losing 17-10 to Titans, Jets get blown out by New England 55-0. Jets lose next two, and then lose a tough one to the Dolphins when none other than Vinny Testarverde is called back. Jets beat the Lions 2-0 in double overtime on penalty kicks. A 1-7 start. Mangini starts saying things at press conferences like "We really battled hard today."
That was a completely useless article. Thanks for nothing. Jet Fans don't enjoy when reporters like yourself write articles like this, so its obvious you are doing it for yourself and other pessimistic jet reporters (cimini, cannizaro). Stop bashing Mangini (ask Jet fans, we DON'T care that he's secretive, or that he is tough on the players, that's the way football should be), and stop bashing Ferguson. His performance so far is NO different than any other rookie lineman, but you are making it a story because you have nothing else to write. I gave you a chance when you started, but its clear you are like the rest of them. Why don't you quit and apply to the NY Post so you and Canizzaro can laugh all day at how funny you guys are.
what, tired of no comments, and that's why you wasted time with this b.s.?
Thanks Rock. That was funny, especially Lee Suggs leg falling off. As things are panning out for the Jets and every reporter (including the Mad Dog) has benched the Jets for the season already, it's good to see some humor now and then. Life is too short... I've been a Jet fan since Blonde Todd was running for his life in the late 70's. Things never change for the Jets... er Jokes, so I might as well laugh about it now and then.
All the best!
Jimmy Cheese