ESPN Page 2 http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrookpreview/070814&sportCat=nfl#jets New York Jets Somehow, the football world failed to notice the Jets-Patriots playoff game of January, though it pitted Bill Belichick against acolyte Eric "I Was a Teenaged Coach" Mangini. Both coaches used max-multiple offenses against each other. But the thrill was on the other side, where the Jets used what I dubbed the Times Square Defense -- everyone moving, almost milling around at random, before the snap. This was not a mistake but a deliberate tactic to confuse Tom Brady's presnap reads. And it almost worked! Tuesday Morning Quarterback has watched far too much tape, and has never seen another defense on which all 11 players are wandering back and forth, seemingly almost ignoring the offense, before the snap. That Times Square Defense -- will Mangini have the testosterone patch to try it again? Meanwhile, you might have missed this, but Mangini did a cameo in one of the final "Sopranos" episodes. Mangini was shown being seated at Artie's restaurant; Tony sidled over to shake his hand. NFL coach meets with major gambler! Supposedly, Mangini appeared on "The Sopranos" because he's a fan. I think the Mangini appearance on "The Sopranos" was staking a claim -- to Jersey. Both the Giants and Jets claim to be from New York while actually playing in New Jersey. Who has had anything to do with the biggest Garden State cultural phenom since Springsteen? The coach of the Jets. For years, Tuesday Morning Quarterback has complained that the Giants and Jets say they represent New York City -- home of many attractive young women who have theatrical training and great legs and are looking for their break in show biz -- yet employ no cheerleaders. This has finally changed as Jersey/B announced a squad of 10 comely, scantily attired "flag carriers" who also will dance. Maybe the New York City area is just too hip for the word "cheerleaders"; at any rate, "flag carriers" are welcome. Except -- it's the 21st century; why are there no shirtless ripped-stud flag carriers, too? Now the pressure is on the Giants. Come on, Giants. Manhattan and Hoboken are home-away-from-home to countless leggy dancers whose career aspiration is to enter the public eye. Giants, you're gonna let the Jets surpass you on something in your own stadium? If he buys a racehorse, better start to worry. Cheerleaders, flag carriers ... whatever they're called, it's a good move by the Jets.
I know Easterbrook's writing is not for everyone, but I tend to enjoy his different approach to sports journalism. That and he usually posts pics of hot chicks. :up:
Thats was informative. I truley beleived during that Playoff game that the Defense was confused at times. I also can relate to the New York New Jersey thing because every road trip I do to another stadium around the country thats what I hear "Are you guy's from New Jersey or New York Make up your mind" To Tell you the truth Iv been rooting foir the Jets so damb long that I really wouldnt mind If they called them Selves The New Jersey Jets! Nah Just kidding Lets go New York Jets!
I actually like his writing alot, and read every week until he pissed off Disney somehow and got booted for a couple years. Glad to see he's back. I just wonder what we have to do to be Jersey/A rather than Jersey/B.
wow. Mangini was on the Sopranos?!!?! Boy, this guy is right on top of things. I'm so underwhelmed, I could shart.
I don't like Easterbrook because he's endlessly pretentious, but I kinda respect that he calls out the Jets and Giants for the Jersey thing...Lord knows someone has to. I hope Woody reads TMQ every week and feels like the incompetent buffoon he is.
Yes, because we all know that the city of New York is standing across the river with its arms wide open for the Jets...
TMQ has been repeating himself the last few years. how many time you can read about not blitzing while the eagles and steelers proved in the last few years that if its done right it can work
TMQ became stale a long time ago. The only funny guy on espn.com is Simmons. And Rob Neyer but he doesn't try to be.
