N.Y. Jets: Gang Gase Makes History

From the desk:  WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

WEEK FOURTEEN

Jets              3

Seahawks  40

FINAL

An after-game review is worthless at this juncture.  All you need to know is the New York Jets suffered a club record thirteenth straight loss.  

I'm sure, somewhere, Rich Kotite is laughing his ass off.  Imagine Walt Michaels' dismay who once upon a time got fired after taking his team to the AFC championship game.  Yet, "the brilliant" Adam Gase is still here.

News Flash: Christopher Johnson, in all likelihood, will fire Adam Gase at the end of the season.  

If he doesn't, Woody should beat him up immediately after touching down again on U.S. soil.  

The "Same Old Jets" applies because instead of discussing general manager Joe Douglas firing Adam Gase, we keep reading and hearing about Christopher Johnson firing Adam Gase.  On behalf of Jets fans, when is the media going to take the Johnsons to task for not instituting an intelligent chain of command?

These are the same people who remained silent and protected the Wilpons from Mets fans.  But once the deal to sell the Mets was finalized, they all broke out their bazookas and opened fire upon outgoing ownership.  The same thing goes on with the Jets.  All the pundits know the Johnson Brother's way of doing business is just stupid.  Yet, even amid this horrific 0-13 effort, they print and speak nothing of the kind.  They ask that you pay for their articles offering Christopher this and Christopher that, instead of just lambasting Christopher and his brother and imploring them to let their executive do his damn job.

But no ... let Gase stay and continue ruining Sam Darnold's career.  The man even admitted after Sunday's 40-3 thrashing that he indeed failed Christopher.

But go ahead, screw Sam, get that number one pick.  😠

N.Y. Jets: Woe and Eleven

From the desk: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

The Vast Emptiness of Gase Space

Three points ...

Playing on their home field, Sam Darnold back under center, with a full complement of receivers at his disposal, and the NFL's third all-time leading rusher in the backfield, all the Jets could muster against a middle of the pack Miami secondary and the league's seventh-worst run defense was three points.

In their two games this season against the Dolphins, Gang Gase has been outscored by a 44-3 margin; if you recall, Miami whitewashed the Jets in Week Six.  Over the last two seasons, the Dolphins own a decisive 91-43 point advantage.  Ryan FitzMagic was also able to gain yet another measure of revenge against his former team, dropping Gase to 1-3 against the Fish - the team that fired him.

The Jets have easily scored the least points in the NFL this season with no real hope of improvement.  They've now been limited to ten points or less six times through eleven games and held under twenty points on two other occasions. 

Denver may have injured Sam Darnold's throwing shoulder, but there is no doubt Adam Gase continues destroying Sam's young career.  Through seven starts, Darnold has exceeded 200 yards passing only twice - ironically against the Broncos and in Week One against the Bills.  Otherwise, in five other starts, Darnold is averaging a mere 159 passing yards per game.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Play Gate rages on.  Adam Gase weeks ago said all play-calling duties had been transferred to offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.  If only that were so.  During Sunday's post-game presser, the media finally took Gase to task, pointing out specific instances in which Loggains was caught talking to everyone else but Gase, who himself was busy calling plays.  Gase predictably responded with stuttering half-truths, a bevy of feeble excuses, and one particularly inane explanation of his three-stage communication process.  Gase would now have us believe Loggains scripts the first three plays of any given possession and that Gase takes care of third down situations and two-minute drills.  But on closer inspection, Gase appears to be the only one holding a play-card and even admits to exercising veto rights in certain situations.d  

This begs the question: why would a team maintain an offensive coordinator deemed unqualified to call all plays?

Moreover, Dowell Loggains is also the quarterback coach.  What exactly has this man done for Sam, who is still not allowed to audible at the line of scrimmage?

Poor Sam I Am is in the hands of two people who have done absolutely nothing to advance his career.

Let's just hope he survives the final five games.

N.Y. Jets: Breaking Sam

From the desk: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

Johnson! - End - The - Stupidity

In Defiance of Adam Gase, Uncompliant Right Shoulder Slams Brakes on Darnold's Season

The destruction of Sam Darnold's career continues.  After sustaining the initial injury to his throwing shoulder, head demolition expert Adam Gase allowed Sam Darnold to retake the field against the Broncos.  Darnold subsequently missed games against the Cardinals and Dolphins.  Still far from feeling 100%, the team said there was minimal risk involved insofar as Sam playing forward.  But the results speak for themselves.  Sam was utterly ineffective in his return against the Bills, going just 12/23 for 120 yards with three interceptions.  The following week and still clearly hurting, Sam was an inconsequential 18/30 for 133 yards in a 35-9 blowout loss against the Chiefs.  He was ultimately held out of last week's game against the Patriots and will not start this coming week against the Chargers.  More games are likely.

Let's just say the Jets earn next year's #1 draft pick and select Trevor Lawrence.  Who in their right mind would let him play under Adam Gase?  At the moment, the answer is Christopher Johnson, that's who.  Just look how Ryan Tannehill is flourishing while playing far away from Gase as possible.  Look at Tannehill's seasons before Gase started polluting his life versus the seasons he played under Gase.  Then take a look at what he's presently doing at Tennessee.  The Bears were 6-10 when Adam Gase was their offensive coordinator.

What about all this makes Adam Gase "brilliant?"

N.Y. Jets: No Pain No Gain

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

Something So Wrong

Scram, Sore Arm Sam, While You Still Can

Sam if you do, and Sam if you don't.  If their latest bad idea goes according to plan, the Jets will send a compromised and theoretically expendable Sam Darnold back out onto the field to face the stumbling Patriots this coming Monday night.  This will mark the third time Joe Douglas allows Adam Gase to knowingly play their ailing quarterback.  Sam's sore arm is admittedly not up to snuff.  Yet, as if the Jets had something to play for, the show must go on.  But let us not overlook an emerging scenario wherein Sam Darnold is playing for his job.  For the Jets, the silver lining of this dismal campaign is, of course, potentially being awarded the first overall pick of next year's NFL draft.  Joe Douglas also told reporters just the other day that Adam Gase is still a part of the solution.  That's because the so-called general manager holds no real sway over Adam Gase's employment.  That's Christopher Johnson's jurisdiction.  In the meantime, Sam Darnold is pressed into showcasing himself with a hurting shoulder and an ineffectual cast of complementary players.  Perhaps it's best if you scram, Sam, while you still can.

N.Y. Jets: Sam Darnold Sacked in Return

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK SIX

Bills   18

Jets    10

FINAL

Gang Gase Showing No Improvement

There is nothing overtly embarrassing about an 18-10 loss against Buffalo.  That is, unless you're coming off six straight losses and have yet this season to win a game, and your head coach is Adam Gase, whom Christopher Johnson thinks is brilliant.   

I digress ..

Buffalo takes the season series, two games to none.  The Jets get outscored in Week One by ten points.  This time they only get outscored by eight points.  So, congratulations on avoiding another double digit loss.  

Here's another positive: LáMical Perine and Frank Gore join on 22 rushes for 100 yards, the latter accounts for 60 yards. 

However, Sam Darnold is sacked six times and hit another ten times.  In his first game back since Adam Gase let him play against the Broncos while hurt, Sam Darnold completes just 12 of 23 passes for 120 yards, with two interceptions.  In case the team is anticipating earning the first overall pick in next year's draft, QB prospect Trevor Lawrence just tested positive for COVID.

Get well!

Meanwhile, last week's score is hardly representative of the defensive effort.  Buffalo amasses 422 total yards.  Josh Allen 30 of 43 for 307 yards, and the ground game gains 123 yards (backfield accounts for 15 rushes/76 yards, Allen accounts for the rest).

If this coming Sunday Le'Veon Bell, as a member of the Chiefs, should rush for 100 yards and receive for another 70 yards, now that will be embarrassing.

N.Y. Jets: Nothing But Problems

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

GANG GASE OFF TO WORSE START THAN LAST SEASON

PROBLEM: Christopher Johnson hires Adam Gase, then fires general manager Maccagnan and replaces him with Joe Douglas after Gase's recommendation.  There's no chain command.  Both men report directly to Christopher Johnson.

PROBLEM: Adam Gase said he intensified practice yet still doesn't understand why the team in underperforming.  He is now contemplating handing play calling duties to offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.

PROBLEM: Adam Gase let Le'Veon Bell play knowing he was hurt.  Adam Gase let Sam Darnold play knowing he was hurt.

PROBLEM: Players have been openly critical of Adam Gase since training camp. 

PROBLEM: Christopher Johnson calls Gase an offensive genius.

PROBLEM: This season's 0-5 start exceeds last year's 0-4 start.

PROBLEM: Le'Veon Bell is LIKEing tweets suggesting the Jets trade him.

PROBLEM: Adam Gase never wanted Bell in the first place and his play calling demonstrates that.

PROBLEM: Just when you thought is couldn't get worse, it does.

PROBLEM: Gase makes Todd Bowles seem like the good old days.  

PROBLEM: Any time Rich Kotite creeps back into the conversation you bet there's a problem.

N.Y. Jets: Gang Gase Off To Second Straight 0-4 Start

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK FOUR

BRONCOS   37

JETS           28

FINAL

Air Johnson & Johnson is the Worst Product in Football

"He's a brilliant offensive mind." - Christopher Johnson on Adam Gase

Gang Gase kicks off Week Four in the NFL with a disgraceful home performance on national television against the previously winless Denver Broncos who were starting a third string quarterback.  

Now everyone knows how bad they are.

Think about this for a second.  The Jets lose to Brett Rypien .. Brett Rypien .. who connects with Tim Patrick for 100 yards and a touchdown.  Melvin Gordon rushes for 107 yards and two touchdowns.  It's only his second 100 yard rushing game in his last sixteen, but it comes against the Jets.  I can not think of a more nondescript trio in all the AFC.  Yet, the Broncos torch the Jets for 38 points.  It's the most points Gang Gase has allowed through four games.  Which is another way of saying they are getting worse, not better.

Until Sunday Kickoff the Jets presently own the distinction of allowing the most points in football.  Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams tried unleashing the dogs against the Broncos.  Three times they picked off rookie Brett Rypien.  But all they have to show is six personal fouls and their fourth straight loss to begin the season.

Meanwhile, Sam Darnold's career is in the midst of being ruined with each passing game.  In the first quarter Sam was obnoxiously slammed into the ground causing injury to his shoulder.  Not one Jets team mate came rushing to their quarterback's rescue nor took linebacker A.J. Johnson to task.  The play didn't even draw a flag from the dudes in stripes.  Instead Sam's offensive line responds by allowing three sacks.  Sam is forced to put up 42 attempts, and in the absence of a qualified backfield he leads the team in rushing with 84 yards on six scrambles.  Darnold is generally outplayed by Brett Rypien three quarters against one.

Look around the league.  Second year Gardner Minshew; second year Kyler Murray; third year Josh Allen; third year Baker Mayfield; third year Lamar Jackson; and fourth year Deshaun Jackson all have better complimentary talent around them.  All the aforementioned also threw for more yards last season than Sam Darnold.

Before running out of the building like his hair was on fire Jamaal Adams said Adam Gase didn't share a connection with the rest of the team.  Adams is gone yet the Jets are off to their second straight 0-4 start for the first time in their history.

Coincidence?

N.Y. Jets: All Systems Maybe

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

THE LOSER BOWL

DENVER BRONCOS

vs.

NEW YORK JETS

FROM

WINLESS STADIUM

Jets Looking To Avoid Second Straight 0-4 Start

Can the broken Jets defeat the busted up Broncos?

Great thing about the Loser Bowl is that someone must win.  Then again, maybe not.  There is always the chance of a tie.  Just ask the Eagles.  With the way the Jets and Broncos are going nothing is out of the question.

Jamison Crowder might be back, but will he be effective?  Practice means little.  You just can not simulate real game muscle action and reaction unless someone is getting paid to oppose, stop and hit you.

If the Jets have done anything well - and that's a relative term - they've run the ball somewhat effectively.  Why not reverse roles and instead of making Darnold - still playing without a full compliment of weapons - throw 35 times and limiting the backfield to just 21 rushes, stick with the run  35 times and limit Darnold's throws.  Put the ball in Frank Gore's hands and let him run to daylight and kill the clock.  After the Bills game, the Jets improved time of possession by a full ten minutes.  Why?  Because they only rushed 14 times against Buffalo.  Correlation?  You tell me.

It's wrong to blame Sam Darnold for this team's woes.  How about you let him call a damn audible, will ya?!  This is about quarterback development, not holding him back when faced with - I don't know - eleven people getting paid to make him play badly.  Are you not teaching him how to read and react, or are you (Adam Gase) giving Darnold the old Nancy Reagan and just saying no?  

By the way, I wonder how practice went this week?

Practice?

The Broncos decimated by injuries are starting third string quarterback Brett Rypien.  This will be his first NFL start.  If defensive coordinator Gregg Williams doesn't devise something appropriate for the situation, well, what is there to say ...

All still falls on Adam Gase.  Should the Jets lose, how does a de facto owner suddenly gifted with incredible football executive insight and ability not reconsider his stance?  

T-minus four hours to take-off.

N.Y. Jets: Terrible Is As Terrible Does

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

The End Zone Might As Well Be Outer Space

WEEK THREE

Jets      7

Colts  36

FINAL

Three Times is Officially a Trend

Yes, that plane falling out of the sky has a Jets logo on it ..

Through three weeks the Jets are allowing more, more and more points, while scoring less, less and less.

• I - Bills 27; Jets 16
• II - 49ers 31; Jets 13 
• III - Colts 36; Jets 7

Without Le'Veon Bell, Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims and Breshad Perriman, and playing behind a compromised offensive line, Sam Darnold is progressively getting worse, worse and worse.

• I - 215 passing yards; one INT
• II - 179 passing yards; 0 INT
• III - 168 passing yards; three INT; two pick-six

 

Take away Darnold's two INT's returned for touchdowns and the Jets are still nowhere near competitive.  In that case make it a 24-9 loss.  That's still more than two touchdowns.  The defense generated no sacks and just one QB hit.  When a 40-yard kick return is your best play of the day, something is very wrong.  Said another way, just about every facet of Adam Gase's operation is failing.  Once again they're increasingly becoming an embarrassment on the field.  No hint of polish exists anywhere on this team, even when healthy.  Now, mimicking last year's undercurrent, a growing number of players are complaining practices are not effective nor intense enough.  That speaks to a broader range of staff-wide responsibilities and shortcomings beyond just the head coach.  Yet, Christopher Johnson left off saying Gase is absolutely the right guy for the job.  That leaves general manager Joe Douglas stuck in the middle, which is a condition that has hampered the Jets going back to Woody Johnson.  If this keeps up the Jets are headed towards next year's NFL draft with the number one overall pick.  Can Joe Douglas really afford to have that selection playing under Adam Gase?  At some point the general manager will need to put his foot down on the matter and override everyone, namely Christopher.  Should Joe Douglas receive any resistance he should quit on the spot.

N.Y. Jets: Coach Gase Rewards Owner's Confidence With Another Loss

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK TWO

Niners    31

Jets        13

FINAL

Adam Gase : Christopher Johnson :: Rich Kotite : Leon Hess

Back to the hangar ...

Just days after Christopher Johnson reiterates his full endorsement of Adam Gase, the Jets come apart on the tarmac.  But according to Christopher Johnson, Gase is the right man to pick up the pieces and assemble them back together again.  In any other organization an owner's reassurance so early in the season is usually a kiss of death.  But with regards to the Jets, Christopher Johnson actually believes this and thus remains the poster child for novice superintendence at the highest order.  The situation is fast approaching the Rich Kotite and Leon Hess levels of incompetence - if Gase and CJ haven't surpassed it already.

If nothing else, the Jets offense is proving consistently inept.  The Jets had eleven drive opportunities against the Bills in which they generate 254 total yards on 53 total plays.  Le'Veon Bell and Jamison Crowder were both out of Sunday's game.  Therefore, Sam Darnold's top weapons were Frank Gore and Chris Hogan.  The Jets again have eleven drive opportunities against the Niners and similarly generate 277 total yards on 62 total plays.  Through two games Jets opponents have gained 763 total yards and scored 58 points.  The Jets have managed just 531 yards and 30 points. 

What do you suppose awaits the Jets when they touch down in Indianapolis on Sunday?

As Adam Gase's play calling goes, so goes Sam Darnold.  We learned after Sunday's game that Sam was not allowed to audible out of a particular fourth down play.  That's what I call development!  Why not just duct tape the third year quarterback to a chair ...

Sam Darnold through Week Two

• vs. BUFF - 21/35 for 215 yards, one TD, one INT.
• vs. S.F. - 21/32 for 179 yards, one TD, no INT.  

At least Joe Douglas' reconstructed offensive line had a better game.  Against Buffalo the Jets rush 14 times for just 46 yards and allow three sacks.  On Sunday they rush 27 times for 97 yards and allow one sack.  Good back up effort from Frank Gore who rushed 21 times for 63 yards.  Through two games he has rushed 27 times for 87 yards.

The Jets can claim some progress.

Or not ...

PIGSKIN 2020: Week Two

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Two

RESULTS

Week One

SCOREBOARD:

Week One Record:  8-5-1
Overall Record:  8-5-1
Schmear of the Week:  1-0
Bagels in the Basket:  +5

1st and Ten

• Ten fans who attended the NFL opener between Kansas City and Texas have been ordered to quarantine.
• MNF: Saints @ Raiders, opening game at Las Vegas.
• Rocky Squirrel and Simon Bar Sinister meet again; Carroll vs. Belichick.

2nd and Short

• Second week straight all teams test negative for COVID. 😷
• Le'Veon Bell's second season with the Jets is off to another miserable start.  

No Gain

• Tom Brady is 0-1 as a Buccaneer; played like crap.  Bruce Arians doesn't sugarcoat his performance to the press.
• Carson Wentz is sacked eight times and hit another fifteen times by the team with no name.
• No change with the D.C. WTF's
• Mike McCarthy's first game as head coach of Dallas.

PUNT!

• Christopher Johnson reiterates his full faith in Adam Gase.

WEEK TWO

Friday Line NYDN

Niners -7 JETS

Joe Douglas' revamped offensive line last week looked broken.  Sam Darnold did some smart things and not so smart things.  But who will he be throwing to?  Jamison Crowder is out; Le'Veon Bell is out.  Jets will be making a go of it with Sam Darnold, Chris Hogan and Frank Gore.  Any help TE Chris Herndon provides will be greatly appreciated.  Oh, and if anything happens to Darnold, Joe Flacco is out as well.  Niners lost a tough division game against the Cardinals and will be looking to even out.  CB Richard Sherman was placed on IR.

WIN 31-13 Niners

Giants +4 1/2 BEARS

Mitch Trubisky last week against the Lions pulled one out of his posterior.  I heard the word clutch being tossed around, but I'm not buying that.  The Giants meanwhile made a decent go of it against the Steelers.  Pittsburgh bottled up the Giants run game.  Expect a better game from Saquon Barkley and the offensive line.  The biggest matchup of the game pits Khalil Mack against rookie left tackle Andrew Thomas.  Looking for OC Jason Garrett to keep expanding the Daniel Jones/Darius Slayton connection.

WIN 17-13 Bears

Rams -1 1/2 EAGLES

Philly is still trying to figure out what hit them.  Now here comes Aaron Donald.  The No Names totaled eight sacks last week and eighteen other QB hits.  Can't see the Eagles starting 0-2, but with that offensive line they're gonna do just that.  Rams victory over the Cowboys influences this pick.  Forget the jet lag, lay the points.

WIN 37-19 Rams

STEELERS -7 1/2 Broncos

Big Ben seemed to dust off the rust rather quickly against the Giants.  Steelers will be a top contender this season.  Broncos will suffer same fate as Giants; no running game and a loss.

Loss 26-21 Steelers

FALCONS +5 Cowboys

Despite good production from Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys fall to the Rams.  Falcons yield four TD passes last week by Russell Wilson.  Dak Prescott must be chomping at the bit.  But this isn't the Cowboys offensive line we remember and their defense still has to stop Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. 

WIN 40-39 Cowboys

BUCCANEERS -9 Panthers

Tom Brady will not be throwing two INTs again.  Bucs defense should be able to contain Teddy Bridgewater.  If they don't something went really wrong.  The Raiders rushed right through Carolina in week one.

WIN 31-17 Bucs

Bills -5 1/2 DOLPHINS

Ryan Fitzpatrick can sometimes be a real pain in the posterior.  So, let's be clear: Bill Belichick intercepted Fitz three times last week, Fitz didn't throw three interceptions.  There's a difference.  The Fish are back in their element.  But you don't think they're gonna beat the Bills, do you?  Buffalo is my lock of the week.

Loss 31-28 Bills

COLTS -3 Vikings

Philip Rivers had a big game last week, and should have another this week against the Vikings.  It's actually rather ponderous the Colts lost last week against the Jaguars.  The Colts did not punt once.  Packers lit up the Vikes for 43 points.  Rivers may come close.

WIN 28-11 Colts

PACKERS -6 Lions

No confidence in the Lions defense.  Packers won't put up forty points, but should cover against a suspect Lions secondary.

WIN 42-21 Packers

Jaguars +9 TITANS

Stay away!  Jaguars aren't as good as they looked against the Colts and the Titans aren't as bad as they looked against the Broncos.  Defeating the Broncos is no great feat.  I look for the Titans to win, but not cover.  They are notorious slow starters.  Although, once they get going they can dominate.  They can easily win by ten.  But are they awake yet?  I dread this pick.

WIN 33-30 Titans

No Name +7 CARDINALS

I admit the WTF's grabbed my attention last week; eight sacks and fifteen QB hits against the Eagles.  They were down seventeen points in the first half and still won.  I'm just looking for No Name to cover, not win.

Loss 30-15 Cardinals

Ravens -7 TEXANS

Until the Ravens prove otherwise ... Texans defense is very questionable.

WIN 33-16 Ravens

Chiefs -8 1/2 CHARGERS

The Bolts are without their starting center Mike Pouncey; out for the season.  That will be troublesome for Tyrod Taylor.  DE Joey Bosa is very questionable.  That will be troublesome for the Chargers defense.

Loss 23-20 Chiefs

SEAHAWKS -3 1/2 Patriots

Cam Newton rushed for two TD's last week against the Fish.  He'll need to both rush and throw TD's in order to beat Russell Wilson at this particular moment in time.

WIN 35-30 Seahawks

SCHMEAR OF THE WEEK (1-0)

Bills -5 1/2

LOSS

Good luck and have a great FOOTBALL SUNDAY everyone. 

Week Two Record:  10-4

Overall Record:  18-9-1

Schmear of the Week:  1-1

Bagels in the Basket:  +8

New York Jets Get Buffaloed in Season Opener

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

WEEK ONE

Jets    17

Bills    27

FINAL

All Systems Fail ...

Note to Joe Douglas: once is an event; twice is a coincidence; three times is a trend.

Adam Gase and Le'Veon Bell previously miscommunicate during camp regarding the issue of his strained hamstring.  First game of the season and they again fail to communicate.  Bell re-aggravates his hamstring in the second quarter.  A little stubbornness on his part and a lack of conviction on the coach's part wrongly keeps Le'Veon in the game and gives the Jets their first controversy of the regular season, not to mention a questionable back field heading into game two.

That's not to say Bell's presence would have made a difference.  Before exiting the game Bell rushes six times for fourteen yards and makes two receptions for 32-yards, for a grand total of eight touches and forty-six yards.  Subbing for Le'veon Bell, Frank Gore rushes six times for 24-yards.  The Jets close out the first quarter with a ten play, 75-yard drive in which they settle for three.  However, they go into halftime down nineteen points.  In the third quarter Sam Darnold connects on a short pass with Jamison Crowder who breaks away from the field for a 68-yard touchdown.  The Jets second and last sustained scoring drive comes too late, eleven plays for 86-yards, punched in from the two by Josh Adams.

Last year the Jets finish the regular season with a 7-9 record.  They get off to a 1-7 start then finish well with a 6-2 record.  However, they finished dead last in offense.  One game into 2020 and the Jets appear nowhere near improved.

Both Buffalo and the Jets have the ball for eleven drives, but the Jets only hold the ball for 18:44 minutes and 53 plays.  They generate half as many first downs as Buffalo and gain just 254 total yards versus 404 net yards for the Bills who hold the ball for 41:16 minutes and 81 plays.

Sam Darnold is 21/35 for 215-yards, with one interception and one touchdown.  Take away Crowder's catch and Darnold is 20/34 (58%) for 147-yards with an INT.

The secondary yields its first 300-yard game of the season.  On the ground the Jets hold Devin Singletary and Zack Moss to 41-yards on 18 attempts.  But they have no answer for Josh Allen who scrambles 14 times for 57-yards and a touchdown.

Last season's second half surge proved too little too late.  Just like Sunday's fourteen second-half points against Buffalo again proved too little too late.  Sam Darnold is now in year three.  He indeed has a lot to learn.  But if Sam does not demonstrate marked improvement this season what's the sense in keeping Adam Gase around?

If I'm Joe Douglas I'm already searching for his replacement.  It's the proactive thing to do.  And it would get the Jets away from this vicious cycle of hiring alternating general managers and head coaches.  Best thing Joe Douglas can do is make this team his.  No coaching changes this season, but make sure it's Adam Gase's last with the Jets before he gets him fired too.

N.Y. Jets: Gang Green Overwhelms Lethargic Raiders

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

Week Twelve

Raiders   3

Jets       34

FINAL

After their Sept. 15 game against Kansas City, the Oakland Riders bid the Black Hole adieu.  They spend the next six weeks on the road including an overseas visit across the Pond, broken up only with a week six bye.  Nearly fifty days later on Nov. 3, they finally return home to play Detroit.  But there's no rest for the weary as the Raiders are obliged to host the Chargers a mere four days later.  That's one of the more punishing schedules I can recall, travel or otherwise.  The Raiders then enter week eleven against the Bengals with an only somewhat surprising 5-4 record.  All appears well; Derek Carr throws for 292 yards and a touchdown; the Raiders rush for 113 yards.  Were it not for two turnovers perhaps Oakland defeats Cincinnati more decisively.  But there's little time for dwelling over such minutia as the Raiders must board yet another cross-country flight to New York City.

Then Sunday happens ...

That schedule at some point was bound to catch up with Oakland, regardless of opponent.  There's something to be said about the negative affects of flying insofar as dehydration, etc.  The old plane routine is certainly an easy way to explain away Oakland's exceedingly poor play.  But let's be honest, they looked lethargic, managing just 208 total yards and only ten first downs.  The Jets meanwhile  nearly double Oakland's offensive output with 401 total yards and 21 first downs en route to 31:30 minutes of possession.  Simply put, I do not believe the Raiders are as bad, nor do I think the Jets are as good as the final score may suggest.

Sam Darnold appears fully recovered from his early season bout with mononucleosis, as he passes for 300+ yards for only the second time this season, and the first time since week two against the Cowboys.  In fact Sam was 20/29 (69%) for 315 yards, with two TD's, no INT's, and a rushing touchdown to boot.  He is sacked just once.  But for everything that went right for the Jets, the running game still lags behind.  Le'Veon Bell gains 49 yards on just 12 carries.  Together with Bilal Powell they rush 17 times for 64 yards.

N.Y. Jets: Adam Gase Adds Balance to the Force

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

BILAL POWELL FAN CLUB

WEEK ELEVEN

N.Y. Jets     34

D.C. Hogs  17

FINAL

Don't look now, but the Jets are winners of two in a row.

However before you go pitching a tent along the canyon of heroes, let's first give this game some context.  The Jets defeated Washington.  As badly as both teams have played this season, this particular victory was expected from the Jets.  Then again, the same was expected against the Dolphins as well.

That being said Sam Darnold needed to get some naysayers off his back, and did just that with his finest performance of the season.  Sam I am was 19/30 (63%) for 293 yards with four TD's and one INT.  He connected with his tight end Ryan Griffin five times for 109 yards and a touchdown.

The much beleaguered offensive line only yielded two sacks and finally created appreciable daylight.  As such the backfield rushed for upwards of 100 yards for the first time this season.  Le'Veon Bell gained 59 yards on 18 rushes, and Bilal Powell rushed seven times for 42 yards.  The two joined forces for 101 yards on 25 rushes.  The Jets are still nowhere near maximizing Le'Veon Bell's abilities (kind of feel sorry for the guy).  Powell has now rushed 20 times for 84 yards over the last four games.  In fact, Adam Gase called for 33 rushes and 30 pass attempts.  Finally ... a local head coach whom exhibited some balance!

Leonard Williams who?  The defense sacked Dwayne Haskins six times and hit him another ten times.  Angry Jamal Adams accounted for three sacks and four other QB hits.  Meanwhile the Jets front limited Adrian Peterson to just 25 yards on nine rushes.

All that being said outside of yet another kicking snafu, the Jets played an effective well rounded
game.

N.Y. Jets: Gang Gase Makes Good Against Giants

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

That's One Small Step for Adam Gase;

One Huge Leap at the Giants Expense for Jetskind

With the Giants missing three starting offensive linemen, the Jets dialed up six sacks and another ten QB hits.  They also completely bottled up the Giants running game, limiting Saquon Barkley and Wayne Gallman to a mere three yards on 14 carries.  Meanwhile angry Jamal Adams was a one man gauntlet of green.  He had two sacks, two other QB hits, a team high nine tackles, and quite literally stripped potential victory out from the hands of Daniel Jones and the Giants with a forced fumble recovery and a touchdown.  Daniel Jones did however carve up the Jets secondary with a pair of touchdown passes each to Darius Slayton and Golden Tate.

For the beleaguered Adam Gase, Sunday's victory is a measure of redemption and at the very least a chance to exhale.  Sunday's victory also gives the Jets a break insofar as getting the local media spotlight placed back on the Giants.  After all, Gase did a better job coaching his team than Pat Shurmur did his.

Gase increased Bilal Powell's touches to seven.  Added to Le'Veon Bell's 18 rushes, that equals 25 rushing attempts.  Their 49 yards gained is a secondary issue.  It's the balance running the ball poses which will further help advance Sam Darnold's development.  Sam the Sophomore was 19/30 (63%) for 230-yards, with one touchdown via the air to Jamison Crowder, and one rushing, and no INT's.

The Giants managed just two sacks, none of which were recorded by former Jet Leonard Williams, although the new Giants defensive lineman was credited with four QB touches.

N.Y. Jets: Sam Spooked By Monday Night Phantom

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS REVENGE

EeK!

MONDAY NIGHT

Patriots   33

Jets           0

FUHGEDDABOUDIT

"... seeing ghosts!" - Sam Darnold

No, Sam, I am.  Those were not green ghosts nor Adam Gase's continuing scam.

Instead, Sam, I am, you went up against the man named Bill Belichick, whom this season decided the Patriots will ride the backs of its defense.

New England treated Sam Darnold the same way they treated Giants rookie quarterback Daniel Jones two weeks ago: very delicately.  That is no coincidence.  If Bill Belichick isn't sacking your young quarterback, he's inducing interceptions.  That's always been his preference.  It's easier to fool young quarterbacks than it is to fell them.  But if Belichick is not inducing young quarterbacks into throwing interceptions, you can be sure he's sacking them ... repeatedly.  On occasion, the Patriots do both.

Simon Bar Sinister if he wanted to could have sacked both Darnold and Daniel for a baker's dozen.  But Belichick's pass rush is measured.  Week in and week out, head coaches around the league fail to realize that.  If you recall the Patriots sack Daniel Jones just once, and pepper him with eight other hits.  Rather, they dupe Jones into throwing three interceptions and force a Jonathan Hilliman fumble.  Darnold's experience against New England's defense is no less befuddling, if not more so than Daniel's.  Yet he is only sacked once with just two other QB hits to speak of.  Instead, the Patriots intercept him four times and force a fumble.


PATRIOTS INTER-SACK-TIONS:

• Week One vs. PITT: one sack; three QB hits; one INT.           *Big Ben
• Week Two vs. MIA: seven sacks; twelve QB hits; four INT.   *young QB
• Week Three vs. NYJ: five sacks; ten QB hits; one INT.          *novice QB
• Weekk Four vs. BUF: five sacks; nine QB hits; one INT.       *young QB
• Week Five vs. WAS: six sacks; nine QB hits; one INT.          *young QB

Two New York quarterbacks against a common opponent in consecutive weeks:

• Week Six: Daniel Jones goes 15/31 for 161 yards; one touchdown; three INT; one sack.
• Week Seven: Sam Darnold is 11/32 for 86 yards; no touchdowns; four INT; one sack.

Now riddle me this  ... how is Sam Darnold's week seven performance against the Patriots any different than Luke Falk's week three performance at Foxboro?

• Week Three: Luke Falk goes 12/22 for 96 yards; no touchdowns; one INT.  The Patriots sacked him five times and inflicted another ten QB hits by accident.

SMASH MOUTH

• Tom Brady: 31/45 for 249 yards; one touchdown; one INT.
• Sony Michel: three rushing touchdowns.
• Patriots Offense: 38:27 time of possession!
• Patriots Defense: no points allowed; six turnovers!

Nuf ced ...

N.Y. Jets: Gang Spleen Finally Takes Flight

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

Cowboys  22

Jets           24

FINAL

Sam, I am, and despite my ponderous mononucleosis I am the man..!

Darnold leads the Jets to their first victory of the season with a heart matching the size of his swollen spleen.  He doesn't just beat the Dallas Cowboys, he befuddles them, eluding the rush and completing rather miraculous passes.  Darnold finds Jamison Crowder and Robby Anderson eleven times for 233 yards and a 92-yard touchdown play.  He connects with Ryan Griffin for another.  In all he targets six different receivers not named Le'Veon Bell.  Sure he threw an INT, but who cares!  Sam completes 23/32 (72%) attempts for 338 yards in his first game back.  He even makes the offensive line look good.  Behind them, Bell rushes 14 times for just 50 yards.  But Sam is only sacked twice (by Robert Quinn), and sustains just two other hits.  The extra time allows Sam to generate almost as much total yardage as Dallas in 21 fewer plays from scrimmage.

• PROBLEM: Just 56 yards on the ground, and 2/12 on third down conversions.
• QUESTION: Why isn't Bilal Powell being utilized more?

Much to my surprise coach Gregg Williams undermanned defense turns back the NFL's top offense.  They generate just one sack, but get in eight QB hits.  They yield 105 yards on 28 rushes by Ezekiel Elliott.  But with Amari Cooper hurt, the Jets coverage is blanket.  Tavon Austin leads all Dallas receivers with five receptions and 64 yards.  Dak Prescott throws no touchdowns.  And of course, there is Gang Green's decisive goal line stand.

It's not often teams get to defeat the Cowboys on Jerry Jones' birthday.

A job well done ...

Next Up: the New England Patriots.

PIGSKIN 2019: Week Six

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Six

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two
Week Three

Week Four
Week Five

SCOREBOARD
Week Five Record: 7-6
Overall Record:  30-38
Schmear of the Week: 3-2
Bagels in the Basket:  -5

1st and Ten

• Don't look now, but the Patriots are 6-0, and have allowed just 48 points.
• Can the Niners stay undefeated?
• Race for Number One (draft pick): Jets, Dolphins, Bengals, Snyders.

2nd and Long

• New York's Real Team: the second place Buffalo Bills are 4-1; undefeated (3-0) on the road.
• The Jets better second-guess this whole special pads plan for their franchise quarterback.  Starting Sam Darnold is a really, really, bad idea!
• The Gronk begins his second career on FOX.

No Gain

• Pass Interference!
• Falcons easily biggest disappointment in NFL, not necessarily the worst team (eh hem ... Dolphins).
• More parity on tap for London.

PUNT!

• The Legion of Loon: If Richard Sherman says he didn't shake hands, then he didn't shake hands, video evidence be damned.
• Jay Gruden fired as head coach of the D.C. Snyders.

WEEK SIX
Friday Line NYDN

Cowboys -7 1/2 JETS
Jerry's Kids are desperate to halt a two game skid.  What better opponent than the Jets with which to get back on track.  The Cowboys are working with far more offensive weapons than the Jets defenders are presently staffed to handle.
Loss; 24-22 Jets

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE 

GASE HASTE MAKES WASTE

Gang Spleen are still looking for their first victory of the season.  They've only scored two offensive touchdowns through four games.  Meanwhile Le'Veon Bell is working harder than ever with nothing really to show for his efforts.  This week will be no different.  I do not anticipate the Jets rushing through Dallas with the same effectiveness demonstrated last week by Green Bay.  In fact, I expect the Cowboys defensive front to again overwhelm the Jets beleaguered offensive line and wreak havoc throughout Sam Darnold's ill advised return under center.  I'm no doctor, but starting Darnold after missing four weeks strikes me as a risky proposition.  I understand with the return of Darnold there will be expectations for Adam Gase to elevate his play calling.  But if I'm Christopher Johnson I'm telling my head coach do not force anything out of desperation.

Panthers -2 Bucs  *London
The Panthers leave me no choice but to finally lean their way.  I thought for sure Ron Rivera was on the hot seat.  He's quickly changed the narrative at Carolina.
WIN; 37-26 Panthers

Bengals +11 1/2 RAVENS
This is more about not trusting the Ravens to cover nearly twelve points.
WIN; 23-17 Ravens

Seahawks -1 1/2 BROWNS
Consistency and maturity vs inconsistency and immaturity.
WIN; 32-28 Seahawks

CHIEFS -5 Texans
I believe the Texans can control the clock via the run, and thereby minimize Pat Mahomes' time on the field.  Just don't have the guts to follow through.
Loss; 31-24 Texans

Saints +1 JAGUARS
I'll take the Saints and their underrated defense getting a point any day.
WIN; 13-6 Saints

VIKINGS -3 Eagles
Eagles will not be sacking Kirk Cousins ten times like the did against Luke Falk and the Jets.  They're also not as good offensively as their 28-points per game might indicate.  I believe the Vikings defense will prove me right.
WIN; 38-20 Vikings

D.C. Synders -3 1/2 DOLPHINS
Hold your nose for Sunday's Toilet Bowl.  The Sea Mammals are trying to lose.  The Snyders are actually trying to win.  There's the difference.
Loss; 17-16 Snyders

49ers +3 1/2 RAMS
The second best thing the Rams do best is give up points.  If it weren't for the Patriots, the Niners defense would be a lead story.
WIN; 20-7 Niners

CARDINALS +2 1/2 Falcons
Emotions will be running high with the passing away of owner Bill Bidwell.  Falcons do not seem able to get out of their own way.  Their defense allows Arizona to stay in this game.  Head coach Dan Quinn might soon be joining Jay Gruden on the unemployment line.
WIN; 34-33 Cardinals

BRONCOS -2 1/2 Titans
The Titans have over extended their credit.  I have no more patience for them.
WIN; 16-0 Broncos

Steelers +7 CHARGERS
No Big Ben; AB; or Le'Veon Bell; yet the Steelers are arguably still better than the Bolts.  With no fans and no home field advantage to speak of, I have no love for the Chargers this week.
WIN; 24-17 Steelers


Schmear of the Week: (3-2)
D.C. Snyders -3 1/2
LOSS

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday, everyone!

Post Game
Week Six Record: 9-3
Overall Record: 39-41
Schmear of the Week: 3-3
Bagels in the Basket:  -2

N.Y. Jets: Offensive Line Puts Futility on Full Display

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

!MAY-DAY !! MAY-DAY!

.   .   .   -   -   -   .   .   . 

WEEK FIVE

Eagles   31

Jets         6

FINAL

I don't know who I feel more sorry for, Luke Falk or Le'Veon Bell. 

Philadelphia brought the pain against Falk, sacking him ten times but essentially hitting and harassing him all game long largely without utilizing the blitz.  Poor guy was lucky to complete 15 of 26 attempts for 120 yards, with two INT, and two fumbles, and still live to tell about it.  Jets quarterbacks have now been sacked 23 times, and hit another 43 times this season.  The offensive line allows 13 sacks against their first three opponents, therefore Sunday's performance is no aberration. 

The same offensive line tasked with protecting Falk is also yet to create any detectable daylight for Le'Veon Bell.  Through four games the Jets have rushed 83 times for 264 yards.  That averages to 21 attempts and 66 yards per game.  Le'Veon Bell has rushed 71 times for 206 yards, and has caught 20 passes for 121 yards.  That averages out to 18 rushes for 51 yards, and five receptions for 30 yards.  All told he is averaging 23 touches for 81 yards per game.  These are hardly Le'Veon Bell numbers.  Coming off a bye week their performance is made even more ponderous. 

But Adam Gase would have us believe everything instantly changes once Sam Darnold returns under center.  The problem I have with quarterback gurus is they're just that: quarterback specialists.  Put them in charge of a whole team, and they become a little short for answers.  In the meantime Gase completely blundered an entire week of practice giving Sam Darnold the majority of practice reps knowing he'd be out for Sunday's game.

There seems to come a point in every Jets season where we ask ourselves: can it get any worse?

We are there ...

N.Y. Jets: Sam Darnold Feeling Green in the Gills

From the desk of: WALK MICHAELS REVENGE

WEEK ONE YIELDS MORE BAD NEWS

Week one is proving more problematic than original estimates.

Receiver Quincy Enunwa's situation is a serious matter.  Quincy's season is tentatively over after sustaining a second neck injury.  He is targeted three times with one reception on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.  Suddenly the rest of his career is potentially in question.  The Jets 2014 fifth round draft pick plays 12 games in his rookie season.  As a sophomore in 2016 he appears in all 16 games amassing 857 yards receiving.  However Enunwa misses all of 2017 due to bulging discs in his neck.  He returns in 2018 to post 38 receptions and 449 yards through eleven games of limited play.

Enunwa's condition quite obviously leaves the Jets precariously thin at receiver entering week two, and beyond.  That means it's time new general manager Joe Douglas start earning his keep.

Compounding Jets problems is quarterback Sam Darnold reportedly contracting mononulceosis.  They can expect to lose Sam's services not only this week, but potentially for several more weeks to come.  Recovery from what is more commonly known as the "kissing disease" is known to extend several weeks.  I guess a sophomore is as a sophomore does, problem is this isn't high school or college, dude. But while I speak in jest, this is indeed a concerning ailment.  As luck would have it, the Jets will benefit from a very timely, albeit oddly scheduled week four bye.

The Trevor Siemian Era Begins, Now!

As they say: one player's mono is another man's opportunity.  After 26 games as a member of the Denver Broncos, Trevor Siemian will make his first ever start as quarterback of the New York Jets.  He is being handed the reins of a team under pressure to win first its first game of the season under a new head coach (and his personally appointed general manager), while minus the services of a primary receiver, and having to overcome last week's poor performance by the offensive line whom yielded four sacks and nine QB hits.

No red shirt can save him now!

Good luck with that.