1. New York Jets: I would say this is a glass half-full situation. Even with their disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns, I believe the Jets have exceeded the expectations that most fans had for them. They weren't sure what kind of performance they would get from quarterback Chad Pennington. They weren't sure what kind of coach Eric Mangini would turn out to be. But I would say this team has been a pleasant surprise. They are second in their division and could actually end up on the fringe of a wild-card berth thanks to the remaining schedule. If they make the playoffs, Mangini would garner serious consideration for Coach of the Year honors. I still don't believe that they are a playoff team, and that they will have some very tough times ahead. But they are on the right track. Complete article on all teams at 4-4: http://nfl.com/news/story/9788009
I will be happy if we win 8 games this year. Only the outrageously optimistic were counting on the playoffs. Playoffs would be nice, but this is a rebuilidng team. We have new coaches, new defensive offensive systems, and the lack of consistent QB play. As much as Chad has impressed me from coming back...he will never win us a championship.
In 97 we had a real up and down season but as the year went on you could feel the drive of the team. In 98 we were 2-3 then got the spark that carried us all the way to the AFC championship. In 99 we lost Vinny (Not sure we would have done anything that year anyway w/vinny) but unheralded Ray Lukas comes in and we get a spark and that feeling like these guy's can do this.2000 we start fast (wow) 5-0 and toward then end when we were trying to go into the playoff's you still felt like we had a chance. Fast forward ......I'm not feeling those feeling this year ,I still go to my Bar and scream till I have no voice on Monday but that confidence is not there. We are really at the crossroads because we need to win this game or we will be with are backs against the wall for real!
if we beat the Pats - and that's a huge IF - we have an outside shot at the Division. the Bears seem sketchy and NE definitely isn't unbeatble (for the other teams that play them). i don't think we'll win the Division, but if the Pats continue winning and the other AFC teams falter, a Wild Card spot is possible. realistically speaking, i still think we're only an 8 win team. and if we play terribly (especially Pennington) the next two weeks, we need to look at who we have for the future -- i'm not going to name players because this thread will transform in a matter of minutes. cheers
I live in Chicago and absolutely hate the Pats. So the next two weeks are huge for me. Between Giants Bears, Jets Pats and Jets Bears, I'm praying for 2 out of wins. Realistically, I'll be surprised if one NY team wins.
