Football Jets

The 2011 New York Jets season is finally here. After the lockout and the crazy free agency period the games are on and the NFL is ready to entertain us every week for months. The Jets are living the high profile life right now. People everywhere are talking about them, of course that is almost automatic when you have Rex Ryan as head coach, but still people everywhere are putting the Jets in the conversation as possible champions.

And why wouldn’t they? The Jets have won 4 playoff road games the past two seasons, they have competitive AFC Championship games, they boast one of the leagues best defenses and they of course have a throng of high profile players.

One of those high profile names was the free agent acquisition of Plaxico Burress. Here is where I throw out the lame joke, “I hope the Jets didn’t shoot themselves in the foot” with this signing. Opinions vary widely on what will be Plaxico’s production during the 2011 Jets season but he did make a high-light reel catch during the pre-season but he is 3 years removed from making his last touchdown catch, albeit it was a Superbowl winning touchdown catch.

Most of the other big names are back again with LT, Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes powering the offense and Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Bart Scott locking down what could possibly be the NFL’s best defense. The defense finished ranked third in the league last year which followed the number one ranking during Rex Ryan’s rookie year as head coach. The offense can at times look great, and at times look very pedestrian. This has been the case with the offense throughout the preseason and pretty much throughout the Mark Sanchez era. Sanchez is young though, most third year quarterbacks are just getting their first opportunity to start in year three, Mark Sanchez has already tied the NFL record for most playoff victories by a quarterback.

So the 2011 New York Jets season will be exciting. The New England Patriots are going to be very good again, the Buffalo Bills should be vastly improved, and the Miami Dolphins… well let’s just say Tony Sparano has done a magnificent job keeping the Dolphins mediocre – which has been an absolute delight to see for New York Jets fans.

As for my 2011 New York Jets season prediction I am going to concur with Head Coach Rex Ryan and say that the Jets are going to the Superbowl.

The New York Jets had an epic victory at the expense of their most hated rivals, the New England Patriots. Rex Ryan made it personal between him and Bill Belichick and on this day he out coached him by a wide margin. The Jets defense dominated this game and Mark Sanchez had a magical performance throwing three touchdowns.

28-21. A score for the ages, in what is according to Rex Ryan the second biggest game in franchise history. The fact is, this next game against the Steelers will push this win to third, because the game against the Steelers is for the right to go to the Superbowl in Dallas.

Talking smack is cool now! With this being a copycat league, won’t the Rex Ryan and New York Jets players smack talk become the ‘in’ thing to do in the NFL?

Pretty boy Tom Brady is starting to lose his charm after two years straight of being knocked out of the playoffs in their first game, both at home. But tonight, new stars of the AFC shown brightly.

LT played another heck of a game,  scoring his third touchdowns in the playoffs.

Shonn Greene had a heck of a game, running for the score that broke open the game late.

Santonio Holmes made a historic, epic reception in the corner of the endzone, then got his two feet in bounds a split second before landing out of bounds. Holmes once before made an immaculate catch, a pass from Big Ben while playing for Pittsburgh in the Superbowl. That day he won the game for them, and tonight his incredibly difficult touchdown catch adds to his legacy of making the biggest plays at the biggest moments.

Jets Defense played so well, frustrating Brady,  sacking him several times, forcing fumbles, producing some hard hits time and again, and catching a game changing interception early on.  Smith, Scott, Ellis, Revis and Cromartie amongst others had amazing performances. This was a total team effort, and truly the Jets defense stepped up.

Jerricho  Cotchery had a huge catch and run that was so timely.

Braylon Edwards had a huge catch that got Sanchez in a groove.

Mark Sanchez again played great. 4 playoff wins in his first 2 seasons. This kid played at an ultra high level. The offensive line protected him well and gave him time to make some fantastic decisions and throws.

The Offensive Line played strong, allowing the Jets running backs the opportunity to gain yards repeatedly by running the football.

The coaches coached great. From exceptional special teams, to the variety of offensive play calls, to the perfect mixture of defensive blitzes and strong pass coverage choices the New York Jets coaching staff did a fantastic job.

The list of great performances today goes on and on. This was a total team effort.

The AFC Championship Game against Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh for the right to go to the Superbowl in Dallas.

The 2010 New York Jets team is a blend of talent and intrigue you would only dare ensemble if you were directing the next Hollywood blockbuster.

1. A star who once shined so bright on the biggest stage, known for one of the greatest catches in Superbowl history, Santonio Holmes. Holmes won’t make his appearance during the opening credits, he has a 4 game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
2. 2009′s most fast rising star, Darrelle Revis is holding out for more money despite a $120 million offer.
3. One of the greatest stars of all time, LT is trying to rediscover his former glory.
4. Another fresh face and troubled star, Antonio Cromartie has tabloid written all over him as he arrives in NY. The drama begins when you have seven kids in five states, and child-support issues.
5. The trash talking funny man Rex Ryan whose quotes are so entertaining.
6. Charismatic young quarterback Mark Sanchez who has a bit of Brett Favre recklessness to his game.
7. Over-paid and under-performing first round draft pick Vernon Gholston who doubtfully will ever live up to his hype for even one play.
8. Braylon Edwards who evidently has seriously more memorable dropped passes than passes he has caught
9. There is also some real TV talent in Jason Taylor, his moves on “Dancing With the Stars” should help land him a starring role in this show.
10. The fans who love them.