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This really isn’t about one player. It’s about so much more, and not just about what is going on at One Jets Drive. To put it at the doorstep of one player is foolish.
Headline – “Ryan Fitzpatrick’s 11-year dream hinges on besting Tom Brady”
No it doesn’t. He’s not facing Tom Brady. Unless he’s been moved to safety or linebacker.
The worst mindset Fitzpatrick could have entering this game is the one presented in that headline.
In the past, Fitzpatrick has gotten in trouble by trying to put a team on his back and attempting to be a Superman.
One of the reasons he’s been successful this year, is that, for the most part, he’s stayed away from that mindset.
With a strong running game, and an excellent run defense, he’s done a nice job, in most games, of playing complimentary football.
So no, he doesn’t need to “best” Brady to win this game. He needs to keep doing what he’s been doing over the last month – playing within himself, to use an overused cliché.
Another problem with this headline – unfortunately for the Jets, is their playoff hopes don’t hinge on them beating Brady and the Patriots. That is another false premise in this headline.
They need a lot of help, and at this point, it looks like “longshot” help.
As we all know, they need the Kansas City or Pittsburgh to lose one on of their last two games.
And each team plays Cleveland at home as one of their two remaining games.
The wheels are coming off the Browns.
Not only are they starting a quarterback (Johnny Manziel) who shouldn’t be starting in the NFL right now, a pick clearly driven by the owner (those picks almost never work), but they had two plays arrested on Friday, one being a top pass rusher – Armonty Bryant. He won’t play on Sunday.
There are so many distractions there right now, including rumors that they are going to blow things up at the end of the season, and start over for the umpteenth time.
They are not of a mind right now to pull a major upset on the road. They are a dysfunctional mess.
The Jets best hope of all four games involving the Chiefs and Ravens is tomorrow in Baltimore.
Hey, I know that one is a long-shot because the Ravens are so banged-up, but it’s at M & T Bank Stadium, and they hate the Steelers. And John Harbaugh isn’t going anywhere, so these players will play very hard, to beat the Steelers, and to impress their 2016 coach, who is currently on their sideline.
And Harbaugh is really messing with the Steelers’ collective heads. He is considering starting any one of this three quarterbacks, and it is still unclear which one.
None of the vaunted NFL insiders have been able to get a leak. Because it’s in John’s head.
Do you know what a pain in the butt it is for a defensive staff, and their players, to prepare for three quarterbacks – all the film study, practice work and so forth.
And there is no question that the Steelers passing game is outstanding, but the Ravens have two pretty good veteran corners in Jimmy Smith and LaDarius Webb. They also have the former Patriot Kyle Arrington as a nickel back. And the safeties aren’t back, including Will Hill. I’m not saying they will stop Roethlisberger, but I think they can put up a fight.
To me, that is the game that give the Jets the best hope (along with them taking care of their own business).
The Chiefs other game is against Oakland at Arrowhead. I know the Jets made Derek Carr look like Tom Brady, but he’s been very underwhelming since that game. Don’t count on Carr and the Raiders going into Kansas City and helping the Jets.
So no, Fitzpatrick doesn’t need to “best” Brady to make his playoff dream come true.
The Jets need a team effort, including efficient QB play, and help from the outside.
December 26, 2015
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