After a horrendous loss to the Patriots last week, NY Jets fans, players and coaches thought things wouldn't get any worse this week against the Miami Dolphins. In fact, everyone thought the game with Miami would be a statement game. That the Jets would "bounce" back from such a defeat and put it all behind them. They all thought wrong! Yesterday, NY buried themselves next to the Patriots game ball, with another ugly loss to a Division rival. The Jets beat themselves every opportunity they got against the Dolphins. With dropped passes, fumbles, interceptions, missed assignments and a general loss of identity, Gang Green moved themselves further away from playing meaningful games in January. There are so many to blame for the loss. Starting with the coaches. Offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer's play calling yesterday was terrible. He should have went back to the old "ground and pound" game that Rex Ryan loves so much, so that Mark Sanchez could get some spacing with the Play-action calls. Instead, Schottenheimer abandoned the run mostly and had Sanchez throwing like they were down 21 points. The truth is that the defense gave the offense plenty of chances to win, only allowing 10 points. The reality is those 10 points came after crucial turnovers by the offense in Miami's side of the field. The Jets defense kept Chad Henne at bay, giving up a paltry 55 yards passing and the only action that star wide out, Brandon Marshall, saw was his 5 yard TD catch. Basically the Dolphins were begging the Jets to beat them. The Jets however, were unable to recognize the situation they had in front of them and WOULD not capitalize on anything.
Some focal points of the blame:
Aforementioned, Brian Schottenheimer: the play calling didn't do anything for Mark Sanchez's confidence nor did it help him get any momentum going. Shonne Green should have been used much more often, to soften up Miami's defensive line. Then mixing in LT, with some play action passing, should have given the offense some time to make plays.
Offensive Line: This part of the Jets has been the most consistently strong group, that has never really faltered when the big plays were needed. In the past two games they have left Sanchez out there to dry and have given in to the pressure, forcing Sanchez to throw picks, take sacks and cough the ball up. Damien Woody's injury is so crucial, because his back up (Wayne Hunter), the "best back up tackle in football" according to Rex, couldn't block anything. The offensive unit needs to be more prepared, especially with the Pittsburgh "D" lurking next Sunday.
Receivers: The wide receivers for the NY Jets didn't get a lot of opportunities for big plays yesterday, but when they had the ball between the numbers when it counted, they dropped it. The dropped passes happen all the time, but when nothing is working for the offense and one catch makes a difference, those mistakes are highlighted.
Mark Sanchez: HE is the face of the NY Jets. He has to get the support that he needs to stay confident and press on. When Rex Ryan goes on the air after the game and admits to the press that he had considered pulling the kid out during the Miami game yesterday, what does he think will happen to Sanchez's confidence? What good came out of him saying that? Does Rex all of a sudden believe that Sanchez is not the "guy" for the job anymore? Or is Rex trying to put himself in the spotlight? Whatever the reason was for him blabbing that to the press, it's uncalled for. You have to support a sophomore QB that is struggling, even if Rex wanted to pull him, don't say it publicly to the NY media. Unfortunately, Sanchez has struggled so much that he probably should have been pulled to shake him up a bit. Maybe. Sanchez still needs to recognize the defensive schemes and pressure that he is facing and take better care of the ball. He is forcing passes that all could have been or were intercepted. With the help of his coaches, he needs to dial back the plays and return to a more conventional offense, run, run and play action. They have great, veteran receivers and a good running game, that need to be utilized more efficiently. When Sanchez gets some spacing and can drop back and survey the field, he is pretty good. The running game will help support that.
Rex Ryan: This guy is great. He is a huge personality. He is a very smart, defensive coach. He gets his players to believe in him and buy into what he is preaching. Sometimes, he is too much. Maybe, he will spend a little less time this week entertaining the media and more time dissecting the play calling and mistakes from the past games. One of the reasons Belichick is so successful, is that during the season, he doesn't leave much time for goofing around and "relaxing". He leaves that for the off-season. If Rex can attend to business for his team's sake, then maybe they will be more prepared for Pittsburgh.
The Media talk about "panic mode" a lot when teams lose a couple of ugly games. The Jets need to be aware, not panicked, about their situation. They have 3 more games, 2 of them are away at dreadful weather stadiums, against top ranked defenses. If the Jets are not aware of their upcoming schedule and don't make it point to fix the mistakes they have continually made, then a 9-7 record won't do anything except be above .500. Watch the films of the New England wins against Pittsburgh and Chicago and learn about what worked and what didn't. Sanchez is no Brady, but the Jets as a team can compete with the Bears and Steelers. If they can learn anything from New England's wins, maybe the ship can be turned around.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
DAILY RANT: 12/3/2010
Again, at least we don't live in Cleveland.....with all of the hype of the return of the "King", Lebron James to his birthplace, when the dust settled, all that was left was a franchise searching for an identity and another one (Miami) finding it. The beat down the the Cavs got from Miami was really just a good team trouncing a sub-par team. The under lying story however, of Lebron going home for the first time is great, it is a fun story for the NBA and for sports reporters and it gives this regular season game more clout. The Cavs had nothing to lose against the Heat and the only way they would put up a fight was going to be strictly from emotions brewing from Lebron being back in OHIO. Unfortunately, fans got about 8 minutes of competitive basketball, because the Miami Heat took care of business early and sustained a 20+ point lead for the entire game. When the cameras flashed images of fans faces during the 2nd and 3rd quarter, it was as if they were reacting to an announcement that the state of Ohio had just lost its identity and became part of Pennsylvania. Fans faces, including owner Dan Gilbert's, couldn't hide the fact that they were aware that the Cleveland Cavaliers are a bad team, without much talent. It was also a recognition, not publicly of course, that without Lebron, the Cavs were never good enough and are not poised to make a run anywhere near the playoffs. Lebron, even though not many want to admit it, was the sole reason that Cleveland was even talked about in the NBA. Prior to him entering the NBA in Cleveland, the only popular story about the Cavaliers that was talked about, was when Michael Jordan hit "the shot" over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 NBA playoffs, ending the series and MJ sinking another clutch shot.
The fact is, the Miami Heat still have a lot of things to work on. Bosh had 5 rebounds, Ilgauskas had no points and 2 rebounds. This can't happen against juggernauts like the Celtics, Magic, Mavericks and Lakers. So Miami fans better not be running through the streets of South Beach cheering about this win against the Developmental League Cavs. Wade and James still need to find some rhythm while they are on the floor together and the supporting cast needs to do a better job of getting involved in the offense. At the end of the day, yeah, Lebron went home and dominated, but realistically, SO WHAT!?! He made Cleveland look bad, AGAIN and he dissed his hometown, AGAIN. The city of Cleveland got dirt kicked in their face AGAIN and yet, the Heat didn't prove anything. Fans got to see their beloved prodigal son one more time last night, except he went back his condo in South Beach, not his townhouse in Akron.
The fact is, the Miami Heat still have a lot of things to work on. Bosh had 5 rebounds, Ilgauskas had no points and 2 rebounds. This can't happen against juggernauts like the Celtics, Magic, Mavericks and Lakers. So Miami fans better not be running through the streets of South Beach cheering about this win against the Developmental League Cavs. Wade and James still need to find some rhythm while they are on the floor together and the supporting cast needs to do a better job of getting involved in the offense. At the end of the day, yeah, Lebron went home and dominated, but realistically, SO WHAT!?! He made Cleveland look bad, AGAIN and he dissed his hometown, AGAIN. The city of Cleveland got dirt kicked in their face AGAIN and yet, the Heat didn't prove anything. Fans got to see their beloved prodigal son one more time last night, except he went back his condo in South Beach, not his townhouse in Akron.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
DAILY RANT: 12/1/2010
Happy Holidays to all! As December begins and people try to find gifts for each other, hoping to have something to inspire them to actually purchase these gifts and get them into the "spirit", New Yorkers need to be aware of inspiration coming from their sports teams. So, just when you thought watching the battle between the Yankees front office and Derek Jeter's camp was going to give you the winter blues, poof!! There it appears, like a shooting star, much, much more to be thankful for if you are a NY Sports fan.
The NY Knicks, after losing out on the Lebron Sweepstakes, have shown life again and have a real star in Amare Stoudamire. The team has also found some superb support by way of Raymond Felton, rookie Landry Fields and 6th man of the year, Wilson Chandler. The Knicks are in a super weak Atlantic Division and find themselves in the thick of it early on. Usually by this point they are in last place, 5-7 games under .500. They are now 10-9 and the next two teams below them (Toronto Raptors/NJ Nets) are both 5 games under .500 and don't seem to have much fight in them. This is not a ticker tape parade for the Knicks, it is just a recognition of change in talent and of a step in the right direction. The Knicks can and might possibly tear off a 6 game losing streak, but for now, they are playing well and have found some good rhythm.
The New Meadowlands is now home to two top NFL teams. The Giants have gotten past serious injuries to their offense and are in a tie for the NFC East division. The Giants defense has come back to life, getting enormous pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, and containing the run. Eli Manning has made plays when he needs to, while getting support from his ever changing running game. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw continue to swap starting spots and if they can keep the turnovers down, they will be an effective weapon down the stretch. The NFC as a whole is much weaker then the AFC this year, which will only help the Giants in the long run as they try to keep hold of a playoff spot.
The Jets are tied for the best record in the NFL and are playing sound football. They can always work on something, but for the most part are an elite team. Their test will be going into New England this Monday night and leaving unscathed. However, it doesn't end there, because the Jets will need to keep their undefeated road record in tact when they go to Pittsburgh and Chicago, two really difficult places to play. The Jets have, at the least, secured another winning season, something which Eric Mangini and company could never accomplish. Prior to the Rex Ryan era, there wasn't any consistency with Jets . Now, Ryan has instilled his philosophies and way of dealing with the game and that has translated into success.
The NY Rangers are doing well......
The Yankees had a good season, not of course in the eyes of the Steinbrenner's, but in relation to other Baseball teams, they did. The Yankees will always spend, spend, spend and have a roster full of expensive names, able to fill the expensive, cushioned seats at the new, expensive Yankee Stadium. The Tampa Bay Rays will lose some significant talent to free agency this year, the Boston Red Sox contract with the Devil that they signed back in 2004 has expired and there aren't any other teams in the AL East, so expect the Yankees to be back in the playoffs......UNLESS....the Yankees do not bring back Derek Jeter. If they play hardball (PUN) with Jeter and his agent and allow him to leave, then the team should be prepared to suffer the consequences of letting the pretty face of the franchise wear something other then pinstripes. Although Jeter is on the down swing of his career, he IS the Yankees and has been for his entire career. No other player during his time in baseball, has meant more to a team or been as loved and popular for such a long period of time. Not to mention, he has been clutch during the biggest games and has been at the top in both defense and hitting almost every season. The Yankees will not survive the fallout if they let Jeter end his career somewhere other then the Bronx. Of course, things will work out and the Yankees will get Jeter back into uniform for the start of Spring training, along with Cliff Lee. Giving them, what could be, the best 1,2,3 in baseball, Sabathia, Lee and Hughes (Burnett will be a great #5).
The NY Mets, unfortunately are not in much of a position to contend anytime soon, but they are making the right moves in their front office, letting Omar Minaya go and changing managers. Which can be something fans can be thankful for. Who they have chosen for these positions, are yet to show whether they can make a difference or not. As for the talent in Flushing, there isn't much there. What used to be one the most solid corner of the infields in the NL, has turned into a rotation of shortstops and one third baseman that's afraid of the outfield walls. The best outfielder the Mets had this season was Angel Pagan, who makes 1/16th of what Carlos Beltran makes and wasn't nearly as touted as Jason Bay was last off season. The Mets pitching situation is just that, a situation. Other then Johan Santana (coming off another surgery) nothing else is there for the Mets in means of pitching. Nothing.
So NY Sports fans, bask in the glow of above average play, just shy of mediocrity and be thankful that you don't live in Cleveland!
The NY Knicks, after losing out on the Lebron Sweepstakes, have shown life again and have a real star in Amare Stoudamire. The team has also found some superb support by way of Raymond Felton, rookie Landry Fields and 6th man of the year, Wilson Chandler. The Knicks are in a super weak Atlantic Division and find themselves in the thick of it early on. Usually by this point they are in last place, 5-7 games under .500. They are now 10-9 and the next two teams below them (Toronto Raptors/NJ Nets) are both 5 games under .500 and don't seem to have much fight in them. This is not a ticker tape parade for the Knicks, it is just a recognition of change in talent and of a step in the right direction. The Knicks can and might possibly tear off a 6 game losing streak, but for now, they are playing well and have found some good rhythm.
The New Meadowlands is now home to two top NFL teams. The Giants have gotten past serious injuries to their offense and are in a tie for the NFC East division. The Giants defense has come back to life, getting enormous pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, and containing the run. Eli Manning has made plays when he needs to, while getting support from his ever changing running game. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw continue to swap starting spots and if they can keep the turnovers down, they will be an effective weapon down the stretch. The NFC as a whole is much weaker then the AFC this year, which will only help the Giants in the long run as they try to keep hold of a playoff spot.
The Jets are tied for the best record in the NFL and are playing sound football. They can always work on something, but for the most part are an elite team. Their test will be going into New England this Monday night and leaving unscathed. However, it doesn't end there, because the Jets will need to keep their undefeated road record in tact when they go to Pittsburgh and Chicago, two really difficult places to play. The Jets have, at the least, secured another winning season, something which Eric Mangini and company could never accomplish. Prior to the Rex Ryan era, there wasn't any consistency with Jets . Now, Ryan has instilled his philosophies and way of dealing with the game and that has translated into success.
The NY Rangers are doing well......
The Yankees had a good season, not of course in the eyes of the Steinbrenner's, but in relation to other Baseball teams, they did. The Yankees will always spend, spend, spend and have a roster full of expensive names, able to fill the expensive, cushioned seats at the new, expensive Yankee Stadium. The Tampa Bay Rays will lose some significant talent to free agency this year, the Boston Red Sox contract with the Devil that they signed back in 2004 has expired and there aren't any other teams in the AL East, so expect the Yankees to be back in the playoffs......UNLESS....the Yankees do not bring back Derek Jeter. If they play hardball (PUN) with Jeter and his agent and allow him to leave, then the team should be prepared to suffer the consequences of letting the pretty face of the franchise wear something other then pinstripes. Although Jeter is on the down swing of his career, he IS the Yankees and has been for his entire career. No other player during his time in baseball, has meant more to a team or been as loved and popular for such a long period of time. Not to mention, he has been clutch during the biggest games and has been at the top in both defense and hitting almost every season. The Yankees will not survive the fallout if they let Jeter end his career somewhere other then the Bronx. Of course, things will work out and the Yankees will get Jeter back into uniform for the start of Spring training, along with Cliff Lee. Giving them, what could be, the best 1,2,3 in baseball, Sabathia, Lee and Hughes (Burnett will be a great #5).
The NY Mets, unfortunately are not in much of a position to contend anytime soon, but they are making the right moves in their front office, letting Omar Minaya go and changing managers. Which can be something fans can be thankful for. Who they have chosen for these positions, are yet to show whether they can make a difference or not. As for the talent in Flushing, there isn't much there. What used to be one the most solid corner of the infields in the NL, has turned into a rotation of shortstops and one third baseman that's afraid of the outfield walls. The best outfielder the Mets had this season was Angel Pagan, who makes 1/16th of what Carlos Beltran makes and wasn't nearly as touted as Jason Bay was last off season. The Mets pitching situation is just that, a situation. Other then Johan Santana (coming off another surgery) nothing else is there for the Mets in means of pitching. Nothing.
So NY Sports fans, bask in the glow of above average play, just shy of mediocrity and be thankful that you don't live in Cleveland!
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