Winning with Mistakes

On a hot and humid Sunday night in Miami, the NY Jets added some more value to their young season by escaping with a big victory that could have easily been an embarrassing loss. In three games this year, the Jets have had 29 penalties. With a team that prides itself on being the LEAST penalized in the NFL, this season the Jets are getting more yellow sandbags thrown at them then a carnival game. They had 9 more penalties in Miami on Sunday, most of which negated their own score or scoring drive, or it gave the Dolphins new life on a dead drive. The new players on the team that have replaced the experienced veterans, have had the hardest time staying out of the referees view. Even though the Jets organization has preached week after week, that they were right in letting go players that were integral parts of last year's run to the AFC Championship, it is still up for debate and becomes more noticeable each time the same guys make dumb mistakes. The Jets have been undisciplined on and off the field so far this season, which is evident from all the penalties and now with DUI arrests, female reporters being harassed and suspensions. The most frustrating part of that, is the fact that Mark Sanchez, minus the home opener, has performed beyond expectations. He has been a bright light, during these dark times. Dating back to last year, he hasn't thrown a pick in 5 straight games. He also has been efficient and has scored at will, throwing 6 TD's in the last two games. But the problem is not with the Southern California native, it is with his teammates and coach. With Rex Ryan, you know what you get, big personality, big statements and big emotions. But some of that is bringing backlash to the team. The players, on the other hand, are just not being controlled and others have come with their own baggage that has also effected the Jets image.

Beating Miami and moving into a three-way tie for first place was huge for the Jets, especially with the over hyped expectations and F-bomb ladened reality series hovering over them this season. If they can start to stay out of the negative spotlight, i.e. penalties, arrests, controversial comments and substance abuse, this team can be very dangerous. Now, especially with some players coming back soon from injuries and suspensions, things can begin to click on all cylinders and the Jets can be a balanced juggernaut in the NFL.