I was a guest on a radio program last night and the host asked me which one of New York’s 3-0 football teams was more entertaining to watch. I thought about it for less than a second and replied “the Jets.”
I’ve had a few hours to digest my initial response, but my answer remains the same. In fact, I have actually begun to try to find reasons why it shouldn’t be the Jets. They have a firecracker head coach (Rex Ryan), a potential future star behind center (Mark Sanchez) and a defense that puts opposing players on injury reports. That alone is worth tuning in on Sundays.
Sure, the Giants are a perennial playoff team and just one year off of a Super Bowl title, but, as I said last night, you just expect them to win. They have a lot of great pieces: defense, offensive line, running backs. They also have two very goods ones: quarterback and wide receivers, their lone exciting storyline heading into the 2009 season. These guys take the field with more confidence than Donald Trump in the boardroom.
I’m not taking anything away from the Giants, because aside from last season’s playoff loss to the Eagles, they have been the best team in the NFC since 2008. I expect them to win the division again this year and possibly make another Super Bowl appearance. But, being good and being entertaining are two different things. With the Giants you know what you’re going to get most weeks, a hard-fought battle resulting in a win.
The Jets, however, are an intriguing team to watch these days, and it’s not just because each week someone new gives opposing teams bulletin board material. Last season was “The Year of Favre,” a campaign that started off great and ended with a shoulder injury that cost former head coach Eric Mangini, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets hundreds of thousands of dollars. Wipe that slate clean — no more Mangini, Favre or 9-7 record.
The main thing that brought promise to the Jets organization this season was the addition of Ryan. The former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator is very passionate about what he does. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, which is exactly the type of coach the Jets haven’t had since the late 90s with Bill Parcells. Based on Ryan’s record, he can talk all he wants, because he backs it up come game day. Watching him alone on the sidelines could be a reality show in its own.
Related to the Ryan factor is the Jets’ defense. The team had several key pieces (Kris Jenkins, Darrelle Revis, David Harris, Kerry Rhodes, Shaun Ellis) already in place before Ryan went and brought Bart Scott and Jim Leonard over from the Ravens. That only made them stronger, while they now rank as the AFC’s top defensive unit. From the constant blitzes to strong play on the outside, there’s a what’s-going-to-happen-next feeling every defensive down.
Another “entertaining” storyline for the Jets is at quarterback. Just like the Giants made a draft-day deal to get their future franchise QB, the Jets did the same, trading up for Sanchez. So far, he’s looked very comfortable with the ball in his hands, tossing for 606 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions — one of them wasn’t his fault.
Ryan, who watched Joe Flacco lead the Ravens to the playoffs in his rookie year last season, knows how to treat a young quarterback, but he’s also not afraid to take chances. Two weeks ago against New England, Sanchez probably had the worst first half of his short NFL career. He couldn’t find any of his receivers and kept getting hit, even making a costly fumble. The Jets had the ball coming out of halftime and Ryan lets Sanchez air it out. The young quarterback lead his team down the field with a few deeps balls and a nine-yarder into the end zone for tight end Dustin Keller. It was picture perfect.
After the half, you would have thought the Jets would keep pounding away on New England’s defensive line with running backs Leon Washington, who alone is a highlight reel, and Thomas Jones. Instead, Ryan showed trust in Sanchez and let him be the leader. He’s not going to be able to get it done every down, or even every game, but that’s what’s makes their offense intriguing.
But, despite being 3-0, the Jets don’t feel like they’re the best. I asked Bart Scott after the Jets win over New England whether this team believes they’ve made a statement thus far. He laughed it off in a confident manner and basically said absolutely not. I think otherwise, and this week’s game against New Orleans could show who’s right.
It may end up being the Giants year, again, but it will be the Jets who are more “entertaining.”
Listen to Scott talk about the entertaining Jets on Real Sports Talk with Kenrick Thomas last night.
Which of New York’s football teams do you find more entertaining to watch? Let us know below.
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