The Recco report: Breakdowns by the Bay

Recco Report: Breakdowns by the Bay

Jerry Recco

jets@wfan.com


New York, NY (WFAN) -- I admit it, I never saw it coming. As a matter of fact, even with a few turnovers I didn't believe the Jets would lose that game on Sunday. I truly thought the team had turned a corner. I figured they'd bury the Raiders and Chiefs on their way to a big showdown in Orchard Park with the Bills on November 2nd. Wow, was I wrong.

Let's break down the game because I think there are several things to be disgusted by and one or two to be encouraged with. First and foremost, the play of the offensive line was lousy. I know the Jets running game was tremendous, for that I commend the O-line. However, the pass protection was miserable. Brett Favre spent way too much time getting hit, having little time to throw the football.

Speaking of Favre, not the best of days. Aside from the game-tying drive that began at the five yard line, Favre never found a rhythm. Obviously that goes hand in hand with the lack of protection. But Favre does not get a pass for the interception near the end zone. The Jets were certain to get at least three points and that turnover took points off the board.

The wide receivers-- Not sure how serious the injury to Jerricho Cotchery is and we won't until Wednesday. But Laveranues Coles never seemed to be get open, Chansi Stuckey had a nice catch & run in the 4th quarter but beyond that, not much.

The tight ends-- Bubba Franks was injured and didn't return. Dustin Keller didn't do much and the one time Chris Baker had an opportunity to make a play late in the game, he slipped and fell.

Here are the offensive positives-- Thomas Jones and Brad Smith. Jones ran with a purpose, not only finding gaps to run through but exploding through them. He had one run over 30 yards and another over 20. On first down, he was an automatic six yards. Jones couldn't run better and if that continues the offense will loosen up. As far as Smith, I believe this was his best game as a Jet. He ran the reverse well, executed that wild-cat type formation with a big run and he almost won the game with a nice catch late in the 4th quarter but was pulled down by his shoe strings. And I shouldn't forget Leon Washington's 11 yard TD run. It appeared that Washington was tackled three times on the way to the end zone, but he ran hard and stayed on his feet.

While mentioning Washington, I guess this would be a great time to transition to special teams play. Fumbling the punt gift-wrapped three points for the Raiders. I know mistakes happen but that one really hurt. How about the fake punt that the Jets didn't defend when the game was tied 10-10 in the 4th quarter? How bad was that! Shame on Wallace Wright for NEVER even thinking fake and just bull-rushing the punter. If the block was on that makes sense, but a return was set up, so what was he doing? On the positive side, good for Jay Feely. After hitting the up-right on the 52 yard attempt, Feely was given a 2nd chance thanks to Tom Cable's stupidity amd Feely nailed the second one. Oh yeah, I should mention the punting of Reggie Hodges, which I thought was outstanding.

Defensively, the Jets did a nice job. They contained the run (I won't say stopped it, but contained it) and if they didn't play well this game might not have been very close. Calvin Pace, who had the nicked-up toe, played another solid game and Monday said his toe was fine.

Coaching.....Give the staff a big fat D minus.....I won't give them an F because the defense was ready to play and I think the Jets played hard. However, too many stupid penalties, the offensive play calling seemed to be puzzling, to be nice. And they were outsmarted on special teams. I thought and still believe the Jets have playoff talent. After six games, the staff has to catch up. Brian Schottenheimer has to start calling plays with the idea that Brett Favre is the quarterback and not Chad Pennington and Eric Mangini needs to start out-coaching his opposition again.

This week the Jets have a great opportunity to move to 4-3 before they head to Orchard Park, as they host the Chiefs on Sunday. Win and all won't be forgotten, but it will give them a chance to be forgiven if they ever found a way to beat the Bills....

 

Of course COTCHERY broke off the route. But you balme Favre. you could be wrong. And on the other INT, guess who fell down and could not prevent the INT? COTCHERY! Thus it is always easy to balme the QB but we should know all the circumstances. Then of course, you mentioned that FAVRE was getting hit. What you didn't ask was why MANGINI kept using the spread offense while he was getting killed! Oh Schotty was calling the plays. Then maybe he is at fault! However, Eric has the right of refusal and did not use it! he is the bottom line.