Jay Greenberg Wants to Rain on Your Parade

by John B on Sep 22, 2009 10:30 AM EDT

Greenberg of the Post doesn't think you should get too excited over Sunday's win.

But in all the euphoria at a wired Meadowlands yesterday at the ending of a reasonably-hideous eight-straight home losses streak to New England, easy to overlook was two Jets wins in the last three years at Foxboro, and the fact that they were a lot better than 2-0 last year, actually 8-3.

That was when Kris Jenkins and Brett Favre ran out of gas and when Eric Mangini became Rich Kotite, never mind the fact that he got a Jets team with practically nothing to the post-season in 2006, along the way humiliating in Green Bay a Packers team one season from the NFC title game, and last year similarly put away at halftime a Cardinals team that went on to the Super Bowl.

In other words, in two of the last three seasons, the Jets were looking a lot better than just 2-0, one of which resulted in a post-season berth, too. So not to be skeptical about two excellent wins, or about the players taking on this coach's personality -- hard to take on the last one's personality since essentially he didn't have one -- but all this greatest win in years stuff is a little over the top. In the buildup-psyche-up of last week, it was entirely convenient for the Jets to ignore their recent success in Foxboro, which in turn became convenient for the media to ignore.

I don't think Greenberg is putting things in the proper context. Yes, the Jets won at Foxborough in 2006 and made the Playoffs that year, but they were a scrappy, undermanned underdog. Yes, the Jets won there last year and started 8-3, but the Pats had no Tom Brady, and the Jets were renting Brett Favre. There was no clear indication this team was built to contend for the long haul in any event. This time the Jets stood toe to toe with a relatively healthy Pats team. There was no smoke and mirrors. They showed they have a franchise quarterback who can stand tall in games like these and will for a long time. This left a more enduring statement, that the Jets are here to contend for the long haul, not spring a spunky upset.

And if he thinks the way the Jets schemed under Mangini is equal to the gameplans under Ryan, I don't know what to tell him. Think Browns fans would want to trade coaches right now?

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whos to say this team doesnt go 8-3 or better to start. you cant say last years team was better. last years team lost to the patriots at home without tom brady and started 1-1. the defense this year is far better. also we saw the deadly effects of having a tired kris jenkins down the stretch last year and im sure that rex is going to make it a top priority throughout the season to keep him healthy and rested. as long as the running game is as good as last season, i am expecting improvement on last years 9-7 team. our schedule looks pretty easy right now besides saints colts atlanta and pats. if we go 10-6 or better and dont make the playoffs i would be more than satisfied.

by joey d on Sep 22, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

John, I agree with you 1000%.

And you too Joey d.

Before I say anything, I have to agree that your QB sets the tone for the offense. So going from Pennington to Favre to Sanchez is a bit of a wild ride. However, when our QBs are healthy, we’ve seen a very strong Jets team. This goes back to Herm’s days.. It really rides on Chad’s rotator cuff and other injuries, and on Favre’s torn bicept. Those years we are healthy we’ve been very competitive. Yes, we had other offensive weapons in years past that have gone, but we also have a whole stack of WRs that want to be tested and want to prove themselves. They all looked great in college or they wouldnt be in the NFL..

Now, in addition to a relatively solid offense (with a somewhat untested QB, WR) , our defense went from below average to #1 in the NFL in just over 8 months. And this was mostly a coaching change because while we did pick up some personnel, the playmakers are largely unchanged (Ellis, Jenkins, Harris, Pace, Revis, Rhodes). So couple a healthy, competitive offense with the best D in the NFL and we should consider 9-3 (versus the much predicted 3-9) and hopefully end at least 12-4 and playoff bound in the relm of possibility.

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by NC_Scott on Sep 22, 2009 1:29 PM EDT reply actions

I Wouldnt Be Satisfied With 10-6 and Missing the Playoffs

Year in and year out this team is disrespected. They were picked to finish last by most experts, even though they were a Brett Favre injury away from winning the division and possibly a bye last year. On top of that the Jets improved their major weakness of a year ago, the secondary. Are they better than the Pats? Maybe. The Bills and Dolphins? Without a doubt. I understand we have a rookie QB but I dont think Sanchez got the message that rookies arent suppose to win. Two games dont make a season but dont think this is last years Bills team(4-0 start).

by YankeesJets on Sep 22, 2009 7:43 PM EDT reply actions

It's completely different this year

The Jets didn’t only beat the Patriots, they shut them down. Randy Moss was a non factor (how often do you hear that?) and they didn’t score at all during the second half. The Jets have yet to allow a defensive touchdown.

Not even last year’s group was that good when they were 8-3.

2009 Dallas Cowboys: 10-6
2009 New York Jets: 11-5

by Grady90 on Sep 23, 2009 12:20 AM EDT reply actions

The only bigger homer for Mama is Marino, Probaably one of the most over rated QB’s in history. Greengerd is a moron!! I suppose the Jets will lose to Mamia too, I can’t beleive you losers get paid money for this crap!!

by TW1 on Sep 25, 2009 1:23 AM EDT reply actions