Since taking over the team, Eric Mangini has the New York Jets undefeated after the bye week. In 2006, they carved the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. In 2007, the hometown Jets upset the Pittsburgh Steelers in front of a crowd of terrible towels.
It’s been a tradition in New York for the team to start off slowly, only to explode, after their week of rest. The defense plays more aggressively, and the offense executes in a much more synchronized fashion.
This year’s bye week came at the most opportune moment. For the first time in Mangini’s tenure, the Jets were taking a week off after an impressive victory. Throwing 56 points on the scoreboard against the Arizona Cardinals was a solid foundation for New York to build on for the rest of the season.
However, the defense allowing 35 second-half points nearly soured Brett Favre’s coming out party. It’s time for the Jets’ defense to make the same statement the offense made against Arizona.
And what better opponent to do that against than the winless Cincinnati Bengals, right?
Picking Up Where They Left Off
Six offensive touchdowns! Take a moment to soak that in a bit more. The New York Jets’ offense produced six touchdowns in one game.
The spark that was supposed to be Brett Favre became a fuel-induced blaze in one afternoon.
Laveranues Coles’s slow start had fans sucking their teeth in disgust. Knee-jerk reactions among Jets fans were inspiring images of a wide receiver unit without one of their warriors. People wanted to ship Coles away!
Now that the negativity has dissipated and fans have relaxed, it’s time to cheer again. Fans want to see the potent passing attack gain even more strength. And if reports out of Florham Park are accurate, the chemistry and relationship between Favre and his receivers is getting more comfortable by the day.
Favre has had no difficulty hitting multiple targets through his first four games on the Jets. And now, with an actual rapport to speak of with some of the team's biggest threats, the offense can become more dangerous than it’s been in years.
Fans have to believe that a defense that has only produced three sacks in five games won’t be able to apply the pressure to disrupt Favre's rhythm.
Play the Bengals As If They Are 5-0
The Jets took some criticism when they went for the touchdown on a 4th-and-1 against Arizona when the game was already out of reach. They took even more heat after scoring the two-point conversion.
That’s the approach the Jets need to continue against the Bengals.
With no wins, Cincinnati instantly becomes a very dangerous team—unless you’re the 1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Regardless, the Bengals are too talented to disregard because of their record alone.
Through five losses, the Bengals have faced some of the NFL’s toughest competition. Losing to the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys isn’t indicative of a pathetic team.
The Bengals have played close games against some of the best squads the 2008 season has to offer. Aside from the Titans game, the Bengals have only been a mistake or two away from victory each week.
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about 1 month ago
I have said it before, I will say it again. I would rather play the 2007 Patriots than any 0 win team.
from about 1 month ago
The chances for an upset are always horrifying. Some teams just aren't as bad as their records!
about 1 month ago
All great points too Angel. If the defense plays the Bengals like they did the Steelers last year, then Carson will get hurt. Please don't think that I am wishing that, but Big Ben got his butt kicked in that game. If it were any other QB than Ben, it would have been a double digit sack game.
I don't think the return of Chatman can be overstated. He could look like a superstar in this game.
from about 1 month ago
I know you'd never wish injury, Bruce. But you need that disclaimer before any readers attack, lol. The thing with Palmer is that I don't believe he'll be fully ready for the game. After I wrote this, I read there's a chance that he's still injured.
I'm still not counting them out though. The Jets were already schooled by a backup QB once this year, lol.
about 1 month ago
man, i don't know.
i hear what bruce is saying about fearing the 0-5 team. are the winless teams the most fear in football??? (maybe that's a good topic to explore sometime...i'll leave that to the foxsports man...)
regardless, the jets lose to the fitzpatrick-led bengals? i mean, stranger things have happened, but i just don't know.
i say the jets handle them...not big in predictions, but i say jets 24-7.
about 1 month ago
No way the Bengals win without Carson Palmer.
from about 1 month ago
We felt that way in Week Two when Brady was out. I'm never getting that confident again!
about 1 month ago
I agree with Nick and Daniel both. But they are the JETS. We lose to teams we shouldn't and beat teams we shouldn't all the time. If there were one team I will never make predictions on, it is the JETS. But this year in the NFL, It seems like the whole AFC is doing the same thing.
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