Quick Schedule Breakdown How the Giants, Jets stack up Taking a close look at the schedules for both teams April 12, 2007, 11:36 AM EDT The competition for fans' attention is as intense in New York as in any other market in the country, which explains why the releasing of the NFL schedules passes each year rather quietly. Yet, when you think about it, this really can be viewed as bigger news. The schedule easily matters more to teams in the NFL than in other sport, and in many cases the strength and timing of it determines if you are bound for the playoffs ? or the golf course. So while we realize the season opener isn't for another five months ? and the NFL Draft still hasn't taken place ? let's take a moment today to dissect what is in store for the Jets and Giants. And let's hear your thoughts, as well. You can post your comments below in the section underneath this column. THE JETS One of the biggest reasons the Jets made the playoffs last season was their friendly schedule, so it was bound to get tougher. While this schedule still offers a few reasons to feel optimistic, it's incredibly tough to start out. Losing the opener at home is hard to overcome, and that's very much a possibility starting against the Patriots. And it doesn't get any easier then heading to Baltimore for Week 2. As Newsday's Bob Glauber pointed out in his story in today's newspaper, four of the Jets' first six opponents made the playoffs last season. But as I scrolled through various Jets' fan Web sites this morning, several people looked past that opening stretch. They, instead, focused on the middle of the schedule. The Jets essentially will go on the road only once from Oct. 7 to Nov. 18, a friendly travel schedule that helps overall fatigue. The Jets actually have two road games during that stretch, but one of them is against the Giants Oct. 7, when they can still sleep at home. Over on the message board at TheGangGreen.com, Hobbes3259 looked at the stretch, threw in the Thanksgiving game in Dallas and said, "We shouldn't lose more than one in this stretch." Expecting to win six out seven is a bit much, however, if the Jets are going to make another run to the playoffs and build off last year, you've got to hope for five wins. And how about the season ending at home hosting Herman Edwards' Chiefs? Got to love that drama. THE GIANTS Of course the theme here is that this schedule pales in comparison to what the Giants dealt with last season. But don't forget this team lost its best player, Tiki Barber, and basically crawled to the finish line. So while Tom Coughlin got to keep his job, he clearly is on the hot seat entering the season. And it's going to be interesting to see whether the bad vibes of last year disappear ? or carry over. But the offseason is a time for fans to be optimistic, which is probably why there is a thread on the Giants Web site's message board that is boasting, "Does anybody else think this is an easyish schedule??" Another fan took a look at the schedule and predicted 12 wins. The biggest difference for the Giants from a year ago, schedule wise, is the start to their season. This year the Giants have it relatively easy, giving fans hope they could start with three wins before hosting the rival Eagles. Perhaps the biggest challenge is going to be recovering from the midseason trip to London to face the Dolphins, which is technically considered an away game for the Giants. Taking odd trips for regular-season games can be a recipe for disaster, with players needing several days to recover from the nagging jet lag. The NFL scheduled it so that road trip is followed by their bye week, which certainly makes the most sense here. What also stands out is how the Giants finish. They kick off December with tough road games in Chicago and Philadelphia, and they end the season with the Patriots at home, a tough ending there. *** Jim Baumbach's column, which appears only on Newsday.com, is posted by noon Monday through Friday. You can reach him at jim.baumbach@newsday.com. Email: jim.baumbach@newsday.com
How the Giants, Jets stack up Taking a close look at the schedules for both teams -Jim Baumbach One of the biggest reasons the Jets made the playoffs last season was their friendly schedule, so it was bound to get tougher. While this schedule still offers a few reasons to feel optimistic, it's incredibly tough to start out. Losing the opener at home is hard to overcome, and that's very much a possibility starting against the Patriots. And it doesn't get any easier then heading to Baltimore for Week 2. As Newsday's Bob Glauber pointed out in his story in today's newspaper, four of the Jets' first six opponents made the playoffs last season. But as I scrolled through various Jets' fan Web sites this morning, several people looked past that opening stretch. They, instead, focused on the middle of the schedule. The Jets essentially will go on the road only once from Oct. 7 to Nov. 18, a friendly travel schedule that helps overall fatigue. The Jets actually have two road games during that stretch, but one of them is against the Giants Oct. 7, when they can still sleep at home. Over on the message board at TheGangGreen.com, Hobbes3259 looked at the stretch, threw in the Thanksgiving game in Dallas and said, "We shouldn't lose more than one in this stretch." Expecting to win six out seven is a bit much, however, if the Jets are going to make another run to the playoffs and build off last year, you've got to hope for five wins. And how about the season ending at home hosting Herman Edwards' Chiefs? Got to love that drama.
Funny thing from last year ,we seemed to do better on the road then at home. Hope this trend goes away this year .
To Sammy, Best Wishes...Get Well soon. Hobbes 3259 P.S. can anyone tell me what movie thats from....?
Has anyone seen the GangGreen reference on newsday? http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/ny-spjim0412,0,5330300.column?coll=ny-football-headlines "Over on the message board at TheGangGreen.com, Hobbes3259 looked at the stretch, threw in the Thanksgiving game in Dallas and said, "We shouldn't lose more than one in this stretch." Expecting to win six out seven is a bit much, however, if the Jets are going to make another run to the playoffs and build off last year, you've got to hope for five wins." cool stuff
Here's the post that sent Hobbes into superstardom http://forums.theganggreen.com/showpost.php?p=514404&postcount=221
