Its Just the Jets

As the playoffs continue, I find myself reminiscing about great games and improbable champions of past. I don’t have to thank too hard. I remember the Arizona Cardinals transformation of last year from an undeserving playoff team who won an embarrassing division, to a juggernaut one play away from a Super Bowl victory (James Harrison’s TD run back before half time). I think of the New York Giants killing the immortal New England Patriots in 08 with an historical catch by an infamous David Tyree. And of course there were the forgotten legends like Peyton Manning, He and his Indianapolis Colts solidifying Peyton’s place in history with an unexpected title run in 07 after much doubt he could get it done in the post season. There were the great players and remarkable stories like Jerome Bettis finally getting his in his home town of Detroit (06), and Steve Young removing the stigma of Joe Montanan’s legacy (95). There were amazing performances such as Larry Fitzgerald during the entirety of last year’s playoffs, and Frank Reich for the bills in 92. All of these great memories make me look to this year’s class to find heroic efforts, great teams, amazing plays and more amazing players…But as I ponder, I find myself at a loss for those things. I can’t see to find any of that here in the 2009 NFL playoffs. Wait, you say who? The Jets?...Maybe the least memorable ever, I agree. The New York Jet!. But do you know why? It is how they have done it that is so important. It is not flashy play, or new found team ability. It isn’t players who have emerged or new schemes. It’s not the great old vets or new blood rookies. It isn’t even great defense or offense. They are not even in the top 5 of any major post season stats (http://www.nfl.com/stats/team for details). No, it’s is because of the the most underrated factor for successful teams. Constancy! The Jets have the highest turnover margin at a +3, they have an amazing 90 percent 3rd down conversation rate, they lead the post season in time of possession, and haven’t let a play go over 32 yards (not a TD). That’s right. No 200 yard rushers, 4 touchdown passing, 12 reception games to show on ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/), just disciplined football. I just though since Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/) wasn’t going to talk about it, someone should. Consstancy can win chanmpionships too.

By: Matthew Walden, Jan 19, 2010