Football in the air
Spent some time today watching the Jets-Bills game this afternoon, and i have to say I'm very pleased. I know I didn't like how they handled the offseason, and they still don't have even the remote hint of a running game, but Chad Pennington has shown himself to be a real mensch. The stats didn't look that great today--just 183 yards passing--but you can really tell by watching that he made a real difference in the game.
In the first half, the Jets defense was terrible. Willis McGahee rushed for 100 yards just in that half. But with less than two minutes left in the first half, the Jets were down just 10-7, and they got the ball back on a punt. They get down to the 1 or the 2-yard line, with just 10 seconds left, so he fakes the handoff to the fullback, stands there for a full second, and throws the ball to the tightend crossing all the way across the field. It was a gutsy play all the way, especially the way he stood there amidst a pile of linemen and still completed the pass with perfect composure.
The second half was also pretty well played, with second-year defensive back Kerry Rhodes forcing a fumble on JP Losman and Victor Hobson running it back for a touchdown. Chad also made some tough plays, like hitting Jerricho Cotchery for a long first down as a huge defensive tackle was bearing down on him. They made it to the fourth quarter still leading 21-10, but Buffalo gets a field goal. After a good kickoff return by Justin Miller, the Jets get down to the Buffalo 35-yard line. It's 4th and 1, too far for the field goal but too close to punt, so they go for it. With about 4 seconds left on the play clock, Chad yells at his receivers to spread out, and they go into a passing formation, but then he takes it himself for a QB sneak. He didn't just dive into the pile as most QBs do, he stayed upright and fought for every yard. Possibly inspired by that display, the Jets drove into the end zone to add a touchdown.
I predicted the Jets for 6 or 7 wins this season, but they are well ahead of that schedule now. Dare I hope for the playoffs? Make us believe, Chad!
In the first half, the Jets defense was terrible. Willis McGahee rushed for 100 yards just in that half. But with less than two minutes left in the first half, the Jets were down just 10-7, and they got the ball back on a punt. They get down to the 1 or the 2-yard line, with just 10 seconds left, so he fakes the handoff to the fullback, stands there for a full second, and throws the ball to the tightend crossing all the way across the field. It was a gutsy play all the way, especially the way he stood there amidst a pile of linemen and still completed the pass with perfect composure.
The second half was also pretty well played, with second-year defensive back Kerry Rhodes forcing a fumble on JP Losman and Victor Hobson running it back for a touchdown. Chad also made some tough plays, like hitting Jerricho Cotchery for a long first down as a huge defensive tackle was bearing down on him. They made it to the fourth quarter still leading 21-10, but Buffalo gets a field goal. After a good kickoff return by Justin Miller, the Jets get down to the Buffalo 35-yard line. It's 4th and 1, too far for the field goal but too close to punt, so they go for it. With about 4 seconds left on the play clock, Chad yells at his receivers to spread out, and they go into a passing formation, but then he takes it himself for a QB sneak. He didn't just dive into the pile as most QBs do, he stayed upright and fought for every yard. Possibly inspired by that display, the Jets drove into the end zone to add a touchdown.
I predicted the Jets for 6 or 7 wins this season, but they are well ahead of that schedule now. Dare I hope for the playoffs? Make us believe, Chad!