Dolphins’ Victory Leaves The Jets In Disarray
By Matt Patrick
On a day where most of the East Coast was preparing for Hurricane Sandy, the New York Jets were not prepared for the other storm that hit MetLife Stadium yesterday. Our Miami Dolphins went into their house and embarrassed the Jets in a 30 to 9 beat down. Even though there was a ton of trash talking going on during the week between both teams, only the Dolphins were able to “walk the walk.” But most importantly, the Dolphins’ victory leaves the Jets in disarray as they enter their bye week.
Oct 28, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano (80) catches a touchdown pass against New York Jets defensive back Isaiah Trufant (35) during the game at Met Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Faytok/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE
Last Friday, Jet’s LB Calvin Pace said this matchup is “a must win” game. Apparently, he was the only Jet to feel that way as the Dolphins completely dominated in every phase of the game for 60 minutes. By the time the 4th quarter started, less than 50% of the seats were filled and only the cheers from Dolphin fans could be heard in their own stadium.
Then again, the Jet’s offense was so inept that the home crowd really had nothing to cheer for. As much as their Offensive Coordinator, Tony Sparano, loves low scoring games, even he was angry due to the fact that his kicker, Nick Folk, didn’t meet his field goal quota. But Sparano wasn’t the only coach staring aimlessly up at the scoreboard as the last few seconds ticked off the clock.
“To say I never saw this coming is an understatement,” said Coach Rex Ryan as he was getting grilled by the merciless New York media in his post game press conference. Still shaking his head, he went on to say “It’s hard to figure out. I’ve never gone into a game I didn’t think I’d win. But man, I couldn’t wait to get out here, and I thought the players felt the same way.” Well, you thought wrong Rex.
This was definitely not music to the ears of the media and a rabid fan base, who had such high expectations going into the season. You know, those Super Bowl bound expectations that were created by their loudmouth coach? Remember when he originally didn’t want to put CB Darrelle Revis on Injured Reserve just in case he was able to make it back in time to help the Jets win a Championship? This is comical considering they are having a hard time just winning a game. In fact, the Jets are a dismal 3-8 out of their last eleven games dating back to last season.
To make matters worse, the Jet fans have all but given up on their “current” starting QB Mark Sanchez. The boo-birds were heard loudly as Sanchez appeared to be a lost ball in high weeds against a relentless Dolphins’ defense. He ended the game going 28 for 54 for 283 yards completing just 51.9% of his passes, averaging only 5.24 yards per completion. He also contributed with a fumble and an interception, with an overall QB rating of 65.6.
The Jets’ quarterback controversy, which has been brewing since the offseason, finally erupted on Sunday. The fans were chanting for backup QB Tim Tebow to replace Sanchez. After the game, TE Dustin Keller and WR Chaz Schilens scolded the fans for not supporting Sanchez and even called the Tebow chants “BS.” But despite how the fans feel or what the NFL experts think about the glaring flaws of Sanchez, Coach Ryan still stands by his man, claiming that he gives the Jets the best chance to win.
Sitting in last place in the AFC East with an overall 3-5 record, the Jets’ playoff hopes are quickly diminishing. And their schedule does not get any easier as they come off their bye week: going to Seattle and St. Louis, then playing New England and Arizona at home. In my opinion, I predict they go 1-3 during this stretch.
Without a doubt, the Jets are reeling right now. Their QB is 30th in the league with a 72.8 passer rating. Their fans are all standing on the ledge, screaming that the sky is falling and they need a QB change. The players are calling out their own fans. Their coaching staff has no answers or explanations for their deficiencies and Coach Ryan’s seat is starting to heat up. Most importantly, their playoff hopes are all but gone, especially with a difficult upcoming schedule. Yeah Dolphin fans, there is nothing sweeter than beating the hated Jets and sending them into disarray as they enter their bye week.