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Here are Dan’s thoughts from Foxboro, following the Jets win over New England – looking back at the game, and ahead to Pittsburgh . . .
With Rex’s larger than life personality and all the controversy around the coach, and his team, people often forget something very important – he’s a brilliant defensive coach.
Brilliant.
He’s right up there with Bill Belichick.
And there was no way there was going to be a repeat of the last Jets-New England game.
That was an aberration.
The defensive game plan Rex, Mike Pettine, Dennis Thurman and others whipped up, was tremendous.
They mainly played coverage, with three guys rushing, and effectively mixed in occasional blitzes.
The unsung hero of this game was Shaun Ellis. Dealing with constant double teams, he finished with two sacks and two quarterback pressures. He was a force.
Due to an injury to Steve Neal, the Patriots are playing a backup at right guard, Rich Ohrberger, and Ellis did what he should do against a player like this, he destroyed him.
What you have to do with a coverage approach, when you allow short passes, it’s essential they you tackle well, and not let the receivers get a lot of yards after the catch. The Jets tackling was outstanding led by David Harris (12 tackles), Eric Smith (seven tackles) and Brodney Pool (seven tackles).
And on offense, the Jets strategy to make Jerricho Cotchery the main target, was a fantastic strategy.
He’s a starting quality receiver, but has selflessly embraced the #3 role, with Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards on the roster. There are very few nickel backs and safeties that can cover J-Co, and Brian Schottenheimer did the right thing calling a lot of plays for him. He was facing single coverage all day.
B-Schotty, over the last month, has been calling the perfect games for Mark Sanchez. Ever since the Miami loss, the way the Jets are using Sanchez is right on target.
Run the football with a great offensive line, and have Sanchez throw a lot of quick slants, a lot of one read precision passes.
They were putting too much on his plate earlier in the year. They tweaked their approach about a month ago, and the results have been marvelous.
The Jets needed to beat the Patriots this year. This was a re-tooling year in New England. They have a ton of rookies playing, and they have 15 guys on injured reserve, including three key defensive linemen.
I’m not saying the Jets won’t be able to go toe-to-toe with the Pats in years to come, but they need to take advantage this year, and a down Patriots team. What the Pats did this year was pretty remarkable when you look at their roster.
Just like the Jets needed to take advantage of a down Colts team (18 players on IR).
Brady and Manning should have much better supporting casts next year, and could be back to their juggernaut statuses next year.
And this is also a good year to beat Pittsburgh. Their offensive line is a mess (Ben has taken a beating) and their cornerbacks are pedestrian.
The Jets continue to be amazingly healthy and have perhaps the most talented roster in the league. That is a great combination.
There is no question they can all the way this year.
The starts are alligned nicely for Gang Green.
First things first, a very winnable game at Heinz Field.
