Jets Takeoff

Brad Smith's 57-yard run in the first quarter got the Jets going early.

Alright New York, for at least the next week, when you talk local football, the story is the Jets. Sure there’s a lot to discuss in terms of the Big Blue collapse that took place after the Giants started the season 5-0. There’s the fact that they mailed it in yesterday in Minnesota after playing as poorly as I’ve ever seen them play the week before in a home loss to Carolina. And the questions have begun regarding Bill Sheridan and other personnel moves that may or may not be made. After all, this is a Giants’ town.

But the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS are in the playoffs thanks to their 37-0 win last night over the Cincinatti Bengals in the NFL finale at Giants Stadium. New York will travel to Cincy for a 4:30 game this Saturday in the opening round of the playoffs.

At 9-7, the Jets enter the playoffs having won five of their last six games. They dominated the Bengals last night, even though Cincinnati played its starters into the third quarter. However, five regulars, including running back Cedric Benson, did not play. No doubt, the Jets will see a better, more prepared team on Saturday.

The Jets outgained the Bengals, 320-72, in total yards, 257-72 on the ground. New York had 21 first downs to the Bengals five, and they held onto the ball for 41:14.

The Jets needed to win, and they did just that. Welcome to the playoffs, New York!

It’s the final game in Giants Stadium, barring an unlikely playoff matchup where the Jets would be a higher seed. The playoffs are on the line tonight when the 8-7 Jets host the 10-5 Bengals.

For Cincinnati, who has already clinched a playoff berth, only a New England loss this afternoon will make this game significant at all. If the Patriots were to lose to Houston, a Bengals’ win would result in them picking up the three-seed in the AFC.

For the Jets, it’s win and they’re in.

It’s likely that these two teams will meet again next weekend in the first round of the playoffs, assuming the Jets get there with a win tonight. The big question is how long the Bengals will play their starters. Sound familiar?

Chad Ochocinco vs Darrelle Revis. Tonight it happens on the field instead of on Twitter. And it’s the Jets’ top-ranked rushing attack versus the Bengals’ rush defense, ranked second in the league.

The Jets and Bengals play the final game of the regular season. A must-win for the Jets. It will be cold, windy, and perhaps even snowing tonight at Giants Stadium. Would you expect it to be any other way?

Jets 20, Bengals 10

Am I missing something here?

Believe me, I know The New York Times isn’t the only paper in town, but two days in a row now I’ve sat in the same seat here at Starbucks and haven’t read one substantial Jets’ article in the “paper of record.”

Today, all we had was mention of punter Steve Weatherford’s hamstring injury. Nothing else on the Jets, one day before one of the biggest games in franchise history. No worries though, the Daily News, New York Post, Stamford Advocate, etc. pick up the slack.

To be fair, OP-ED columnist Bob Herbert, who usually writes about politics and society, has a nice piece entitled “The Miracle That Never Happens.” It’s about the Jets’ futility over the years.

Well, I guess this really is a Giants’ town after all.

I’m sitting in a Starbucks right now and just took a look at the sports section of today’s New York Times. There are prominent articles on Tim Tebow, the Rose Bowl, the Winter Classic at Fenway Park, and even the New York Giants. Nothing on the Jets. Two days away from one of the biggest games in the franchise’s history and the closing of NFL football at Giants Stadium, and not one Jets’ article makes the paper?

Maybe I can understand why. First, this will always be Big Blue territory. That’s just the way it is. The Jets have a stronghold on Long Island, but visit Fairfield County and you’ll find Giants’ fans everywhere. You’ll have to search for a while to find a Jets’ fan. But the New York Times is a national (even international) paper. Isn’t there someone out there who wants to read about Gang Green?

Maybe not. After all, I think we’re all a bit tired of Rex Ryan. The first-year head coach has done okay as a first-year head coach. But man, he says some really weird things that drive you crazy, Jet fan or not. Like the fact that his team doesn’t get any respect. This he said after the Jets beat the Colts second team. You know what Rex? You called for Peyton Manning to sit, just like you’re now calling for Chad Ochocinco to sit. You wouldn’t have beaten Indianapolis if Manning stayed in there. Keep quiet and accept that. If you make the playoffs, you’ll get credit. But know you wouldn’t be in this position if the Colts played four quarters.

This isn’t the first time Rex has opened his mouth when he shouldn’t have. It probably won’t be the last.