Jets Show Heart, But Fail To Topple Patriots
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We have no pass rush I hear you cry, Sanchez can't get the job done, Greene just plods....All this is true, but my memory recalls those players and Rex Ryan taking us to the brink twice in recent years, and that's the problem, we over achieved, an average team over achieved and now you expect it year after year, in that case you need to step back and have a real hard look at the team, we are a 0.500 team at best (with Revis, Holmes etc) so the fact that we are competing with the likes of the Texans and the Patriots in my eyes is something I'm proud of.
Unlike Tom Brady on his opening drive, Mark Sanchez marched his Jets 71 yards down the field in 11 plays, which included 2 deep passes to Jeremy Kerley (2/50 yds) before being rounded off by a 1 yard rushing TD by a rejuvenated Shonne Greene. The Jets joy was short lived as the Patriots Devin McCourty returned the ensuing kick-off for 104 yards (2nd longest in Patriots history) to tie the game 7-7. After a quick 3 and out by the Jets, Brady hit Gronkowski for a 17 touchdown completing a 7 play 58 yard drive to put the Pats up 14-7.
The second quarter opened up with the Jets second self inflicted wound of the day as Sanchez and Greene made a hash of the handoff (fumble) thanks mainly to pressure by Vince Wilforth, leaving Sanchez to display his soccer skills (well lack of) as he kicked the ball through the endzone for a safety. The second quarter went from bad to worse as Sanchez threw an awful interception (aiming for Hill) with Greene is acres of space, Sanchez somewhat redeemed himself as he lead the Jets 12 plays and 54 yards down the field for a 54 yard Nick Folk field goal with 7 seconds left of the half. The Jets hit the locker room down 16-10.
The second half took on a familiar pattern, with the Jets tacking on another Nick Folk field goal from 21 yards with Sanchez hitting Keller twice, combined with some tough yards by Greene as the Jets moved the ball 65 yards, only for Brady to once again connect with Gronkowski for a 2 yard score, following an impressive 83 yard, 12 play drive which took 6.54 off the clock. The Jets struggled for the remainder of the 3rd and went into the fourth 23-13 down.
Into overtime and the Patriots won the toss and elected to receive. The Patriots were on the receiving end of a more than generous calls on a 3rd and 7 as a referee 25 yards away threw a flag for pass interference by Kyle Wilson on Hernandez despite no flag from the official who was only 4 yards away from the action. Gostowski went on to put the Pats ahead 29-26 with a 48 yard field goal. Due to the new overtime rules the Jets had a possession to tie or win the game, lets just say 6 plays later Sanchez was sacked by Ninkovich, who also recovered the fumble which in turn iced the game 29-26 for the Patriots.
Kerley finished with 120 yards from 7 receptions. keller had 93 yards from 7 receptions 1 TD.Mark Sanchez had figures of 28/41 328 yds, 1TD, 1INT.
The Jets showed great fighting spirit but were unable to close the game out and make the best of the opportunities given to them. Despite the loss it was a gusty performance, and I expect to see the same headlines I've seen after every loss this year.
It really stings because we played hard throughout the whole game, I was really proud of the way our defense kept us in it. (Mark Sanchez)
I'm proud of my team, We had an opportunity to win the game and unfortunately didn't get it done but we kept fighting. (Rex Ryan)
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