Monday, September 27, 2010

One Crazy Night

Monday night was big for my teams, with the Yankees trying to close the gap on the first place Rays and become 1 win away from clinching a playoff birth, and the Jets looking to take first place in the division with 2 wins over division rivals. I decided to try something new and wrote a running diary of sorts during the entire 3-hour spectacle.

1st Quarter

Jets start with the ball, doesn’t bode well for them. I’m convinced that the Jets have won more often during the Rex Ryan era when they start with the ball in the SECOND half. They are a team that wants to wear down the opposition. In most of their games every possession matters, so starting on offense in the second half usually means they have an opportunity to regain the lead on that possession, which can be a huge momentum swing. Actually, I just looked it up. When the Jets kickoff to start the game, they are 10-5. Very good! When the Jets receive to start the game, they are 2-4. Very bad! Therefore, when at all possible, KICK OFF TO START THE GAME!!

2 3rd down conversions for the Jets on the opening possession, Sanchez looking confident. LT needs to start finding the holes and not the asses of his linemen.

Wildcat for Jets = failure. Oh, 9 yard gain… that’s a shocker. Honestly, it basically never works. Ever. Ok, I’m sorry, I suppose it worked that one game against the Bengals last year, but since then, and before then, it never did. Get over it, it worked one time against a totally unprepared football team. Good thing they didn’t run it with their talented running backs. I should coach this team.

I’ve said it before, Dansby’s going to be huge for the dolphins!

“How you like them apples!” (says I). Sanchez looked down Keller the whole way for the touchdown pass but still threw a perfect ball. 7-0 Jets.



Opening drive was one of perfection. Let’s keep it going.

Kickoff, oh God. We better not have a reenactment of last year’s catastrophe against the Dolphins.

In other news, the Yankees are scoreless with the Red Sox after 2 innings.

Ok, so here’s the deal on Chad Henne. I think the guy is totally flying under the radar as far as young quarterbacks go. He’s going to be a good starter for many years. But tonight… he better get his shit rocked.

Dolphins Going deep… Good coverage by the rookie, Wilson, but the throw by Henne wasn’t great so we sort of caught a break.

Henne’s sacked by Ellis. Gotta love Ellis, he’s the longest tenured Jet.

The Marshall – Cromartie matchup will be very interesting tonight.

I think Jason Taylor just intentionally let Henne get away without a sack. He’s clearly confused by his situation. Go dolphins – oh wait, no, Jets. Crap, I let him get away.

That was one hell of a punt by Miami. Good to see Kyle Wilson has the acceleration of a Segway. Nice return buddy.

Drive 2 for Jets:

Sanchez almost got the ball taken out of his hand in his own end zone, a-la last year. And, another hold. This is getting out of hand right now. Honestly, they should just punt right now and forgo the 3rd down play. Third and 14 from your own 9, no hope.

Now entering, the M.V.P., Steve Weatherford. Steve Weatherford is the MVP of the Jets for the first 2 weeks. He singlehandedly kept the Jets in it during their game against the Ravens week with some booming punts and looks like he needs to do the same today.

Solid punt, could have been better.

Dolphins drive:

Wilson on Bess, that is one dreaded out combination. Lots of hair.

Good pass down the middle from Henne to Fasano. He can do that in his sleep.

Ricky Williams up the middle. Says Al Michael, “10th season, but he missed a couple [for smoking weed all day].”

Taylor gets the sack, he’s figured it out that he’s on the Jets now. Listen the Boos, got to LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Random thought: Has everyone seen the Amazing Race commercial where the chick gets a melon to the face from a slingshot? You really need to, it’s amazing.

Sanchez is 9-8 as a starter. Al Michaels: “When he plays well they win. When he plays bad, they lose.” – Great analysis.

LT has been far better than I had expected.

Sanchez throws across his body to Dustin Keller for 31 yards. Everyone loses Keller, who has emerged as not only Sanchez’s number one guy, but also as an elite tight end.

Sanchez pump fakes and then hands it off to Tomlinson. The Jets love that play.

The first quarter has come to a close, good start. Overall I saw little wrong with how they played. Let’s carry it through and take the lead in the AFC East.

2nd Quarter

“False start, offense, number 68.” Slausen (Allen Faneca’s replacement) needs to improve. That missing link on the line has cost the Jets probably 50 rushing yards and 2 sacks so far this season.

Deep pass over the middle to Cotchery falls incomplete after a HUGE hit. Actually, it was too huge. “Personal foul, leading with the helmet.” The announcers agree with it, but to me it looks like Cotchery’s head was moving forwards as the safety’s shoulder pads hit him. Oh well, I’ll take it.

Next play: LT to the right for a big gain. Once again, outstanding production form him.

Edwards has been useless thus far in the second quarter. Maybe he’s drunk again.



Dustin Keller, once again!!!! He is taking a dump on the Dolphins’ chests right now. Sorry, there just isn’t a better way of describing it. And that was a perfect throw from Sanchez. Double coverage cannot defend a perfect throw. Touchdown J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets, 14-0 good guys.

I just received a text from my mom, “Are you watching in your apartment.” Seriously?

Dolphins take over:

First completion to Brandon Marshall. It’s fine. Only 6 yard or so. Good coverage by Cromartie.

And another throw into the hair. Bess gets credit for the reception but he was for sure out of bounds. That should be challenged.

The Dolphins get the play off (terrible job by the Jets staff) but they fumble the ball (was that super insight from Ryan?) and the Dolphins recover (no, just dumb).

Next play, deep pass to the hair. I thought it was a reply but, no, just the same play again. Damn. Wilson’s getting owned again.

Dolphins Wildcat try 1: Failure. I really think it is inexcusable for a team to get beat by the wildcat at this point. It’s basically just a obvious run play. All you need is some discipline. Can I get an Al Michael contribution please? “That time Henne stay’s in as Sparano says, ‘Eech.’” Michaels is on tonight with his one-liners. It’s usually Collinsworth with the classics (remember that time I stepped on your face).

Back to baseball. 1-0 Red Sox in the 5th.

This just in, Kyle Wilson is getting lit up once again. Pass interference on Wilson near the end zone on 2nd and 22. Over the course of this game, I don’t think Wilson has actually looked back at Henne at any point. Rather, he’s just blindly following the receiver.

And Henne passes to Fasano to cap off a 9-play drive. Probably 50 of those yards are because of Wilson. I know he’s a rookie but the Jets cannot play their style of defense if Wilson is unable to play man-to-man coverage. Lowery isn’t flashy, but I do not remember seeing him get exploited like Wilson has been beaten this season. Maybe its time to give the rookie a break. 14-7 Jets.

Brad Smith with a huge return. Excellent job. He is so valuable (except when in the wildcat).

John Connor is the man.

Oh no, wildcat from the Jets. Failure, what do you know? Greene disregards his blockers and is lucky to get back to the line.

What is going on? Why have the Jets just used 2 timeouts? This is terrible right now. They just got a 50-yard kickoff return and now they have managed to call 1 ill-advised play and called 2 timeouts. Hmm.

2nd and 10. Not much on the Tomlinson scamper. Why did they call 2 timeouts for that? And the next play, incomplete. So that was a nice waste of a return. Such a sloppy possession. If the first drive was one of perfection that was one of total failure.

So now Miami will get the ball back and they get it to start the second half.

Back to baseball: Dice-K is hideous. Still 1-0 Boston.

What’s the over-under on the combined weight of the 2 head coaches?

Well Collinsworth just ruined the game. 208 lbs for Sparano. And now they totally blew it, Rex is 285. I honestly cannot believe that just happened.

3rd and 1. Apparently, “Polite always makes it,” or at least Michaels thinks so. Well he’s right on this occasion. First down Dolphins.

The Dolphins are moving it now.

Henne almost gets sacked and throws a Sanchez-in-2009 like ball on first down. Almost intercepted. Next play, David Harris with the individual defensive play of the game as he swallows Ronnie Brown on a screen pass. “He saw it on film… or something like that.” (Michaels once again).

3rd and 16, the Dolphins pick up 13 to Marshall. What to do? I think they should kick the 45 field goal. The Jets have no time outs, so probably aren’t going to score this half and the Dolphins start with the ball in the second half.

They decide on the field goal. Carpenter squeaks it in. 14-10 Jets.

Back to baseball. Bottom of the sixth, Yankees still down 1-0. Jeter’s on deck.

17 second left in the Jets game. LT just picked up the first down on 3rd and 3. He should give Dustin Keller lessons on how to do that sort of thing.

Ok, third down and 10, with 10 seconds left. Nice play by Clowney to get out of bounds after bringing in a big reception. They should try this field goal.

I say no way does Folk make it. 56 yards out. False start on the offense, now its 61. That is totally inexcusable. Says Collinsworth, “How bad is that?” Says me, “Freaking terrible.”

Folk attempt a now 61 yard field goal (obviously misses). End of the half, terrible way to end.

3rd Quarter

Opening drive for Dolphins: Things are not looking great. Lots of Marshall, lots of Bess. We need to get more pressure.

False start Dolphins, from the 30 of the Jets. That might cool Miami down a little bit.

Apparently, Henne started dating his wife when he was 14 years old. I wonder how many girls he’s had sex with in his life. I think the only NFL player with a lower number is Tim Tebow.

Miami Wildcat try 2: Failure once again.

3rd and 15, Lowery gets beat for the first down. I take back what I said ealier. This defense is looking really poor without Revis. Actually, its far worse than I had thought it would be.

Miami Wildcat try 3: 5 yard gain. Great success comparatively. Still though, I would be happy if Miami ran that 5 more times this game

Miami Wildcat try 4: 4 yards. Keep it coming.

3rd and inches: Touchdown Brandon Marshall. I wonder if the Jets realize that they have had 2 respectable drives this game. They take a 14-0 lead and essentially disappear until, hopefully, now. 17-14 Fins.

I’m not sure how I feel about the newest installment of Coors Light NFL commercials. Last year, they put out the best commercials on television. This year, I’m a bit disappointed. In a bizarre twist of events, I think Burger King has overthrown them with their musical advertisements and that dude with the flute.

8:47 left in 3rd. Can we please put together a drive? Seriously. It could be game over if we flop here. Miami has serious momentum.

Here’s how the next series should go.

PA pass short, Run, Run, Quick pass, Medium pass, Run, Run, Run

Lets see if they do that.

What I wanted: PA pass short.
What they do: Touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards on the first play. A simple buttonhook turns into a huge play as Edwards stumbles his way down the sideline. “Run like you’re shitfaced!” Never mind on everything I just said. Let’s move that play calling combination to the next drive. 21-17 Jets.



Collinsworth makes an interesting point, “The defense is still sucking wind.” I predict a touchdown on this drive for Miami. Also, I think it will happen in fewer than 6 plays.

Play 1: Deep pass, right on pace with my prediction.

Play 2: Batted ball, almost picked off.

Play 3: Pass deep down the sideline for Marshall falls incomplete.

Play 4: Huge pass deep to Marshall.

Play 5: Dolphins wildcat try 5: Short gain (as expected) but holding call erases it.

So maybe not under 6.

Play 6: 16-yard pass to goal line of Jets.

Play 7: Incomplete. Brings up 3rd and goal.

Play 8: Almost picked by Cromartie/caught by Marshall. Big D stand.

Play 9: Field goal is good. Could have been much worse. 21-20 Jets.

Buddy Ryan and Marty Schottenheimer rocked the same glasses.

Miami kicks the ball out of bounds on the kickoff. I think that’s the 4th time it’s happened this week alone. How is that possible? I guess it just goes back to my theory that there are no good NFL kickers, just degrees of badness.

Baseball: 2-1 Yankees. Let’s go!

Football: NYJ 3 and out.

Weatherford is the MVP of the Jets! He singlehandedly kept the Jets in it during their game against the Ravens with some booming punts and looks like he needs to do the same tonight. This is now the third straight game where Weatherford has been pinning the opponents deep. Now, if the Jets stop them here it’ll be huge.

Wide-open pass to Hartline as Cromartie moves over to double Marshall. This is a perfect example of the difference between the Jets with and without Revis. With Revis in, he has Marshall on the island and Cromartie stays on Hartline, causing an incomplete pass or short gain.

Dolphins Wildcat try 6: Ronnie Brown throws it (on no! pause not) incomplete. Come on, even the bonehead Cromartie didn’t fall for that. Further proof that the wildcat is highly over utilized.

Dolphins to punt from deep in their own territory. The block! An already impressive Jets defensive drive concludes with their best play of the season thus far.

Now, jugular!!! DO NOT SETTLE! Go for the touchdown.

Jets with the ball in the Red Zone.

Edwards gets called for tripping, or should I say stumbling. It wasn’t his fault, he was trying to walk normally.

Holding. And here we go. Typical Jets; they have managed to erase 2 terrific offensive plays with 2 dumb penalties.

4th Quarter

Brad Smith at QB? On 3rd and 15? I’m going to call that the single worst call this season for the Jets. Remarkably Smith picks up the first. Now a TD please. Please.

Sanchez. Runs for TD. Oh wait, a third holding call. Are you kidding me? I mean, this is ridiculous. Three holding calls in the red zone!? And then a run on third down? I don’t want to hear about being smart or safe, that was a bad call. Simple. Bad call. Do they want to win the game or do they want to try to win the game? 24-20 Jets. That drive just ruined my mood.

I can’t take this shit. I’m saying it now, we do not win this game.

Back to baseball: Ninth inning, runner on third, one out, Mo on the mound, Yankees up by one. I wish I had 2 tv’s in my apartment. And now Mo blows it. Unbelievable. This is the worst 2 minutes of sport’s life. Nice effort A-rod, you useless piece of shit (ok not really, but he just gave up a run).



Back to the Jets, for now. Just in time to see Marshall bring in a first down. Terrific.

Back to baseball. One run lead for the Red Sox after a sac-fly.

And now football. 3rd and 2. Miami throws incomplete. Actually shocked not to see a flag.

Good punt for the Dolphins. “Weatherford-esque,” says my roommate. He’s learning my lingo, knowledge, and opinions.

The goal for this drive should be do push the ball enough for Weatherford to keep Miami inside their own 30 after he punts. That doesn’t actually isn’t too much to ask. Just a first down or 2.

Third and 8. Interception, looks like the ball could have hit the ground… I think it did. Challenge Ryan, quick! Quick!

Back to baseball. Swisher rips one past the second baseman; runner on first.

After reviewing the play… “It is an incomplete pass,” mumbles the ref somewhat incoherently. Not sure why he can’t speak. Says Michaels, “Sounds like a feed from Mongolia.”

Here comes Weatherford’s moment to shine on this punt from his own end zone.

Good punt but good runback for Miami. They take over at around midfield.

Baseball. 1 on, 1 out. Teixeira swinging for the fences.

Football: Dolphins wildcat try 7: 6 yard loss. Really, please, keep being wild.

Baseball: A-Rod, trying to make up for his blunders in the field.

Football: 50-yard attempt on the way. Cromartie with a big tackle. Kick is good. 24-23 NYJ.

Baseball: Nunez steals third. I can’t do this back and fourth. A-Rod, still trying to make up for his blunders.

Football: Commercial.

Baseball: Inside pitch on A-Rod, full count. Now a walk, bases loaded.

Football: Jets with the ball. Pound That Shit! Play Jets football. You have the ball, with the lead, with 6:42 left. The game is ours.

Baseball: Pitchers conference.

Football: Brad Smith on a reverse. Good call. Change of pace but from now on only up the middle please.

Baseball: Good eye Cano.

Football: Sanchez almost hands the ball over to the Dolphins. Just crapped my pants a little bit.

Baseball: Single! They keep the runner at third. Good decision. Play it safe. All we need is a sac-fly.

Football: I switch back to the channel mid pass to Edwards for first down. “I love New York!”

Baseball: “I am calling a Jorge grand slam to win the game.” – Jacob Berman, my roommate.

Football: LT for big gain, first and goal coming up.

Baseball: Big whiff from Posada. Felt the breeze from here. Posada strikes out.

Football: Third and goal for the Jets. Pass interference on the defense. That should be the game.

Baseball: Berkman pops up. Inning over. BUT, my roommate discovers picture in picture setting. We can watch both at once!

Football (big screen): I think the Dolphin players should line up by the goal post and let the Jets score. “The Jets are charged their first charged team time out.” Another eloquent explanation from our ref for the night.

Baseball (little screen): Pop up. And a ground out.

Football (big screen): LT up and over. The best goal line running back of all time proves his worth. 31-23 Jets. And it is up to their Revisless-questionable defense.

Big hole for Ronnie Brown. Terrible defensive call.

Wide open Bess.

Already at the 40 of the Jets.

Huge gain for Marshall. Are you kidding me? Revisless.

Baseball (little screen): Yankees batting in bottom of the 10th.

Football (big screen): 3 yard gain on 3rd and goal.

Baseball (little screen): Granderson single. Gardner at the plate.

Football (big screen): Interception in the end zone. Game over! Huge win. Back to baseball. Btw, I had Henne on my fantasy team.



Baseball: Gardner lays down a bunt, poor thrown. Runners at the corners, the best player of all time at the plate, Derek Jeter. The Sox intentionally walk him.

Thames up at the plate. I love this guy. Well hit ball but a great, great, play by Beltre to stop the ball and throw the runner out at the plate. I think they could have had Thames at first too.

And Juan Miranda (fresh from Cuba) walks to win the game! Great day to be a New Yorker.



So, on the off chance that you didn’t follow the last bit of this blog (not your fault, I was very excited), basically the Jets won to take first in their division and the Yankees won to get within ½ a game of the Rays and are now 1 win away from clinching a playoff birth. I would hate to see a Mets-like collapse.

-AW

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