Weeb's Warbling's

All or nothin' at all!

2011-01-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

Its divisional playoff day. The stage is set for a rematch of two franchises that have a long history of animosity and two teams that caryy themselves vry differently. Some say the Jets are can't walk the talk. The Pats just don't talk, but if you believe Antonio Cromarti, the Pats QB talks too much.
Both teams will attack the others weakness. Can the Jets d-backs cover the short routes and keep the TE's and smurf Danny Woodhead (Woodcock, if you're Joe Thiesman). The Jets will try to run the ball at the edges and force the Patriot LB's to make plays. Look for the genius to put Big Boy Wilfork at the edge and dare the Jets to run in the middle and force Sanchez to make plays.
The Pats will try to run to set up the quick play action passes. Look for Cromartie to be more physical at the line and try to throw off Brady's rythmn . You will also see the Jets try to be physical with Brady as well. You will see the Jets defense bump #12 whenever possible.
The team that doesn't turn the ball over will win.
It's game time... Let's go JETS!!!

Are we watching the Jets or Mets?

2010-12-19T06:11:00.000-08:00

I hate to admit it, but the Jets season is fading fast. It was a fast start, and they gave us hope, however, this team is not going to the Super Bowl. Right now there are several teams in the conference that are playing better than them. New England, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Baltimore all seem to understand the urgency of December football. The Jets suffered from a horrible hangover against Miami and it is that game that will cost them a playoff opportunity. The offense is regressing, to a point where Joe Klecko can tell you what play is going to be called. I don't understand what Coach Schotty, (Shoddy) is trying to do. He has a quarterback that needs to feel comfortable in passing situations, so he needs to start protecting this kid in the pocket or get the pocket to move using rollouts, and more play action. Let's face it the running game has not shown up the last two weeks and clearly the Jets need help from the RT position. TE's and Rb's need to start chipping rushers at the line to slow things down for the QB.

The Jets will not win in Pittsburgh today. But will need to beat Chicago and Buffalo to keep their chances alive. But I don't think that 10-6 gets them in and it will be a big disappointment for the organization, and fans.

Weeb's hope is wobbling!

The Stretch Run...

2010-12-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Joe Willie thinks this is the most important game in NYJ history. He could very well be right, and he's the guy who delivered a Super Bowl victory. Why does he think so? The Jets are built to win now. And they have gotten lucky with a number of moves that the front office has made. It may not be there for them next year (there is still a lock-out looming).

Simple, if the Jets win they control their own fate toward February. If they lose tomorrow, they lose more than just the game. Right now they have a one game lead in the division and a division championship if they win out, would give them home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the #1 seed in the tourney. A position coach Ryan has coveted all year. He believes there is a home field advantage. If they lose, they could realistically be a three or four seed. Yes they would host a wild card game, but then they would have to go on the road again and possibly play the Pats again in Foxboro.

Now let's talk about the game. The Pats are strong where the Jets are weak. They have had trouble covering slot receivers and tight ends all season. There's a reason "The Genius" was easily willing to let Randy Moss go. Deon Branch is better suited to play within the way the Pats want to play. Brady has been more efficient when throwing between the numbers to Welker and his two large targets. And when you add Woodhead to the mix, he's another weapon that can hurt you coming out of the backfield on 3rd down. The Jets have to alter the way they play defense tomorrow night. They will have to blitz less and play more zone. The problem, if they sit back and play zone, Brady will pick them apart. The positive is that the Pats don't have much of a running game, so expect to see a lot of Trevor Pryce, Calvin Pace and Jason Taylor on the D-line. These are all big men that can get their arms up in Brady's sight-lines and try to take away the short passing lanes. They will also try to get Brady out of the comfort of the pocket, so expect the Jets to disguise and roll coverages, the last time these teams played the Jets played a lot of nickel. With Leonhard out, look to see the Jets play more dime and have them blitz DB's to disrupt Brady's rythmn.

When the Jets have the ball look for them to control the clock and try to run, run, run! LT had a great day in the first meeting. Look for the Jets to run until the Pats stop it. The Jets will also try to try to take advantage of a suspect Pats secondary.

Are you ready for Monday night football?!!!

Short Work Week...

2010-11-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

How tough will it be to come off an emotional win and be ready to play four days later. Well one thing isd for sure, you won't see a drastically different game plan. That could be good and bad. The Jets squeeked by the Texans. If they improve Red Zone play, Thursday's game will be very different. Tired of seeing opportunities being turned over to Nick Folk.

Hope TO enjoys being shadowed by the 'average' Revis all night. Did he happen to see what #24 did against a better, younger and more physical reciever on Sunday. But to be successful Thursday night, the Jets D must get pressure on Carson Palmer with 4 and 5 man fronts and force him to make the same kind of mistakes that he made last week.

Leave room for some pumpkin pie!

Are the Jets due for a blow-out either way?

2010-11-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

If it weren't for five plays this season the Jets could very easily be 2-7. But they are a league best 7-2 and as fans we'll take it! If you have been a football fan for any amount of time, you know that every team has at least one real clunker game in them in the season. Last week, it was the New York Giants getting taken to the wood-shed by the Cowboys. It was an easy trap game for the Giants, as Big Blue could have been looking ahead to Philadelphia, the Cowboys have been dissappointing going into the game, with a new head with something to prove and in all likelyhood challenging his players to play for thier professional lives. The result is the Giants come out flat and are really never in the game. Blown-out!

I have a feeling the Jets are in the same type of situation this week. The Texans are under-achieving, and coming off a tough loss to an inferior Jaguars team on an impossible desparation play. I'm sure they're agry that they left a victory on the field and have something to prove to themselves this week against a team they have never beaten, never beaten. How many franchises can say that about the Jets? (I think they are the only ones.) Beatig the Jets would be a huge confidence boost for them to fuel a push down the stretch.

I'm not a Gary Kubiak fan and believe if the Texans don't make the playoffs, he will be dismissed after the season. There is talent on that roster, and I'm not even including Arian Foster. I think this team is coming into NY with a chip on its shoulder, and watching the way the Jets have played the last month, and that they could be looking ahead toward thier PrimeTime game Thursday night against Cinncinnati, this could be a real stinker. Add to the mix, T.O. and Ochocinco wanting to make some noise against a defense that shut #85 down in last year's playoff game, the Bengals will be looking for revenge. I think the Jets lose tomorrow, as they are still have not masters of thier own house. So all you real fans in the upper deck, make some noise and get these guys into it from whistle to whistle.

Fleeting thoughts...

The defense is playing well, but don't they look like they are getting pushed around a bit too much?
Does it look like the league has figured out Rex Ryan's blitz schemes?
When will Brad Smith throw a long pass out of the Wildcat?
Will the season come down to the Jets v. Patriots? I think so.
If we lose last week's game is Nick Folk still our kicker?

Add Eric Mangini to your holiday card list...

2010-11-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

In the last 19 months Eric Mangini has given the New York Jets Mark Sanchez, Braylon Edwards and a win that the Jets were trying to give away.

The Jets traded with the Browns to move up and land the "San-chise" and last year again the Jets listened when the Browns called looking to unload Edwards. Both players have had a major impact on the Jets success this season. And on Sunday, with the game on the line, the Browns had the ball inside thier own five and Mangini, fails to run out the clock and had to give the Jets the ball back. The rest, you can see on any highlight show.

Nick Folk said he was wearing the wrong shoes as his reason he missed three field goals against the Browns last Sunday. The television announcers were talking during the game that the Jets came out for pregame warm-ups and changed cleats to see which ones would be most effective on the Cleveland turf. A player that has to have firm footing to perform, you'd think he'd figure out which shoes to wear? I don't know if i'd cut him for missing the three FG attempts or wearing the 'wrong' shoes!!!

Sanchez played the guttiest game of his young career as he escaped trouble several time to make plays. Cotchery made a tremendous catch top keep the Jets alive. Think he's out of the doghouse.... eight Jets caught passes versus the Browns.

The Jets won the game in the third quarter when they took the ball and marched down the field and ate up most of the qtr. When the Browns offense got on the field they were clearly cooled off.... The Jets prevent defense was horribleas the young Colt marched the Brownies down the field for the tying TD... Still waiting for the defense to become that shut down unit that they were last year, or have teams figured out how to attack them... Kyle Wilson made a great play on a third down to prevent a Browns first down, outstanding tackle!

The Texans come to town this week, they are a much better team than the ones the Jets have played the last two weeks. The oil city gridders are coming off a heart breaking loss to my #2 team the J-ville Jaguars. They will be on a mission to beat the Jets who have lost 2 games at home this season ...T-rich break it down, and the Home of the Jets? Good thing game time is 1pm, Woody won't have to worry about paying the electric bill, which the Mara's apparently forgot to do...

Could this be it for Chad Pennington? Was hoping that he could enjoy another season. Maybe Zygie Wilf will offer him a couple of mill to play next year. He seems to have an affinity for broken down QB's.

Break!

Where's the Beef?

2010-11-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

Rex Ryan spent all summer and Training Camp, extolling the fact that the Jets are a 'ground and pound' team. As his team stumbled into 6-2, Ryan is either trying to fool the NFL with misdirection or simply not on the same page as his Offensive Coordinator.

Over the last four games, this team is so far from 'ground and pound' the fact that they rushed for just over 100 yards against the Lions is surprising. The offense has not played well in its last three games and when it was clear that Mark Sanchez was not throwing the ball well on Halloween against the Packers, Shotty resisted running the ball in what was a one score game to build momentum.

This leads me to believe that the coaching staff is disappointed in Shonn Greene's performance and this is evidenced in the fact that Hall of Famer, LT is getting so much of the workload. Leading into the season, we all thought that LT was going to be the compliment to the hard power running of Greene and apparently that plan has changed. LT has played very well, but you have to wonder if #21 is going to be slowed physically as the season grinds on. Coach Parcells always said that champoinships are won in the month December. Mostly because the weather begins to become more of a factor. With that in mind, teams with a strong running game can control the line of scrimmage, control the game and the clock.

Mark Sanchez also needs to get the offense back into a rythem. There seems to be a lack of continuity and that the Jets offense is reacting to the opposing defense instead of attacking the opponents.

So this team, which again hasn't played well when they have had the ball the last few weeks, can start getting back to being more balanced and use the pass as a weapon they can dominate the teams they play over the next few weeks which are the Browns tomorrow, the Texans and then Cincinnati on Thanksgiving night. At 9-2 they will control home field advantage for the playoffs, which is something that Rexie wants.

The defense is playing well, but doesn't seem to be the same dominating defense it was last season. Have teams learned how to match-up. Like when they overload one side of the field the offensive line just slides to even up, but if you rush 6 or 7 and the offense is outnumbered, someone needs to make the play and its not being happening.

Gang Green needs to get back to being physical upfront and shut down the only weapon the Browns have in RB Peyton Hillis. If they put the rookie QB Colt in tough situations they will be able pressure him into making mistakes. Look for Jason Taylor to have a big game.

Green Thoughts...
-I can't believe that I got Heidied last Sunday by CBS Philly as they cut to the Eagles game as the Jets went to OT... frustrating!!!
-Was the Lions game overly chippy, if Bart Scott calls them the dirtiest team they've played, he'd know.
-Santonio Holmes is starting to make an impact ineach game as he enjoy a 100 yd receiving game last week.
-Does Braylon score a TD every week?
-David Harris is a Pro-Bowl player, you need to vote him in.
-Revis starting to regain form, it was fun to watch him against a much bigger physical receiver in Calvin Johnson.
-Isn't a blitz package designed to get to the QB and force them to hurry and make bad passes. Stafford didn't seemed concerned.
-I like Sione Pouha!
-Cleveland has never been an especially kind city to the Jets... need to change that.
-Man-genius getting things in place for the Dawg-Pound, need to derail the Brown dream for a week.

Sometimes Better to B Lucky Than Good

2010-10-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

The Jetsies escaped the mile high city with a win yesterday, no thanks to there offense, defense or special teams, well maybe special teams gets some kudos for Nick Folk's franchise record field goal. Sorry Pat Leahy! All the credit goes to the field judge who threw the flag on a desperation pass from Sanchez and a call that the refs actually got right. Unlike some of the other calls that were made throughout the game. At some point don't the referees realize they are taking the game out of the players hands. The guy in replay booth at some point yesterday should have buzzed down to the field and told the referee to advise his crew to keep thier hankys in thier pockets. It must have been the thin air, because this crew called some very tippy-tat penalties.
Someone please remind the zebras that nobody watches the games to see them...

Gang Green stole one yesterday and they needed to as the Pats keep pace in the divison and those conference wins carry weight.

Someone asked me today who I thought the best team in the AFC is and with the addtion of Deion Branch the Patriots are a better team than they were with Randy Moss. If they continue to improve they may peak at the right time as the Jets did last year.

LT and Braylon Edwards get to the end zone again yesterday...
Santonio Holmes made a pretty catch along the sidelines yesterday, he has an incredible feel for the sideline.
I understand why Revis played yesterday, but he is still clearly hampered by the hamstring injury. The Broncos knew it and made him a target. Something he hasn't experienced since his rookie season.
How many days left does Vernon Gohlston have left as a Jet?
5 and 1 at the break, just what Rex wanted the best record in football. Green Bay coming in on Halloween, Shreck looking for a sweet treat.
Enjoy the bye week!

Mid week report

2010-10-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Did ya enjoy the game Monday night? I enjoyed watching the offensive line dominate a pretty good defensive line and I don't remember if I heard All-World Jared Allen's name mentioned at all between 920pm and 1230 Tuesday morning. And where are all the Brett Farve shills now? He's such a 'me' guy that he actually celebrated throwing his 500th TD pass, as they were losing the game. And I couldn't be happier for the Vikings coaching staff. They are 1-3, have Randy Moss and a season that looks like it's ready to spontaneously combust. Moss will be a real joy to be around week 12, when they are 4-8. I actually don't blame the loss on Farve, but it did put a ribbon on it with the pick 6 he threw in the waning minutes of the game.
But two things really stuck out in that game as WTF moments. First was the Vikings wasting a time out to discuss if they were going for a two point conversion when they were behind by two points and the Jets overt mismangement of the clock with 2:47 remianing. Even, Charlie Winner and the Mangenius would not have thrown a pass in that series. As Herm Edwards would have said, Run The Clock To WIN THE GAME!

Random Flak...

Who's decision was it to let Revis play? He clearly isn't healthy...
Buckle up your chinstraps... when the timing is there, Holmes is gonna break some really big plays.
Who would have thought that both Cromartie and Edwards would be playing this well...
LT continues to amaze. I hope his impact will still be there in December...
Sanchez had trouble with a wet ball...
(related item) Tim Hassellbeck, husband of The View's Elizabeth H-back, says NFL QB's are having issues with the pink ribbon balls. Not because of the decal, but the balls are brand new and slick. Didn't we all throw a brand new football on Christmas morning? Where's Lester Hayes when you need him?
Have the Jets let the fans back into the stadium yet... we're expecting more rain tonight
The Jets secondary better be well rested. This Denver team has a limited running game. Our front seven need to play three yards behind the line of scrimmage on Sunday...

Jets now believe and go 5-1, and ready for a well deserved bye.

Good Things Come in 3's

2010-10-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

At the quarter pole the Jets are a division leading 3-1! This week, the number three becomes a recurrinig theme. And no I'm not talking about the size of Brett Farve's... well nevermind that! Three is the number of prime time games (2 Monday and 1 Sunday night) the Jets will be playing in, the 3 wins that leads the division that I mentioned at the top of this blog and the most imprtant three, the three players that the Jets get back for Monday's game against a quality opponent the Vikings: Calvin Pace, the much awaited debut of Santonio Holmes and the return of Revis Island (just in time to square up with Randy Moss- again.

These three impact players make the Jets better in a number of ways. Let's start with Calvin Pace, who is the Jets best pass rusher. Now as we've witnessed, Jason Taylor is playing fairly well. When you bring him in now on 3rd and long situations and load one side of the line with both him and Pace, it creates a problem for the other team to protect its passer and force them to look short instead of long. Why? Revis will takeaway one reciever and essentially shut down one side of the field, Cromartie and Wilson are playing very well and the safties aren't making critical mistakes. It will be interesting to see if the Jets have Revis or Cromartie cover Moss. Or keep the Vikes guessing what the coverage is goin to be, or do the Jets have Revis cover AP out of the backfield and play in a shadow-type role. The Vikes will look to get AP out in space with the ball in his hand, as he comes into the game as the team's leading receiver. That's why they needed to add a wide reciever like Moss.

Get ready for the Broadway debut of Santonio Holmes! Holmes is one of the biggest impact players in the league. He is gifted with great hands and feet. Remember the game winning catch for the Steelers two years ago in the 'Big Game.' Can anyone's feet be that close to the sideline without being on the line. He is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. Having Holmes on the field at the same time alongside Braylon Edwads will make the TO/Ochocinco combination in the Queen City look limp.

With Edwards playing well, Keller emerging as an All-Pro type TE and Jerricho Cotchery being the dependable steady weapon that they need the Jets can now spread the field and either run the ball with LT or Shonn Greene or go 4 or 5 wide and create some real match-up problems for the Vikings. I like Keller matched-up with any linebacker or small corner, if teams try to shut down the seams that Keller will drive, that will open up opportunities for the other recievers.

Shotty just got his shiny Christmas toy two months early. This offense is really going to be fun to watch. The problem that the coaching staff will have is that if they want to continue to be ground and pound, they will still have to keep the recievers happy. It will also become a challenge for Mark Sanchez to not wan to forcibly spread the ball around and make mistakes. The kid is due to throw an INT and it will happen this week as he tries to force a pass to a reciever to try to get them involved in the game.

The outcome of this game is not as important to me as is the Jets defense splitting Farve like a wishbone as a farewell for sabbotaging our season two years ago and for just being a guy who believes he's bigger than the teams he allegedly play for. It's funny that the local press was scourring the Jets training facility this week looking for positive #4 stories from players and couldn't come up with any. The stories surfaced quickly after the 2008 season that Favre was not a good teammate, and was somewhat aloof to being here. It would be fitting if the Jets take away his season the way he took away ours.

I'm against the 18 game schedule that is being bandied about although it will bring about some interesting changes I'm sure like expanded rosters and changes to the IR list where guys will be allowed to come back; I envision a more MLB like injury list like a 10, 15 an 60 day IR and we'll also need two bye weeks for each team or the play-offs will be a battle of 'survival of the fittest.'

Welcome (Back) To Revis Island!!!

Still Crazy After All These Beers

2010-09-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

What started as a great week eroded very quickly when we learned that Braylon Edwards was arrested for DUI in Manhattan early Tuesday morning. The Jets as a team pulled off what was the most impressive win for the franchise since they beat Tennessee a few years ago. Enough of that it's Friday and in the NFL, you don't get to enjoy the wins too long. Because its back to business on Wednesday morning. Enough on that.
What I don't understand is all the sanctimonious B.S. coming from the fans this week about how #17 should be suspended, traded, released or crucified. These are the same idiots that have been known to be notorious drinkers themselves sitting in the parking lot on Sunday mornings drinking until they are falling over themselves to get into the stadium. Then at halftime you'll find them taunting women to flash them for amusement because the action on the field isn't enough to satify the cro-magnon appitites. Oh and lest we forget the antics at the Gate C ramp and poor stooges who play the game of cat and mouse; trying to grab as much coin as they could before the rain of beer came pouring down. These are the fans who are calling talk radio stations outraged by Mr. Edwards actions and very bad judgement... .16 of bad judgement!
The lynch mob, who are too stoo-pid to realize the organization are limited in what they can do to punish thier players because the league, collective bargaining agreement and the NFLPA have guidlines on how this can be handled. If the Jets suspended the player, the Players Association flies a grievance and wins the case. The league will handle this as a first substance offense and levy a fine. The Jets are in a no win situation. I don't like the way the organization handled this situation, Woody looks like he put his head in the sand, and Rex looks like dean Wormer from fabled Faber College.
The best comment came from WFAN's Joe Beningo, all he cares about is what the Jets do on Sunday afternoon. If Edwards can be part of the reason the team gets to play in the last game in February it's all good. That's what we pay for and that's why we root. If Braylon Edwards catches 2 or 3 touchdown passes this Sunday and the Jets win, fans will be raising a glass to him and all will be forgotten. If Edwards drops one pass, the boo birds will be out early.
The Jets know that they are built to win now! Win at all costs, that's what the fans want; that's what the organization wants, damn the cost and destruction along the way.
If the Jets can get past the distraction of this week and win in South Florida, they could go on a nice little run with Buffalo up next and a shaky Minnesota after that.

BTW... did the Giant fan who tried to upstage Fireman Ed last month really file a lawsuit against the sixth member of the Village People for "simple assult" because he got bumped? Is the Giants defense taking a cue from its fans... I knew it was soft, but I didn't think it was that soft.

Is Westoff still railing Clowney for not making any contact on Special Teams last week... why didn't we bring Coles back?
David Harris is the most underrated linebacker in the league...
Nice to see Vern on the stat sheet two weeks in a row...
Jason Taylor brought the pain to end the Patriot's game. Maybe Tom Brady should provide more bullitin board material...
Has Ted Ginn been seen in Miami this week? Because the fins haven't found thier offense yet...

The Dolphins will force the ball to Brandon Marshall, and Cromartie will be tested for 60 minutes. Let's see which Cro shows up the game one overmatched CB or the I can cover Randy Moss mano-a-mano defender.

Weeb calls for the Jets 17-10.

Take II

2010-09-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm just ending another session with my 'shrink' after witnessing what was possibly the worst performance by the Jets offense, ever. I've seen them shutout and play better than they did this past Monday night. Yes, even under the tutilage of Rich Kotite, I have never seem this team play worse with the ball. It was like watching a ballet... Painful and yes, I fell asleep in the middle of it!
What went wrong? You talked all off season, you talked all preseason. Whenever there was an opportunity for a headline you took it. You painted a huge bullseye on your logo with the swagger and Hard Knocks mini series. Did you think teams don't want to come out and punch you in the face you're mistaken? When T.O. and OchoCinco think you trash talking too much, you know your talking too much... Rex how does your team not come out of the locker room ready to 'ground and pound' on national television and in your 'new' home opener. Matt Slausson looked overmatched by Ngata all night. I'm glad you didn't put in Ducasse, because Sanchez would have been injured.
And let's talk about Sanchez. Fans are starting to talk about body language and the look of fear he had in his eyes before the game. Hey, he had a poor preseason in limited action and did not play at all in the last preseason game. So, realistically he hadn't played in a real game against guys with different color shirts on, who want to get after it in almost two weeks. He needs to use the tools that he has to make plays and win games. The Jets have enough to win. If you are lining up with Keller, Edwards, Cotchery and LT, you got some options to be unpredicable on offense and take pressure off your signal caller. Wake up Schotty and understand what you have to work with. If you are always telling the kid to go through his progressions and check down, he'll never throw the ball downfield out of fear of what happened to him last year. He'll always make the safe throw. You cant wait for Santonio Holmes to arrive to stretch the field. If Sanchez doesn't understand the offense, then do what Dan Henning did with Vinny "The Great" in 1998, draw up the plays and direct him to where the ball should be thrown based on the defensive you see. It's like color by number. Take five steps back, throw the ball to the right flag...
Either way I believe the Jets are still sleepwalking... Pats 35- Jets 13. The Jets give up a touchdown on special teams and Sanchez panics and gives up a pick six trying to make a play that's not there.
Sorry Jets fans... gonna have to dig out of an early hole.

Hard Knocks and Harder Lessons

2010-09-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

10 days away from kick-off on Monday night 9/13 and the Jets have yet to re-sign thier best player, Derrelle Revis! The Jets created this situation, and now they must deal with it... Last season we heard coach Rex, proclaim to the world that his CB was the best defensive player, er the best player in the league. When that messege continues to goes out to the world for 18 weeks, that becomes currency in the land of opportunity. The Jets were successful last season because they had a player that closed half the field off for opponents. That allows Rex to send 6 and sometimes 7, against 5. Without Revis he will not have that luxury. Cromartie is a very capable player, but his San Diego teammates questioned his dedication and willingness to be physical... that's something Rex and his assistants demand. The rookie looks to be quite talented, but he's still a greenhorn. And as we witnessed from the four preseason games, there isn't much depth in the secondary. Mr. T and Woody... if you think you can get to Dallas in February with this team without number 24, you may be waking up sometime in October with an o-fer. There are no gimmes when you paint a target on your back! Rex wants the expectation to be high, well it is. The guys that line up against you get paid too!

Watching the mini-series, "Hard Knocks" Training camp with the New York Jets, I can't help but thinking that this is a weekly info-mercial to buy PSL's and season tickets. On the critical side, it seems like all 'reality' tv over-produced, too scripted and contrived. Oh and if Mr. T and Woody spent as much time working on the Revis negotiations as they have vying for camera time. The kid would have been in camp three weeks ago.

Woody walks around like he's coaching the team and the only guy with more fire than the head coach is special teams coach, Mike Westoff. Funny when he threatened to cut a kid from the team right on the field during practice. Westoff, who by the way, should have been cut on the field during the Miami game when Ted Ginn made the Jets special teams unit seem not special at all, as a matter of fact inept. Hey, who actually went out to get the cheeseburgers that the players were eating during practice.

Some preseason observations:

The Jets drafted the next Blair Thomas in RB McKnight
Tomlinson and Brunell can still get after it
Sanchez will take a step back this year
When Santonio Holmes is on the field with Edwards and Cotchery, it will become very exciting to watch
Laverneous Coles will be back with the Jets
The defense will sputter without Pace and Revis
I'm still not buying Jason Taylor being a factor
John Conner will make a play to win a game this year
Braylon Edwards will be a Pro-Bowl player this year
The Jets finish 9-7...

Maturing at the right time

2010-01-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

To paraphrase the lead in today's LA Times, the Jets believe who they think they are! While we all doubted how they have gotten here. With mirrors and lots o luck mostly; Coach Rexie has this team believing that this is exactly how he's expected this to go. He knows that it takes defense and a running game to win in the NFL playoffs. He's experienced it in several seasons with Baltimore and he has both. They have taken the pressure off San-chise and allowed the strength of the team to lead the way. Yes, the Chargers gained a lot of yards in the 1st half yesterday, but the Jets kept the Bolts out of the end zone. Close enough for the Jets to score a couple of times and steal the game.
If this team believes, then we should too. The Colts saw the same defense on Saturday and only scored 20 points. The Ravens were lost on offense and don't have Gang Greens running attack. This will be another good one to watch.
I think all Jets fans can enjoy this season and look forward to an off-season with no angst. Super Bowl or not this team has overachieved and can build upon it's success. They have gone on a magical run with a little help. The doubters said that Indy and Cincy had nothing to play for when the teams met in the regular season. Well the Bengals showed up for the playoff game and failed to get it done. The Chargers, who were supposed to have this incredibly high powered offense scored 14 points and looked uncomfortable at home in a lose and go home environment. Gang Green stood toe-to-toe with two teams whom most experts thought would knock them out and survived. this team is learning how to win at a crucial time. It reminds me a lot of the Giants Super Bowl run from two years ago.

Some obeservations from the divisional playoffs...(in no particular order)

The score of the Cardinals-Saints game was more like watching an NBA All-Star game...
Tony Romo and America's Team never got off the bus! Can we all now stop getting so excited about how dominant the Cowboys are, please...
Nate Kaeding's relived 2004 vs. the Jets all over again.
Has Norv Turner for Marty Schottenhiemer really turned out any different?
How does Sanchez' rookie season stack up against Ryan and Flacco now!
The Colts did play the first half of the game in Week 16... rematch just like in Madden when my son doesn't like the way the game is going.
Not that they are thinking that far ahead, but do you think some of the Jets would love to get a chance to get a shot on Farve for imploding their '08 season?

And finally, looking back was it really Leno's manager, Helen Kusnick, who put a gun to NBC's head over succeeding Johnny Carson over Letterman. Leno didn't want to be percieved as the bad guy and threw her under the bus. And he's doing it again. Jay, time to go home and play with your cars. You made a promise to step away, be a man of your word and step away permanently. You don't need the money or the gig. Have some class as Johhny did. When the great one stepped away, we never saw him again.

BTW, Dick Ebersol hasn't been relevant to primetime television in quite some time. Zucker needs to get his team under control. P.S. if he has, he hasn't done anything to change the network's standing lately has he? NBC built a dominant network with one night of incredible programming and Jerry Sienfeld and not much else. Going with Conan O'Brien was a brave move, but they wanted their cake and eat it too. Conan never did a conventional talk show that's why it worked at 12:30. If you want Conan, let him do his show at 1135 and give him 18 months to build an audinece as you did for Leno. Or the actual move is to move Jimmy Fallon to 1135 with his more vanilla delivery and innocent demeanor that plays well with mid-america.

Win and your in!

2009-12-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

Win and your in... we're really gonna find out if this team and this coach has anything in its collective belly! No cliches, no excuses... They have found every possible way to lose games this season, and still control their future. The football gods must have a one last cold slap in the face left for us long suffering Jets fans. This is a tease too good to be true!!!

I don't care that Indy was indifferent about last week's game. The last I looked the Jets have done an efficient job of snatching defeat from the hands of victory this year, so nothing was certain. Point, the kid Painter also gets a paycheck from the NFL and must have some talent to be the understudy to Peyton Manning. When was the last time you were on an NFL roster? Thought so. The Colts have thier eye on a bigger prize than going undefeated in the regular season... As far as people thinking that that is a noteworthy or historic team accomplishment, what will the 2007 Patriots be remembered for going 16-0, or being an overwhemling favorite and losing to the NY Giants in the Super Bowl! Oh, by the way, didn't the Giants make the tourney as a Wild Card!

Can't believe that Thomas Jones did not make the Pro Bowl...

Hope the score of the game isn't Ocho-Cinco!

Oh My Darlin' Clemmen's Time!

2009-12-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

Can't look past this opponent. Run the ball until they stop it and play strong solid defense against another young QB. Control the the time of possession game then enjoy the weather in Tampa for the remainder of the weekend...

Weeb wants this one to keep our slim hope alive!

Post Thanksgiving Feast

2009-11-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

As I unbutton the top of my pants to allow a scouch more room to take down leftovers, I know know how Rex must feel at this point in the season. On Thanksgiving eve you are full of hope and anticipation about how much you are going to enjoy the feast the next day. The turkey and fixin's all look very appetizing and you know you can get it all down and be the king of the holiday table.

The first course was easy, the anti pasto with its lite fare and savory offerings awaken your taste buds and put you in the mood for wanting more. Then a couple of glasses of wine and the pasta to follow, make me feel a bit uneven. Wait a minute, dare I see sneak a hot dog during the pasta. That's sacreligious, how dare I! I not feeling well and I didn't have dinner last night...

I'm getting a little carried away with myself and feeling I can take on the main course without taking a breath. Here it comes the star of the meal, the young turkey with all the dressing, including the sweet potatoes with marshmellows. But I shuddered, my jaw quivering and my brain telling me its over. But I push on, without any momentum or a game plan that gets me back on track. I fumble with my fork and start feeling a little dizzy. I start mistaking my family for pirates and start passing them the asparagus and stuffed mushrooms. Another lost dinner. I regroup for dessert which will take me to the end of this meal and leave me with hope for next year.

Rexie, here's some advice for next season. Try a less bluster and earn your title like Kobiashi, one hot dog at a time...

Weeb's Full!

Pats Back To The Head of The Class

2009-11-22T14:16:00.000-08:00

How can they be getting worse by the week? Hey for the second half, I'll opt to watch A Tribute to Smokey Robinson on Ice. It's a lot less painful!!!

Rex, I know why you're cryin', you're not gonna see the end of your contract. Can this franchise please find a coach that can this this group of players to perform and execute.

Can anyone coach this kid and teach him to check down or throw the ball away instead of completing passes to the opponents.

Braylon Edwards is a fraud of a wideout, just like Roy Williams...

Trouble with a Capital T

2009-11-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

This team will not win if they need the Sanchise to make a play. If the SOJ's are going to be a run first team then they need to control the clock and play mistake free in the other phses of the game. What killed them today... special teams letdown. I'm tired of all the bravado... just shut the f@#$ up and play the game. Guys that are undisciplined should not be playing on special teams. Mike Westoff is the best in the business at what he does and this was a disaster for his group. Ted Ginn...Ted Ginn OMG!!! Not once but twice. Guys waiting for other guys to make a tackle. They were blowing the Dolphins off the ball in the first half and had them on thier heels and could not score. This team is not going to the playoffs, three losses in the divison its over. Let's open up the playbook and at least be exciting for the remainder of the season.....

Hot Dog Gate

2009-10-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

Eating a hot dog during a game is nothing new. Baseball people say that The Babe would eat hot dogs during games and I'll bet he snuck in a beer or two. But watching the San-chise eating a dirty water dog yesterday in the waning moments of a blow-out brought something else to mind for me. It brought me back to the days in the sandlot. When I started playing organized ball at age 8 or 9, I had a teammate who was bigger than the rest of us. Our own sultan of swat, his name was Tommy December, or as we grew to call him Two-Dog Tommy.
Time to connect the dots. Just before every game every game, he would ask his father for two hot dogs and he ate them in four bites just before every game that entire season. Tommy was a power hitter and a power eater. We all wondered if the hot dogs gave him the power to launch those line drives into the gaps, or make our hands sting when he threw the ball. But being 8 or 9 we got the most enjoyment from the thunderous belches that inevitably came around the 4th inning. Tommy was a character. Someone we could watch in amazement and laugh at all at the same time. He was a kid, a kid having fun in a place where fun is allowed, the ball park!
Athletes are kids, let them have some fun.
Dan Dierdorf made this incident seem like Sanchez was committing a crime. I guess DD has a high reverence for the game. This guy played alongside the dirtiest player to ever play the game (Conrad Dobler). Selective memory, or do only revere the game after you retire and get your bust on display in Canton!
Let the kids play and have some fun, that's what Two Dog Tommy's dad would say!

This week is about redemption...

Stop Talkin' and Start Playin'

2009-10-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

The orange juice was bitter all week. I'm just getting over the embarrassment that took place in the South Florida heat last Monday Night. This team that has rallyed around the theme of being a strong smash-mouth defense got blown off the line of scrimmage and did not stop an offense that tells you what they are going to do and that's run the ball. The Jets did not man up and by the fourth quarter allowed themselves to be on the field way too much.

Calvin Pace where are you? The Mad Backer, Bart Scott looked lost. And can we please get back to tackling the body instead of what my high school coach so elquently put it... titty grabbin' and trying to strip the ball. If you keep pounding the ball carrier, the ball will find its way to the ground!

The bills come in today in disarray and desparate. The team will have to deal with adversity for the its first true test of the year. To stop a two game losing streak and weather that will be less than pleasant for a kid from So Cal who has probably never seen how bad the conditions can be in the northeast.

Look for TJ to get on track today record a 100+ yards rushing day as the mantra will be about ball control and eating the clock. The Jets have had trouble with the Bills in the past and Lee Evans has always enjoyed good days against them. Look for the Jets secondary to be challenged today to cover both Evans and T.O., who has been way too quite both on and off the field this year. This could be his brakout game for the Bills. You know T.O. likes the big stage and playing the Jets is the big stage for this player who now plays for 'north' Americas Team. He said it, I'm just paraphrasing.

Weeb sees a close win in ugly fashion.

What are we getting here!

2009-10-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I am excited that the Jets have found the #1 receiver that they need, or are they getting a diva, who can possible create havoc for a young QB. Rex and Mr. T better know what they are getting into. He came from the Cleveland Browns for Chrrisss Sakes.
I'm counting on Edwards being suspended by the Commish for a week or two following the TKO of a 130lb hanger on of King James. So he'll be ready to go in eight, just in time for a playoff push and the second go round with division rivals.
We know he demanded a trade out of Cleveland, but wouldn't you too (sorry Steve and Scott). So did he pick a fight with a guy he knew he could take to force the Browns hand? I'm not buyin' that one...
But wait til he gets a load of that notorious NYC night spot The Latin Quarter. He won't be the heavywieght champion suckerpuncher in that club. He'll have to spar with the Giants and the Knicks to be the top dog in that place.

I just hope he can stay out of jail long enough to help the Jets get into the playoffs before he implodes.

The time bomb is ticking...

Game Day

2009-10-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

Lotsa hype for this one in the Big Easy. Both teams coming in at 3-0... the high powered offense versus the smothering defense. Experts say defense wins championships. We will see today. The winner of today's contest will be in a great position to take its season deep into January.

Mark Sanchez will have to protect the football and not try to win the game on his own and be forced to make risky throws.

The Saints are scary good on offense with all the explosive weapons that can make big plays. Drew Brees is the best QB in football and if the Jets aren't able to penetrate the line of scrimmage and put pressure on him, the Jets will get their first L of the season.

The key for the Jets, as it was in the first two weeks of the season. Protect and run the football and minimize the time that the saints have the ball. If the Jets can do that it will force the Saints to take risks on defense that will allow the Jets some opportunities to make big plays.

I think David Clowney will have a big game today and be involved in at least two big scoring plays. His speed is amazing and may enable him to make an impact today.

Weeb is feeling good about this one!

Doth Tweet Too Much?

2009-09-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

David Clowney gets benched for tweeting after the New England game... I guess he was frustrated that he was only in the game for five plays. Funny no one else noticed!

Was this a self agrandising move or a kid just doin what kids do... we all spend hours on facebook, twitter, and other social sites communicating with the outside world and friends. Was this simlpy what Clowney was doing. Did Rex Ryan and the Jet brass overreact? How can you stop your players from communicating and keepin' it real, especially when the team employees someone to assist players and the team in utilizing social media.

If that's why clowney was benched, get over it! He won't be the last player to be upset that he isn't getting the playing time he thinks he deserves.

On to the Big Easy...

Stood Up By Rex...

2009-09-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little jilted. Like a tween girl waiting by the phone in vain for the matinee idol to call. It did come this week. Oh Rex, why have you not called. You called last week when you needed me. For us to be more like Fireman Ed and not the folks who sit in the first few rows at Yankee Stadium. And we were more than happy to oblige... we were loud!... we were very loud! We supported our team and cheered and made sure that it wasn't easy for Brady and Co. So why no call this week. Do you not need us this week... did not like what we were wearing...do you not like us anymore...have you found another lover...do you think the Titans will just lay down for you...

This is a trap game if I have ever seen one. Coming off an impressive emotional win to face an opponent that is desperate. Maybe looking ahead to a team with an offense that can score alot of points and a trip to Bourbon Street. Trouble. An emotional letdown and a team that does not want to go 0-3, a rookie QB that has been relatively mistake free may be due for a hiccup, as a coach will say after a bad game, a learning experience! Let's not be surprised if this is a game that is closer than it should be....

Weeb is concerned!

Monday Morning QB

2009-09-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, now I'm a believer. This was a nice win over a team that should now be 0-2, but we'll take it! Is my distaste for the Patsy's clouding objectivity? I don't think so. Didn't your stomach jump a bit and you mumble, here it comes, when Leon Washington lost the fumble at the 17 yard line.

Did they play nickel all game, because I didn't see Gohlston on the field at all yeaterday?

The Defense is exciting and the Offense is efficient. Bring on the Titans!!!

Weeb is smiling.

How Good Can We B?

2009-09-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

There are reasons to celebrate this Sunday. Gang Green is coming off a very impressive win in Houston and demonstrated how good things can be this season. The defense was everything as advertised. Jenkins stuffed the middle and took advantage of an undersized center who needed help on every pass play. And to watch him coming as a stand up linebacker was like watching a runaway train rolling down hill. David Harris is showing no signs of rust after an injury cut his '08 campaign short. This team laid the wood and pressured a veteran Qb into hurrying his throws.

Yes, Sanchez matured by the quarter and made some very nice throws.

Can they make it two in a row against a team and a coach that can't lose enough games for my liking. Don't breakout the victory dance just yet. No the Patsy were not impressive Monday night but hung around long enough to steal a victory from a sure defeat. Brady will put points up against the Jets and don't expect them to sell out on blitzes like they did last week. They will play a more controlled chaos against their rivals. Brady shook all the rust off by the 4th Qtr and was in midseason form on that final drive to beat the Bills. Oh, by the way the Bills will not recover from that loss on MNF. NE's D is not going to shut out the Jets, but they will disguise some things that will confuse Sanchez and force him to make some ugly throws. A couple will be pick'd and put Brady in favorable situations.

My hope is that the Jets stand toe-to-toe with Ne and let them know that this is not going to be easy, unless Belicheat has a camera at Florham Park. Rex is not here to kiss anyone's Super Bowl rings, but he will learn a few things about how to win championships. This will be a contest of the boxer vs. the puncher. The boxer usually wins! Hey, I'll take 3 and 1 at the quarter pole.

The Dawn of the Rex Ryan Era

2009-09-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Let's not forget those who paid the ultimate price on the 8th Anniversary of September 11th.

The Rex Ryan Era. It has a more hopeful sound than that of former HC's of NYJ Charlie Winner, who wasn't, Al Groh, Herm "You Play to Win the Game" Edwards and Eric Mangini. How can you not like the kid of crusty ol Buddy Ryan. Defense runs in the genes. And this defense will be physical, but unlike the vaunted Ravens give up points! This group doesn't have an identity yet and all the pieces are not in place. David Harris will be a tackling machine once again and Bart Scott will add some attitude, but as a group they are not a top tier group of defenders. Where were they picked in your fantasy draft... that's what I thought!

But I'm not as optimistic as some. There are still some big questions that need to be answered before this team is playoff ready. Playoffs, playoffs... did I mention playoffs! This is a 7-9 team at best...

1. Will a #1 reciever please take one step forward... Stuckey, Clowney, Cotchery or is our #1 a TE named Keller?

2. They are going to pound the rock and play AFC Central football a la Steelers and Ravens (imagine that). TJ will lead the AFC in rushing again and Washington will add some excitement and will get more touches this season. Yea, I know Mangini said the same thing last year. But this human highlight reel is exciting when he has the ball in his hands.

3. They are going starting blitzing as soon as they get off the bus... the Giants proved that's the way to beat Brady.

4. Is Gholston 'stud' or 'stiff''? Discuss amongst yourselves.

5. Sanchez is going to look great and aweful in the same game too many times.

6. Starting the season 1-3 is a real possibility.

7. Why do we have to go to Oakland again?

8. New York Jets v. Toronto Bills on National TV, OJ won't be at the game he has a prior... committment. Sorry, you won't be able to take advantage of JetBlue's $12 airfare from New York to Buffalo to see this game.

Kickoff 1:05 on Sunday, will it be S.O.J. or the dawn of a new era?

Warble at ya again soon!