Hank's Jets Recap

Here at This is This, we are fortunate to have an emerging voice in Jets coverage. And since they're going to win the Superbowl this year, I sense big things are in store for young Hank. So we'll just be happy that we have him while we do and watch ESPN snatch him up in the off-season. Until then, I'm pleased to post Hank's recap of last week's Jets' victory against what really amounts to a semi-pro team.

St. Louis Rams (2-6) at New York Jets (5-3)

The Key: Yeah, the Jets should absolutely win this game. The Rams have an awful D, and they are missing their star running back. Their run defense is 4th worst in the league, just in front of the Raiders and the league's worst Chiefs, two teams the Jets chose not to run against. So what's my advice? you ask. Run the f@#king ball. Just run it up the gut. Please. I want to stop saying this. And I'm sure everyone wants to stop hearing it. If they do this, they will win. It's as simple as that.
To sum it up: FINALLY. It took the Brain Trust until week 10 to listen to me (and the rest of the football world) and realize that this would be a successful game plan. It reflects very poorly on a coaching staff when they are unable to assess what their team and its players are capable of. Because when it is all said and done, isn't that what coaches are there for???

Offense: Establish the run early, then maybe give Favre a couple of shots. But I could care less who is starting at tight end. I could start at tight end, and the Jets would still dominate running Jones up the middle, while mixing in Leon. Hopefully we will see the continuous transition from this being Favre's offense to it being a battle at the line (a battle the Jets will win).
19. That's how many times Favre threw the ball.
39. That's how many times the Jets ran the ball.
This is how I want to see the Jets run their offense. They did establish the run immediately, and that gave Favre the opportunity to make some plays (though they obviously weren't looking down field too much).
26 - 149 - 5.7 - 3. That's Thomas Jones's line. 26 carries for 149 yards, averaging 5.7 ypc with 3 TD's. This is what this guy can do, and you won't hear a peep out of him, except to say that his O Line manhandled the defense. And this is how they did, right guard, left guard, up the gut. If a team can dominate the line of scrimmage like that and have a guy who can hit the holes as well as Jones does, then why fool around with anything else. Not to mention how demoralizing it is to the other team's defense. This is hopefully the sign of a transformed offense, and a transformed mentality.
I was kind of wrong about one thing, though: I said that "I could care less who is starting at tight end." While it made no difference for the ground game, it obviously was the difference in the passing game. This appeared to be Dustin Keller's coming out game, and it is very clear that Favre absolutely loves him. He had 6 receptions for 107 yards and 1 TD. Not too shabby, at all. It really makes a difference when there is a talented TE to throw to. This is something the Jets have not had in a very long time. But we're seeing more and more signs that Keller might be just that. Also, I was discussing the passing game with a friend of mine last night (football finds its way into many a conversation). And he pointed out that normally in the NFL, when a team's offensive line successfully picks up the blitz and manages to hold the pocket, the QB steps up and usually finds a wide open receiver down the field. This hasn't happened with Favre and the Jets. Granted this O Line hasn't always been as sturdy with pass protection as they should be, but they hold their own at times. So we decided the problem was the lack of that solid 3rd receiver (apologies to Brad Smith of Stuckey). So, not to get ahead of ourselves, but I see an opportunity to develop Keller into such a role.

Defense: Speaking of dominating the line, the Rams will probably not even attempt to run the ball considering how well the Jets' D Line has been playing and they're starting a guy who was on the Atlanta practice squad just a few weeks ago.
Well they attempted, but failed for the most part. It's very exciting, and comforting for that matter, to see a defense that can consistantly stop the run, week-in and week-out. I don't expect backup RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis to have anything close to the game he had last week (rushed for 107 yards).
So they need to go into this game with the same strategy as last week. Blitz. Blitz the corners a few times, get to Bulger and force some mistakes again. Look for big games again from Jenkins, Rhodes, and Elam (hopefully he gets the start again).
So, I am a firm believer of giving credit where credit is due. And my brother Joe was the first person who I heard to point out the potential of the corner blitz--about a month ago. And boy was he right. This corner/safety blitz has proven to be a game changer over the past few weeks (though this past game was full of 'em). Now opposing QB's have to have this blindside blitz in the back of their mind. Will Hassel hear the footsteps on Thursday?
As for my player predictions: Jenkins was a beast as usual. The only significant positive yardage that the Rams' backs got were through end-arounds and misdirection--not to say that they got much significant yardage at all. Rhodes had another very solid game, and this one with a big pick. Let me tell you, after being at the game, there is no question who the captain of this defense. Rhodes is calling the plays in the defensive huddle, shouting out adjustments with every offensive motion, and pumping up the crowd during all of it. And Elam, to the coaching staff's credit (though they'd be crazy otherwise), started this week, and look how he played. He sniffed that sack, and absolutely crushed Bulger, forcing a fumble for a TD while he was at it. All 3 of these guys lived up to my expectations for sure.

Overall: Run the ball. Defend the pass. Jets win.
Done, Done & Done. That makes me very happy to say.

Notes: Nugent's rehab is in it's final stages. This guy really kills me.
Want to talk about a guy playing for his job, Feely did absolutely everything he could to keep his job as the Jets' kicker this past week. He was 4/4, including ones for 46, 49, and 55 yards. There's no way that you can sit this guy, as ancient as he may be, for some kid who is rehabbing his foot from kicking the ball.

The gf happens to be taking me to this game, so I will be providing some on-site commentary
So add Giants Stadium to your extensive list of locations where AT&T devices do not receive service.
So I was unable to provide any on-site commentary, but here are just a few notes from being at the game:
Kris Jenkins appears just has enormous from 50 seats up as he does on TV.
Kerry Rhodes was pumping up the crowd from the first kickoff until I left to catch the bus during the last drive of the game.
You cannot fully appreciate Leon Washington's burst of speed until you see it up front. He is lightning fast.

One last note: The Ty Law pickup, though a bit spicy, could work out for this Thursday. He's familiar with the scene in Foxboro and he's familiar with Mangini's style. We shall see...and discuss more in the pre-game analysis this Thursday.