Just when you think as a Jet fan you’ve seen it all, a new controversy begins, and during a Pre Season game!
A Star is Born?
This was to be the shining moment for rookie QB Geno Smith, to show he was ready to be the starting Quarterback on opening day. Playing the Giants was a definitely a rude awakening. Geno made some nice throws and wasn’t helped by a few drops, but it was obvious he was staring down his receivers (3 interceptions) and lost his place on the field for a safety (awareness mistake). He ended the night 16-30.
Fans Need to be Patient
Except for the amazing class from last year and Matt Ryan and Dan Marino from past years, few QBs are ready to lead as rookies. Russell Wilson and RGlll were drafted by teams with gifted players at RB/WR and a solid OL. Only Andrew Luck went to a team that was really hurting.
Enter Mark Sanchez (and controversy)
Mark Sanchez came in the 4th quarter with the back-ups in a close game and was 6-7 and then dropped a simple snap (turnover). He started another drive, got hit hard by Bosworth, then rolled out away from pressure and completed a beautiful pass to Massequoi while being hit hard (often I’ve seen flags for roughing on this) and getting hurt.
And With That, Twitter EXPLODED!
Why was Sanchez in? Why with back-ups? Who was the blame? What do we do now?
Now the universe had changed course. I know Coach Rex said Sanchez would play but I think waiting until 11 minutes to go and with the back-ups was questionable. I do understand wanting to beat the rival Giants and to have out him in with the fist team OL as a tune up for opening day would have made more sense.
It’s an endless discussion and I would rather talk about so many good things I saw in the game.
There WERE Positives!
- First was the comeback of the defense after last week. Yes, there was the first play long run, but after that the Giants did zero!
- Eli had that look of confusion and was 8-20 for under 100 yards and Jets had great goal line stand.
- #1 pick DL Sheldon Richardson looked quick, tough, and I loved his emotion.
- Damon Harrison and Demario Davis also stood out.
- Isaiah Trufant may be small, but he’s so tough and Dewan Landry showed me more last night.
- On offense, the OL again kept away from penalties and I was really impressed with Rookie Brian Winters, especially when he pulls.
- Kellen Winslow really looks smooth and Ryan Spadola gets open and still catches everything as does Ben Obomanu.
- Rookie Tommy Bohannon shows toughness and can catch out of backfield.
- On special teams and back up LB, Troy Davis has quite the motor.
- Last but not least, Matt Simms did a GREAT job against his dad’s former team, and showed a lot of passion. He also showed some promise…
Don’t Fall for the Furor
The whole story of the QB’s and the injury and Rex have rightfully dominated the media world today. But I’m still happy to beat the Giants as Coach Coughlin went for the tie to send it to OT to win and risked injuries (and one happened on the KO) – guess he thought it important to beat the Jets! And great job by a lot of Jet players – I know I left some out (not on purpose.
Learning an Important Lesson
Hopefully last night fans learned something, that the NFL is a fast game that only special people can quarterback in. Many came into the game wishing that Mark Sanchez had been hurt in the past, but after seeing Geno experience his growing pains, changed their minds and missed Mark. In one instant, everything can change in the NFL. That’s what makes it our favorite sport, and the one that drives us crazy emotionally too.
I still love my J-E-T-S….
