MVN - Most Valuable Network

15 Years Of Pain and Joy At the Hands of the Jets

I am 21 years old and in terms of Jets seasons that I really remember experiencing and appreciating, it begins in 1993, when thanks to my grandfather I truly embraced being a Jets fan as a 6 year old, the roller coaster ride of mostly pain and a little joy that follows looks something like this:

1993: I am excited to see my newly declared favorite team the New York Jets have a chance to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they got bombed 24-0 by the Houston Oilers and miss the playoffs with an 8-8 record. I was too little to really get that upset and figured they would just make the playoffs next year.

1994: The Jets look really good, but then lose a mid-season game to Miami in part thanks to a fake spike by Dan Marino. My Uncle just laughed after that game and warned me what I had got myself into by being a Jets fan. I was still young and confused and didn’t think they could be any worse than 6-10 the next year.

1995: The Jets go 3-13 and fail to keep my undeveloped mind interested throughout the entire season.

1996: On opening day I watch the Jets get embarrassed by Denver and learn to expect the worse. My Dad kept trying to convince me the Jets had a real chance to go 0-16, and unfortunately he was nearly right. I took a good hard look at his Giants jersey after that year but decided to hold for one more year because of Bill Parcells.

1997: For the first time in my life I saw the Jets win a big game at the Meadowlands when they blew out Tampa Bay to give themselves a chance to make the playoffs by beating Detroit. I began my tradition of watching “important” Jets games locked away in my room as the Jets got ready to take on the Lions. Things started out great but then for some reason the Jets ran a halfback option and the ball was intercepted…it was all downhill from there. I began to wonder if it would keep getting worse in future years.

1998: A glimmer of hope. I watch the Jets roll to a 12-4 record and attend my first playoff game. Confetti is shot in the air and drunk fans high five me…next week, the Jets block a punt and go up 10-0 in the 3rd quarter, I can smell a Super Bowl victory against the crappy Atlanta Falcons…then Dave Meggett, Alex Van Dyke, Keith Byars, and Terrell Davis happened. Hey, I was 11 and thought we’d be back next year…oops.

1999: I have the Jets week one game taping at home, while I play in my pee-wee football game. In the third quarter of my game, the announcer on the PA system states that Vinny Testaverde hurt his leg and is now out for the year…I nearly throw up in the huddle.

2000: The Jets start out 4-0 and I begin to think about the Jets becoming the 2nd team in NFL history to have a perfect season. Unfortunately, they melt down and have to win on Christmas Eve to make the playoffs. They go up 14-0 and melt down, and of course lose. My first major holiday ruined by the Jets!

2001: John Hall makes a 53 yard field goal in week 17, and I run around the neighborhood in celebration, the Jets are back in the playoffs! Good. They are down 17-3 at halftime. Bad. They cut the lead to 31-24 and have the Raiders facing a third and long. Good. Charlie Garner runs for a 80 yard touchdown on a basic toss play. Bad. Bad. Bad.

2002: The Jets start out 1-3 and get absolutely blown out in all their losses. I rip down my Santana Moss poster in a fit of rage after they lose to Jacksonville. Then out of nowhere, Chad Pennington became Joe Montana for a few months. The Jets miraculously make the playoffs by blowing out Brett Favre and Green Bay. They beat Peyton Manning and the Colts 41-0 in the first round, while the Giants lose the “Trey Junkin” game. Heaven is apparently a place on Earth. But wait…Oakland 30 Jets 10. Talk about going out with a whimper not a bang.

2003: While at training camp for high school football, my coaches inform me during conditioning that they just found out Chad Pennington got hurt in a pre-season game is going to miss half the season. For the second time in my life, I throw up on a football field because of the Jets.

2004: The Jets start out 5-0. I again begin thinking about them becoming the 2nd team in NFL history to 16-0. They finish the year 5-6 but still make the playoffs. They are about to beat San Diego but have a roughing the passer called on Eric Barton. I calmly take my Pennington jersey off and go numb, as I watch the Chargers lining up for the game winning field goal. My girlfriend encourages me to keep the faith and put my jersey back on. I decide I should dump her. Nate Kaeding misses the field goal. I decide I should marry her. The Jets win and I am too exhausted to celebrate.

The next week Reggie Tongue runs back an interception seemingly 190 yards for a touchdown. I can taste the AFC Championship game. Doug Brien misses a field goal to ice the game, whoops I can taste throw up. David Barrett makes an interception. I can taste the AFC Championship game. Doug Brien misses a field goal, whoops I can taste throw up. The Jets lose in overrtime and I sob myself to sleep when I realize I am damned to spend my life in fan hell.

2005: 4-12? Just like the old days.

2006: The first year of my life when I expect the Jets to be bad, and of course they are good. I ran laps around the sports bar at school when they beat the Patriots and celebrate in the confetti when they beat Oakland week 17. I gear up for the Patriots in round one and can feel the upset when Jerricho Cotchery gives them a 10-7 lead. Unfortunately, reality sets in and they lose 37-16.

2007: I write a huge article about why the Jets are going to be better than the Giants before the season starts. The Jets go 4-12 and the Giants win the Super Bowl. Awesome.

20 Random Statements About the Jets

Wow, is NFL/Jets news slow right now. Here is a few brief updates of Jets news followed by 20 random statements about the Jets, feel free to agree or disagree below.

Updates:

- Training camp starts on July 24th with a double session.

- The Giants just announced PSL’s, and now the Jets community is holding their breath waiting for the price scale on their inevitable PSL’s. Hopefully Woody Johnson will remember how rich he is and how many Super Bowls the Jets have won for their fans in the last 30 years when thinking about pricing.

20 Random Statements/Questions About the Jets

1. The last time the Jets beat the Patriots at home was in 2000. Sadly, I have been at every single game from 2001-2007, and I missed the one in 2000.

2. Speaking of New England, isn’t funny how Wes Welker called out Asante Samuel for signing with the Eagles and choosing “money over championships?” Hey Wes, last time I checked you guys choked in the Super Bowl, you don’t have any rings, and Samuel has three, so maybe you should just trim your mustache and shut your mouth.

3. I think the Jets should make a serious play for Eric Parker. He would bring some stability to the #3 receiver position. Chansi Stuckey has looked great, but if Coles or Cotchery get hurt do you really want him or Brad Smith starting?

4. If a tight end who averages 3 touchdowns a season constantly complains about deserving more money in the middle of a practice, does it make a sound?

5. Could Dr. James Andrews surgically remove Kellen Clemens’ arm and put it on Chad Pennington’s body? Better yet, could a mad scientist remove Chad Pennington’s brain and put it in Kellen Clemens’ head?

6. What is more unlikely to happen? The Jets not making their fans pay for PSL’s OR Eric Mangini, Bill Bellicheck, Bill Parcells, and Jason Taylor golfing together.

7. What are the odds that Eric Mangini won “Best Personality” in his high school yearbook? Are they lower than the odds of Herman Edwards and the Chiefs winning a Super Bowl this year?

8. If I wasn’t broke, I would take the over on the 7.5 games Vegas has predicted the Jets to win this year.

9. If the Jets don’t acquire Eric Parker and eventually let Chris Baker go, maybe they should acquire Craig Yeast, Jonathan Carter, Quinn Early, or Alex Van Dyke to fill the void at wide out and Johnnie Mitchell or Blake Spence to help out at tight end.

10. Shouldn’t Justin McCariens have to pay every Jets fan who he forced to break a piece of furniture inside their house?

11. As excited as you should be to watch Kerry Rhodes and Darrelle Revis play together in the secondary, you should be equally as concerned about watching Eric Smith/Abram Elam and Justin Miller play alongside them. All three players have alot to prove this year.

12. Why the hell is backup tackle Wayne Hunter rated an overall 100 in morale in Madden 2008? What is he so damn happy about?

13. What was your favorite memory of the Brooks Bollinger era? My personal favorite is when the Jets had first and goal inside the 1 yard line against Baltimore and they proceeded to lose 5 yards on the next three plays and kick a field goal.

14. What would have happened if Dave Meggett caught that kickoff against Denver in the AFC Championship game in 1998?

15.If the Jets lose week one to Miami, do you think that Kris Jenkins, Damien Woody and Eric Mangini will go to the closest Chinese buffet and eat until they drop?

16. Forget about Chuck Norris, Vernon Gholston could slam a revolving door. Now hopefully he could slam Tom Brady to the turf so he doesn’t have enough time to gel his hair in the pocket.

17. Calvin Pace will be a good player for the Jets…maybe not 42 million dollars good, but good.

18. The Jets shouldn’t be allowed to play on major holidays anymore. Two years ago, my entire Christmas day was spent worrying about the Jets choking away a playoff spot to the Dolphins and last year I nearly threw up my stuffing after watching the Cowboys make the Jets look like a Division II team.

19. When the Jets get inside the ten yard line, do you think Brian Schottenheimer looks at his play sheet and just has the word “FADE ROUTE” in huge letters circled and underlined?

20. Thomas Jones will run for more than one touchdown this year…I hope.

What Kind of Starting Quarterback Has Chad Pennington Really Been?

Yet another piece in the ongoing quarterback controversy…

Jets fans seem to be roughly split 50/50 on who the starting quarterback should be. One of the main points that is constantly argued is the previous accomplishments of Chad Pennington, and whether or not his past is enough to warrant him starting this year. Let’s take a look back at Chad Pennington’s history as the New York Jets starting quarterback:

2002: Chad took over for Vinny Testaverde after the Jets stumbled to a 1-3 start. He promptly led one of the greatest turn arounds in team history as the team finished the year 8-4 and won the AFC East title with a 9-7 record. This was clearly Pennington’s best year as he finished the season with 3,120 yards passing, 22 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. He also led the team to a 41-0 first round blowout victory over the Colts, before they eventually lost to Oakland 30-10 to end their season.

Stat Line: 12 starts, 3,120 yards, 22 touchdowns, 6 INT’s, 104.2 quarterback rating, 68.9 completion percentage.

Positive: Over the course of the Jets last two regular season games (which were must wins to clinch a playoff spot) and their 1st round win over the Colts. Pennington threw 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions, while averaging over 225 yards per game, and a 73 percent completion percentage, which is probably one of the best 3 game stretches for any Jets quarterback in the team history.

Negative: Went 21 of 47 for 183 yards, with 2 interceptions in the Jets second round loss to Oakland.

2003: Pennington got hurt in the pre-season and came back as the starting quarterback with the Jets in a 2-5 hole. They finished the year 4-5 under Pennington, as he clearly took a couple of steps back from his banner 2002 season. Regardless, the Jets were clearly a much better team with Pennington on the field, rather than off it at this time.

Stat Line: 9 starts, 2139 yards, 13 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 82.9 quarterback rating, 63.6 completion percentage.

Positive: Led the Jets on a last second game winning drive against Jacksonville, and played well in a Monday Night upset of the playoff bound Tennessee Titans.

Negative: Threw 5 interceptions and 0 touchdowns against the Patriots on Monday Night Football, in a 23-16 loss.

2004: Pennington received a big contract and promptly led the Jets to a 5-0 start. However, after losing 2 of their next 3, Pennington hurt his arm against Buffalo and missed three games in the middle of the season. He would return for the stretch run and finish the year 2-3 as the starter. Pennington played well in the Jets first round upset against San Diego, but struggled heavily in their second round heartbreaking loss to the Steelers. Despite the Jets returning a punt and interception for a touchdown, they still lost in overtime thanks to a pair of Doug Brien missed field goals.

Stat Line: 13 starts, 2673 yards, 16 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 91.0 quarterback rating, 65.4 completion percentage.

Positive: Led the team to a 5-0 start; went 23 of 33 for 279 yards and 2 touchdowns in San Diego en route to the Jets wild-card victory.

Negative: Only threw for 180 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception against Pittsburgh in the divisional round loss.

2005: Many people questioned whether Pennington was healthy from surgery the year before, but he began the season as the Jets starter anyway. He was knocked out for the season in week 3 against Jacksonville and the Jets limped to a 4-12 record.

Stat Line: 3 starts, 530 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 70.9 quarterback rating, 59.0 completion percentage.

Positive: Played well in the Jets week 2 win against Miami, where he went 8 for 8 with a touchdown in the 4th quarter.

Negative: Fumbled 6 snaps in the opener against Kansas City.

2006: Pennington won the 4-way quarterback competition in camp and went on to have a solid season. He captured the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award, and was good enough for the Jets to be a 10-6 wild-card team.

Stat Line: 16 starts, 3352 yards passing, 17 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 82.6 quarterback rating, 64.5 completion percentage.

Positive: Starting the season with back to back 300 yard games.

Negative: Was only 23 of 40, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception in the Jets first round loss to the Patriots.

2007: We are all very familar with this story. Pennington started the year off, got hurt, got his job back, struggled, got benched, played late in the season, and is now facing Kellen Clemens in a quarterback battle.

Stat Line: 9 starts (Counting New England), 1765 yards, 10 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 86.1 quarterback rating, 68.8 completion percentage.

Positive: Jubilant spike after running for a touchdown against Miami week 3.

Negative: Pick 6’s that cost the Jets the Giants and Bengals games.

Overall: Pennington was a great quarterback in 2002. He was average in his limited number of starts in 2003. He started off the year great in 2004, but then struggled after his injury. He was hurt all of 2005. He was a good quarterback in 2006, and an average at best quarterback in 2007. In his 5 playoff starts, he played great in the wild-card round against the Colts and Chargers, struggled heavily in the divisional round against Oakland and Pittsburgh, and played below average in the wild-card round to the Patriots.

Five Players Who Can Make or Break the Jets Season

Whenever somebody asks me if I think the Jets are going to be a playoff team this season, I say that if they get consistent quarterback play they have a chance. Yet, there is more than one player who potentially holds that much weight on the Jets fortunes. These five guys will determine whether the Jets will be 6-10 or 10-6:

Kellen Clemens - In order for the Jets to make the playoffs they need Kellen Clemens to win the starting job and mature into a competent NFL starter. If the guy can play they way he did against Washington and Baltimore last year, the Jets are going to be in the mix for a wild-card spot. The Jets will be no better than an 8-8 team if Chad Pennington wins the starting job, although I am sure I will regret saying that if he beats out Clemens this summer.

Damien Woody - The Jets paid him alot of money to be their starting right tackle. If he turns into the second coming of Anthony Clement, it won’t matter who the Jets quarterback is because they will be spending all of their time on their back. Beyond that, if Woody isn’t durable enough to make it through a whole season, the Jets have no depth behind him.

Vernon Gholston/Bryan Thomas - Yes, I am putting that much pressure on a rookie. Calvin Pace is not a pure pass rusher, he is more of a complete linebacker. The Jets shouldn’t expect more than 6 or 7 sacks from him. If the pass rush isn’t coming from Pace, it has to come from somewhere else, and with Shaun Ellis and Kenyon Coleman at defensive end, it better be the other outside linebacker position. Thomas will likely begin the season as the starter, while Gholston works his way into the defense. Yet, even after Gholston takes over the starting role, Thomas should see some reps. The Jets need a combined 16-18 sacks from these two guys.

Laveranues Coles - Coles need to bounce back from his injury in a big way. I love Jerricho Cotchery but he needs another guy to share to number one receiver spot with. He simply isn’t good enough to be a pure #1 receiver, with guys like Brad Smith or the unproven Chansi Stuckey opposite him. If Coles can stay healthy and play to his 2006 level, the Jets passing game should be in good shape.