Favre Leads Jets Past Fins
September 8, 2008 by Frank Mazzola
Filed under Jets, NFL Football
Revenge Bowl I is in the books…and Brett Favre and the New York Jets barely survived.
Favre threw two touchdown passes, one of them a vintage, fourth down desperation toss, to pace the Jets to their first win of the season against their division rivals Miami Dolphins yesterday. RB Thomas Jones also had a fine game, running for 101 yards and a touchdown.
The addition of Favre gives the Jets exactly what they have been missing in years past: A smart quarterback who can fling the ball fearlessly. Former incumbent (now current Dolphin) Chad Pennington had the smarts but not the arm. Kellen Clemens had the arm but not the mentality. Favre’s “Damn the Torpedoes” attitude married with his skill level in both the physical and cerebral parts of the game can take New York to a higher level. At no point was this more evident than when he hit WR Jerricho Cotchery in stride on a beautiful 56 yard touchdown pass, the type of pass that has been absent from Gang Green’s arsenal for a long time.
Jones’ resurgence was also a welcome sign. The newly revamped offensive line cleared the lanes for him and he ran with authority. His rushing touchdown matches his entire total for last season. Miami may be among the bottom dwellers of the league, but a strong defense early in the season has always been their calling card. This was a good test for the running game to pass.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Jets were also fairly impressive, despite having to make a huge play on Miami’s final drive to secure the game. They sacked Pennington four times and intercepted him once. CB Dwight Lowery was especially active, breaking up passes all over the field. DE Bryan Thomas recorded two of the sacks.
With the probable season-ending injury to New England’s Tom Brady, the Jets may now be considered the favorites to win the AFC East. Defeating a Matt Cassel-led Patriots squad next week would certainly be a huge step towards attaining that goal.
As was pointed out before, the Dolphins are hardly Super Bowl contenders, but any victory is a good one in today’s parity-filled NFL. The Jets used to routinely lose these types of games against inferior opponents in the final minutes. Could the huge off-season spending spree be fostering not only a better product on the field, but a winning attitude on the sidelines?
In Favre we trust.
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September 8th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Hey Frank,
I thought the Jets looked pretty good throughout the game, it’s hard to identify one area that’s a glaring weakness for this team at the moment. I’m still not really sure if I would rank them near the top of the AFC, but at the very least this team should secure a wild card berth.
What were your thoughts on the Mike Nugent situation? I was a little surprised that the Jets hadn’t previously identified someone who could at least make a PAT in an emergency situation. I thought watching Nugent trying to teach Kellen Clemens how to kick on the sideline was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in awhile.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Yes, Brandon…the Nugent situation would have been funny if it hadn’t made me sick to watch. I also couldn’t belive that the King of Preparedness, Mangini, didn’t have a backup plan in place.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I was impressed with this team yesterday. You can tell Brett is still getting used to his offensive mates including Coles but I think this game could have been a lot better score wise had Coles caught that pass and Nugent made that kick. But hey, what can you do? I am starting to lose faith in Nugent. First in the pre-season and now this? Imagine our season coming down to Nugent’s foot? Umm no thanks….
Kudos to the Dolphins for hanging in there but in the End I had no doubt in my mind the JETS were going to get it done.
I think that now Brady is done… the division is ours for the taking…I believe in this team. GO J-E-T-S!!
Cheers,
C
September 8th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I am a bit worried about Manginius…..First off, after we had the lead, we kind of let the foot off the gas allowing Miami to get back in the game then, going for the points and allowing Brett to take a possible lethal snap was crazy! Put anybody in there to kick a 25 yard field goal! .
Imagine if Brett was hurt like Brady on that play…..
Sometimes, Eric makes me shake my head. But I wait and see like all JETS fans!
Cheers,