Head coach Rex Ryan got his first win last night against the New York Giants, as the Jets came from behind to defeat their cross-town rivals, 27-25. This was also the first game that QB Mark Sanchez played since being officially named the Jets' starting quarterback, and he played well. Sanchez looked better than in the first two games, as he showed plenty of poise, good decision making, ability to make tough throws and improvise on the fly. Sanchez went 13 of 20 for 149 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT.
Despite struggling at first and going three and out on three of the first four possessions, Mark Sanchez noticeably improved as the game progressed. He never had that "deer in headlights" look that we saw in the first two games and looked firmly in command most of the time. His touchdown throw to WR Chansi Stuckey looked very Brett Favre-like, as the Jets' rookie was off balance and about to get sacked, but yet he kept his eyes on the target and delivered a strike to wide open Stuckey.
WR Chansi Stuckey was another player who stood out last night. He caught 4 of 5 passes thrown to him for 69 yards, 1 TD. WR David Clowney, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen. If you thought that the Gang Green did not need to add a veteran wide receiver, think again... this team has only two receivers, Cotchery and Stuckey, who can catch the ball on a regular basis. Stuckey is better suited for the slot role, so #2 WR spot that many thought could be filled by Clowney is in need for a veteran addition.
RB Leon Washington was his usual self, gaining 62 yards on 9 carries and averaging 26.3 yards on 4 kickoff returns. Can the Jets re-sign him already?
LB Bart Scott got beaten on the first Giants' touchdown, but came back strong forcing two turnovers. First, he delivered a hit on a Giants' tight end, resulting in an interception by LB David Harris. Then, Scott forced a fumble when he ripped the ball away from the hands of Brandon Jacobs.
LB David Harris was all over the ball last night, adding 8 tackles (6 solo) to his interception.
CB Dwight Lowery saw limited action but looked better than in the previous two games.
Now, let's go onto the bad things.... The Jets had 12 penalties for 107 yards, which included two defensive pass interference calls on CB Lito Sheppard who had a terrible game. The Giants chose to stay away from CB Darrelle Revis and concentrated on picking on their old "friend", former Philadelphia Eagle, Sheppard instead. At least seven passes were thrown to receivers covered by Sheppard - 2 penalties (40 yards total), 2 passes defended, 3 completions (38 yards total).
LB Vernon Gholston had a solid first half, but then got totally blown out on a second half play when he let the ball carrier past him and ended up face down on the ground. On the ensuing play Gholston appeared to have registered the first sack of his career only to be called for a helmet-to-helmet hit on the quarterback.
CB Drew Coleman, whom I praised in the past, got beaten on a 22-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. He was also guilty of giving up a big play against the Ravens. Is it time for him to follow the path of Paul Raymond straight to the waivers?
The biggest disappointment, however, was total inability to create any kind of pass-rush when starters were in the game. At times Eli Manning had literally all day back there to throw the football. This is definitely something that should be addressed, but the problem is the Jets don't really have a true pass-rusher on their roster.
Now, onto the hilarious thing after the game.... As most of us know, WR David Clowney has been very active on twitter and last night was no difference. Clowney apparently got aggravated by some Jets' fans, and blog Holy Joe Namath in particular, that he went on quite a rant....
NOW on to other things,... Jets fans, if your Jet fan then be a f$&king jet fan. @HolyJoeNamath how dare you try to shit on Vernon, Drew, or Kellen, and Lito.
You get your ass at LB and try to take on a 300lb lineman while trying to make a tackle and then tell me how easy it is
Better yet @HolyJoeNamath line up at QB and let's see if your high school bench warming ass can get away from Vernon. Kick Rocks you fake Ass Jets Fan
And that goes to anybody else that act like they Jet Fans and wanna shit on any of my teammates
David, if you play in New York City, you should be able to take criticism. If you can't, you simply won't last here long.