This article has been re-printed from JetsDaily.com
It is just over one day until kickoff, and I for one am amped up. So let’s get to the game. But first, I’d like to get one thing out of the way.
I hate the New England Patriots.
I hate Bill Bellichick. I hated Tom Brady. I hate the way they are still winning games (including over the Jets) with a guy who hasn’t started a game since high school. I hate their fans, who usually root for the Boston Red Sox, another disgusting team. I hate that smug attitude. I hate players like Rodney Harrison and Vince Wilfork, cheap shot artists whose antics are ignored because of the media’s man-love for the Patriots. Hell, I hate the fact ESPN is in Connecticut, also known as Patriots country.
But most of all, I hate their success, both in Super Bowls and against the Jets.
Their three Super Bowl victories in the new millennium are two more than the Jets have in their history. They were the first 16-0 team in NFL history (though the ending was so fitting and so sweet).
Most importantly, the Jets haven’t beaten them a home in eight seasons, and they haven’t had much more success in New England. Victories in 2006 and 2002 were extremely satisfying.
I’m far from alone in those sentiments, too. Clearly, Eric Mangini and Mike Tannenbaum are sick of being the Pats’ patsies. Brett Favre, Alan Faneca, Damien Woody, Kris Jenkins, and Calvin Pace prove that. So does newcomer Ty Law.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Even Shaun Ellis admits he feels the Patriots do not respect the Jets. And why should they? After all, the Patriots have simply been a different class of football team lately.
Jets fans look fondly upon the 2002 season when the Jets were 9-7, won the division and one playoff game. We blame Doug Brien for costing us a shot at the AFC Championship game in 2004.
Patriots fans are disappointed with a season in which they went 19-1.
That’s the difference right now between the Jets and the Patriots, and it’s a big reason for an inferiority complex that began with the “Same Old Jets” and has continued with the recent one-sided rivalry with the Patriots, whose rise to power is intertwined with the Jets, as Mo Lewis’s hit on Drew Bledsoe gave Brady the job, and Bellichick infamously resigned after one day as the “HC of the NYJ,” only to take the same job up north.
But all dynasties eventually collapse. And Tom Brady’s gruesome injury is certainly a catalyst. But if the Jets want to be the team to dethrone the Patriots, the team must step up and take the division from them.
Thursday night’s game is that opportunity. It’s not a must-win, but it’s hard to imagine the Jets winning the division while getting swept by the Patriots.
It’s also a major mental block because if this team truly thinks it can be the best, it has to beat the best. Yes, they play the Titans next week, and a win there would cushion the blow if the Jets were to lose this week, but there is no doubt which game is more important to the team's psyche.
The Jets are third in the NFL in sacks and second in points. The team is gelling more and more each week, and for the first time in years, the running game is something opposing teams have to fear and respect.
The Patriots' are missing several starters, including Brady, Harrison, and Adalius Thomas, so the time to strike is now.
The task at hand is not easy. Thursday nights in Gillette Stadium are not conducive to opponents coming away with victories. The Patriots are 6-3 and playing well. But if the Jets want to accomplish big things this year, the objective is simple.
Beat the Patriots.
Mackenzie Kraemer can be reached at his Jets blog or via e-mail. Also, check out the inaugural AFC East Roundtable.
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about 1 month ago
In the words of the great Jay-Z, "males shouldn't be jealous thats a female trait"
seriously though, the jets have to win this game... a team that gets beat twice by matt cassel doesnt deserve to be in the playoffs, much less win the division...good article, i had a smile on my face the whole read :)
a minor note, the media has "man-love" for the patriots? you must be watching something different than me, because last year the media was all over New england and now reports everything that bashes the patriots (rams coach saying patriots get favored by refs etc)
good stuff though, should be a fun game if nothing else
from about 1 month ago
It's died a little bit this year, and obviously, from my Jets' perspective, it looks worse, but it just seems like ESPN goes out of its way to praise every aspect about the Patriots, brushing over the fact that Bellichick cheated and that Wilfork and Harrison are dirty. Peter King might be the worst though.
And I'm not saying if we lose, we miss the playoffs. Certain teams just have other teams' numbers, and I hate to say it, but it appears like the Patriots have ours. The Jets used to have the Dolphins number, earlier this decade, but Miami would still make the playoffs. However, it's hard to imagine leapfrogging the Patriots unless they win here.
And always nice to have some Jay-Z lines in my comments, thank you.
about 1 month ago
Are you surprised it is reciprtocal you J-E-S-T fan?:) Now I'll read the article.
about 1 month ago
"...the media’s man-love for the Patriots. Hell, I hate the fact ESPN is in Connecticut, also known as Patriots country."
Wow, A J-E-S-T fan and an idiot. The media love the Patriots. The same media that for months said Walsh taped the Rams walk through even after he didn't.
As for Bristol, um, get a map. It is closer to NY than Boston. Go there and you'll find more Yankee hats than Red Sox.
As for Belichick leaving, yes the Patriots stole him. They learned how when the Jest stole Parcells.
from about 1 month ago
Walsh said he taped the walkthrough, so it was reported.
I don't go to Connecticut much, but I've met many people from there. Almost of them who cares about football is a Patriots fan, with just a few Giants fans.
from about 1 month ago
And I know we stole Parcells. Robert Kraft pretty much drove him out, but that doesn't change the fact that Bellichick wimped out on us. Then we took Mangini back. It's why the rivalry is so great. I just want to win one! And I'm confident we will!
from about 1 month ago
No he didn't get your facts straight. Jon Tomase of the Boston Herald quoted an "unnamed source," his only source, and the "media's man love for the Patroits" had them all run with it.
I doubt you'll learn anything, but do want a link to the apology, JEST homer?
Connecticut is the weird place that is in New England but part of the New York tri-state area. Quick quiz. Name a few famous people who live in Connecticut.
I can only think of David Letterman and Martha Stewart, both work in New York.
I don't know when the rivalry started. I'm guessing in the old AFL days somebody's dog pissed on somebody's leg.:)
from about 1 month ago
Awww, someone's upset because his wittle old Pats wost a football game to the Jets. Don't cwy Willie. It's only football.
You mentioned a dog pissing on someone's leg.
Speaking of legs, how's T...
....ahh forget it!
-B.P.
from about 1 month ago
Hey Eddie, or witch doctor, or Draculas buttocks or whatever your name is this time,
Let the adults talk.
Did you see a reference to the Jest beating the Patriots practice squad before you, Dracula's asshole brought it up?
from about 1 month ago
Hey William, try not to offend Mr Buttocks because he knows how to lash it out, but then he
cwies like a widdel baby himself/herself when confronted on his level.
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