With 3 time outs remaining, why not take a serious shot at getting the ball further downfield? The Jets’ Doug Brien has the unique distinction of being the only kicker to miss two field goals in the final two minutes of a playoff game , but Herm Edwards’ conservative approach in the final minute deserves much of the blame.
ESPN’s John Saunders is deeply offended that NY QB Chad Pennington was seen yukking it up with Pittsburgh counterpart Ben Roethlisbuger at the conclusion of this heartbreaker, but as Charles Graner would remind us, just ’cause you’re smiling, it doesn’t mean you’re having fun.
Roethlisburger’s shaky performance should breed confidence in whoever survives today’s Colts/Patriots contest. This rematch of last year’s AFC Championship will likely focus on what innovative scheme Bill Belichick can come up with to contain Peyton Manning and the receiving weapons at his disposal. Though it is not my place to advise a coach with Belichick’s c.v., he might wanna take a tip from the recent attempts to derail the campaign of newly elected Ukrainian leader Viktor Yushchenko. Never mind the new bump and run rules, it’s all about the catering this morning in Foxboro.
I think that one of the most significant plays was when the still-not-quite-prime-time Pennington threw an awful 3rd-down pass behind Santana Moss on the series after they recovered the Bettis fumble with 12 minutes left. At this point in the game, had the Jets chewed up the clock and managed to put 3 more points on the board or even knock 6-7 minutes off by getting the ball up to the PIT 40 and pin the Pittsburgh offense deep in their own territory they would have forced the clearly shaky Roethlisberger to go into a hurry-up mode.Penningtons inexcusable flubbed pass forced the defense back onto the field too quickly after the 3 and out and PIT had the time to wear them down via Bettis and Staley. Also, the Jets time management has been awful this year and they obviously were not cognizant of the fact that the conversion rate of FGs at Heinz Field is %43 from 40+ yards, otherwise they would have called for plays to attempt another first down rather than running the ball into the line.