Don't panic!
That should be the mantra for Jet fans after three weeks. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Oh, I'll admit I was feeling a bit low after a pitiful performance in San Diego left the Jets at 1-2 on the year. But I've gathered myself over this past week and will offer some perspective. This view isn't groundbreaking since it has been written and talked about nearly all week, but I'll provide it anyway. It's funny when you think about something in the shower on Tuesday morning after the game and then hear it brought to life by someone on the radio an hour later.
Anyway, a 1-2 record after three games isn't awful if you look at the Green and White's schedule. In fact, that's where I expected the Jets to be before the season kicked off. I try not to go down the schedule and rattle off "wins" and "losses" since teams usually never turn out the way you think, but I'm human. My biggest fear going into September was a Gang Green loss to Miami, but that was avoided. Sure, the Jets had the Brady-less Pats at home and failed miserably and jumped to an early lead against a desperate Chargers team only to absorb an ass-whipping, but I'm going to put a positive spin on things.
A win against the Cardinals will leave the Jets at 2-2 heading into their bye. And here are the teams the Gotham Green will face in the following five weeks: home to Cincinnati, at Oakland, home to Kansas City, at Buffalo, home to St. Louis. Not bad, huh? The Jets always have problems in Buffalo and the Bills have been playing well, but I can see the Jets winning up there. But let's say the Jets drop that one in Orchard Park -- the other games are more than winnable. If things go according to plan (which never happens, but stay with me on this) that would leave Gang Green with a 6-3 record heading into New England to face the Patriots. I'll sign up for that scenario right now.
Speaking of plans never working out, how about Kurt Warner? Arizona was dying to give the reins over to Matt Leinart, but the young quarterback couldn't seize the opportunity. Now Warner is putting up more than respectable numbers for the Red Birds. Warner has thrown for 750 yards this season with six touchdowns and only one interception. His QB rating is a muscular 111.7. Favre's season totals are also pretty solid even though he picked up a lot of "statage" in the second half of the Charger game. No. 4 has thrown for 646 yards with six touchdowns and three picks. His QB rating sits at a body temperature-like 98.7.
Both quarterbacks are former MVPs and both hold a 1-1 record in the Super Bowl. And both are pretty old. Warner is 37 and Favre is a few weeks away from 39. A reader of mine -- let's call him Jimmy because, well, that's his name -- sends me betting odds from time to time and here's an interesting one for all you degenerates out there:
Will Brett Favre or Kurt Warner attempt more passes than their age in Week 4?
Yes -110
No -120
Get your bets in! Lines courtesy of
bodoglife.com.
The weather in New Jersey calls for scattered rain throughout the afternoon. The potentially sloppy conditions could help defuse the Cardinals high-powered weapons -- Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. But the weather won't mean a thing if the Jets can't pressure Warner. There may be a lot of miles on Warner's arm, but he can still pick 'em apart with the best of them if you don't smack him in the mouth. Warner doesn't move around well in the pocket (to put it mildly) so the pressure should come straight up the gut.
Kris Jenkins will be the key. He's expected to play after injuring his back last week. Jenkins won't be the guy making the sacks (probably) on Sunday, but his bulk will be the reason other Jets can. If Jenkins can't go or is less than 100%, then it could be a long day for the Jets.
Meanwhile, Brett Favre's banged up ankle won't keep him out of action. Say what you will about Favre, but nobody is going to question his toughness. You don't make a million straight starts in a row by accident.
And for all you lover's of everything Favre, get ready to open up your pocketbook again. The Jets will be sporting their throwback New York Titans uniforms against the Cards. Get your
No. 4 Titan jersey now!
Here's a Cardinal booster's preview of things at
Raising Zona. Awesome name. You never leave a man behind!
Heads have been a bit down in Jets Land this week, but a win on Sunday will do wonders for everyone's mental state.
Isn't that always the way?
Leave a comment
