Saturday, January 23, 2010

Gotta Go Green

Can't help it. I have this gnawing feeling that the Jets are headed to the Super Bowl.

No, I haven't been caught up in the hype. I'm caught up in history.

It just seems to me that if the Giants could do what they did in 2007, it could certainly happen again. After all, there's nothing more dangerous than an underdog with a little confidence. The Giants were that underdog back then, faced with the impossible task of winning three playoff games on the road, including the No. 1-seeded Dallas and No. 2-seeded Packers, the last in minus-23 degree weather. And then they got to face the undefeated Patriots, and we all know what happened there.

The Jets? They're reversing the order, beating the No. 2 Chargers and now facing the No. 1-seeded Colts. The head -- the center of all logic and thought -- tells me the Colts should win this by two touchdowns. But the heart -- the thing that gives worth to all those intangibles like momentum and confidence and swagger -- tells me the Jets and their "ground and pound" game are going to find a way to harrass Peyton Manning into ineffectiveness and do just enough offensively to squeak this one out.

We saw it in '07. And though I've gone on record with friends many times that runs like that only come along once a decade, if that, I've got a sneaking suspicion it's going to happen again. Mark Sanchez will hit exactly three key passes, the defense will sack Manning four times, and the coverage will have at least two interceptions.

That's my prediction. Take it for what it's worth. I just think things are going to be very interesting between the hours of 3 and 6:30 p.m. tomorrow. Might be worth tuning in, whether you're a Jets fan or not.

As for the NFC, I'm rooting for the Saints, and not because I have any great love for Jeremy Shockey. It's Sean Payton I want to see in Miami. He went through a lot under Jim Fassel, losing his playcalling responsibilities and eventually moving on. He's a good guy, and he's got a good football mind. He deserves a little success, so he's got my backing.

I've had my say. Now have yours.

EP

7 comments:

  1. A big time Giants fan rooting for the Jets but the one thing the 2007 Giants had that I'm not sure the 2009 Jets share - a quarterback that can score a touchdown in 47 seconds or with 2:39 left on the clock.

    I think Sanchez is going to be a quality quarterback in years to come - and how cool will it be to have two great quarterbacks playing in New York for years - but I think if it is the 2:00 warning in the 4th Quarter with the Jets with the ball and down by 4, they probably can't go 80 yards unless the Colts tackle Shonn Greene like the Chargers did.

    Thanks for the site Ernie, you're a great read.

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  2. Ernie, Nothing against Sean Payton but I absolutely hate the Saints!!! From Joe Horn and his cell phone calls from the end zone, to the defensive back (his name escapes me right now) who was obviously trying to take out Shockey's knees a few seasons ago, to the owners and coaches who did nothing but whine and moan when the Mara/Tisch families graciously offered the use of Giant Stadium after Katrina. They made it seem like the Mara's were purposely trying to do this to get an extra home game instead of just offering to help a fellow owner. Their lack of gratitude during that tough time was just one of many things this organization has done over the years to tick me off. As much as I dislike like the Vikings, I'll be rooting for them hard Sunday. As far as the Jets go, it's just too hard to go against Manning at home. I think this Colt team is focused on getting to and winning the Super Bowl this season. Especially after all the flak they took for resting their starters. I think the Colt defense plays a great game after hearing all week about how good the Jet defense is. This could even be a blow out. Yes, the Jets this season are similar to the Giants of '07 with just one very big difference - the Giants weren't starting a rookie QB. The Colts aren't going to let a rookie QB knock them out of the playoffs.

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  3. I have to agree with you Ernie the Jets just have that swagger, that we have nothing to lose attitude going for them. I think there is going to be a huge defensive play thats going to win this one. That kid Revis is from another planet, he's my pick to make that play.
    Great site by the way, good to see you last week too. Jamie

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  4. I don't like betting against Peyton. The Jets D will keep this close but I think that Peyton will score enough points to beat them.

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  5. The one thing that has happened to the Jets this post season is that they have never been behind by two scores. They have seen reliable field goal kickers choke it up and really have not asked Sanchez to win a game by himself. If everything holds true then Gang Green has a chance. But something tells me though that Peyton & company were a little perturbed with management when they were told "NO" to an undefeated season therefore allowing the Jets to sneak in the back door and go on this run. I would like to see it continue, but I really believe Indy will burst their bubble tomorrow. I say Indy vs. Saints in SB XLIV.

    But how cool would it be if the Jets end up against Minny and Brett Favre, in Miami where Joe Willie 40 years ago led the greatest Jets triumph? Reminds me of the Red Sox coming back from 3-0 in 2004 against the Yankees. Not a bad story line...huh Ern?

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  6. But how cool would it be if the Jets end up against Minny and Brett Favre
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    meh, i'd much rather see teh Colts play. and whilst i am no big fan of Mangini, i have no desire to see him drink himself to death over a period of 2 weeks which he surely would in the event of a Jets v favre SB.

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  7. Let's go Ern!!!!! U can do at least one today!

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