Sunday, September 19, 2010

Patriots Over Jets



New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was quoted saying "There is nothing wrong with going 15-1" after a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Perhaps his coach Rex Ryan put him up to saying that because that comment is dillusional. Last Monday night Sanchez looked horrible with well under 100 yards passing and zero touchdowns. The Jets defense looked masterful, but the offense was non exisistant and inexcusably so. With the weapons at his disposal its a wonder that Sanchez is still unable to score touchdowns. All you'd have to do is throw the ball to LaDainian Tomlinson in the flat or Dustin Keller over the middle or maybe even try Braylon Edwards on a five yard slant or deep go route? Get creative, get more than six first downs, and you have to do better than 1/11 on third down conversions. Even a sub par performance from a mediocore QB could have led this group into the end zone against the stout Raven's Defense. The Jets will be losing alot more than one game this year with Sanchez at QB, just like they did last year.

Mark Sanchez had the best running game and defense in the NFL last year, but had a weak 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions (with a QB Rating of 62.7). Yes, it was his rookie season and yes he did play much better in the playoffs last season, but he is in no way ready to win in the NFL. Sanchez threw a mere 68 times in those three playoff games, as he sat back most of the time letting the running game and defense carry the team. The Jets improved their overall roster immensely over the off season, but failed to address the most key position on their football team (the quarterback). They also did not re-sign their best running back in Thomas Jones (1,400 yards and 14 TD in 2009) abandoning one of their strengths. Any good coach knows to play to your strengths and the New York Jets have strayed away from one of their best strengths, running the football. With a less effective running game Sanchez is even more exposed as a poor passer and the Jets have the wrong man at the helm for their offense. Perhaps some day he will improve and emerge as a true leader, but its hard to see that coming any time soon.



The last time the Patriots faced the Jets Mark Sanchez threw four interceptions and lost a fumble in a   31-14 defeat. In New York this Sunday Sanchez will have a better outing, but will not be able to keep pace with the Patriots offense. The Jets strategy to win is to run the ball, get turnovers and stops on defense, and have the Quarterback not lose the game. (commonly named "game manager" approach). The Patriots offense is far too explosive with a healthy Tom Brady, his new tight ends, old favorites (Welker and Moss) and the momentum from an impressive week 1. Rex Ryan's defense will put some pressure on Brady and probably even cause a turnover or two, but in the end Patriots 24 Jets 13 does not get you a win.


Sources Used

www.espn.com
www.si.com
www.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/basketball/nba/
www.weei.com


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