This game felt much closer than the score and the statistics seem to suggest. But, here are a few stats that I thought told something about our team. Looking solely at time of possession, yards, and number of plays, this could very well have been a one score game. The biggest disparity comes in a few different areas. Rushing - A 4.4 yard average is skewed by a couple long runs. Otherwise, this was nonexistent for us, and looking at the pass/rush ratio, we clearly just gave up on it altogether. This, of course, allowed the Patriots to concentrated just on defending the pass, play action meant nothing, and our third down efficiency went into the dumper. Still, I think we passed and moved the ball fairly efficiently. Spread it around pretty well. Made some first downs - but certainly not enough. And then there's the big one - red zone efficiency. Three trips inside the red zone - two of them WAY down deep (although one off fumble) - three fieldgoals. Or, stated another way, 12 points left on the table. I like Leon Washington, but he only ran 11 times. If I didn't see the game, and that were the only stat I did see, I'd have guessed it was a game we couldn't have won. Alrighty. . . . I'm done.
The biggest stat was the 3rd downs...we couldn't stay on the field and we couldn't get them off of the field.
Agreed, the game was alot closer than the final score. Their dynasty is crumbling... I'm happy with what Mangini has done this year, in fact I was just hoping for 5 wins...the rest was a bonus!
Yeah, I'd agree. I just think that it's tied closely to no respect for a running game. Easier to defend what you know is more likely than not to be coming.
Absolutely...I think drastic changes are coming at the RB position this offseason. Barlow and Blaylock were inactive for the playoff game so I think both are going to be released. Houston is a guy that could very well be on the bubble. He only had one carry in todays game and may not be needed if the Jets add a player like Turner or address the position through the Draft. It will be interesting to see what the Jets do to try and improve the position.
So true...its hard to replace a HOF'er in just one offseason. We just have to hope that Tangini can find someone to come in and make plays.
You highlighted key statistics. However, I feel the takeaway/giveaway stat is most important, as it often is. The Jets were on the minus side in this game. The first giveaway was the key play in the game.
That last turnover was just Pennington to try and make a play late in the game...it counts as a turnover, but im certain he was just throwing it downfield because he had to.
Wow imagine. I was thinking the same thing. I know part of our lack or run was also our O-line fault. There was times though that I wish Leon could had been just a little more patient and wait for the holes to develop. This was when I was thinking about Curtis Martin.:martin: :martin:
Its sad that we don't have a run game, but on the same token, its amazing how many yards we were able to pile up without one. A testament to Pennington and the receivers.
