By Brian Bohl
A close statistical examination serves as harbinger for the Jets’ current predicament. Two hours of game time are in the books. The Jets defense faced 134 combined plays from a scrimmage against the Patriots and Ravens. Despite the ample opportunity to almost accidently make a big play, Gang Green’s defense has been shut-out.
Coach Eric Mangini’s strength and background as an assistant was on the defensive side of the ball. But his unit is still looking for the first sack, interception or forced fumble of the season-a big reason why the Jets are 0-2 and almost need to win against the Dolphins this Sunday at Giants Stadium to keep entertaining thoughts of a return trip to the postseason.
Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller must have felt like Tom Brady did the week before, as Baltimore was able to hang on for a 20-13 victory over the Jets. Without any pressure from the front of the 3-4 defense, Boller, like New England’s Brady before him, could have made a sandwich with the time he enjoyed in the pocket. Brady capitalized on similar protection in Week 1, and now the Jets are off to the franchise’s worst start since a 0-4 opening marred the 2003 campaign.
“It is frustrating because we work on it a lot and we practice it,” said linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who shares the team lead with 16 tackles. “Those are things that you have to keep harping on and keep working on and they will come. We have to keep working at it in the games and get the opportunity to make them.”
One season after Mangini coaxed a 10-6 record and surprise trip the playoffs, the Jets are struggling to succeed against a more difficult schedule. The defense aren’t the only culprits, as the special teams made inglorious history when they surrendered an NFL-record 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to Ellis Hobbs that demoralized the sold-out Meadowlands crowd in Week 1.
Still reeling from the play, the special teams section received a devastating blow when the team announced primary kick returner Justin Miller was placed on injured reserve with right knee problems. Miller’s was the organization’s only Pro Bowl participant last season, when he returned three kickoffs for touchdowns.
The Jets rank 24th out of 32 teams in total defense; failing to make any momentum-changing big plays or provide an inconsistent offense with favorable field position. Entering this week’s meeting against AFC East Division-rival Miami, there is some opportunity in the face of bleak prospects. The Dolphins once-featured one of the top NFL defenses, yet they are 25th in the league through the first two games.
That could be the break the Jets need to end the malaise of the fan base. Kellen Clemens brought some much-need energy with his first professional start last week, nearly erasing a 20-3 fourth-quarter deficit before Justin McCareins dropped the potential game-tying touchdown catch in the final two minutes. Three plays later, McCareins tipped another potential scoring throw before Ray Lewis dived for the interception that clinched the Ravens’ victory.
Clemens might not even get the chance to build off his 19-37, 260-yard effort. Fans might have booed Chad Pennington when the starting quarterback limped off the field against the Patriots two weeks ago, but the East Rutherford crowd could be seeing him again when they pack the stadium. Pennington will likely regain the top spot as his right ankle injury is reportedly heeled enough to allow the veteran passer back on the field. Mangini gave a typical non-committal statement of support, yet don’t be surprised if he lines up behind center on the opening drive.
“If he can, he will,” Mangini said. “We’ll assess it throughout the week, but if he’s able to, he will.”
Added receiver Jerricho Cotchery: “It is important to have everyone healthy, especially when you are playing a division rival. Chad is one of our main leaders on offense. To have our guys healthy and ready to go for next week would be a big plus.”
Pennington will need better protection from his beleaguered offensive line to keep bodies from slamming into his recovering ankle. It also would be beneficial if the quarterback received the same type of protection that opposing lines have provided his counterpart in the opening game.
Since General Manager Mike Tannenbaum traded guard Pete Kendall after a lengthy contract dispute, the line surrendered nine sacks, the second-most in the NFL behind the Falcons. The lack of protection has also hurt running back Thomas Jones, the GM’s biggest off-season acquisition.
Jones rushed for just 109 yards on 38 carries-numbers that need to improve if the Jets want to take advantage of the light portion of the schedule. The next four games come against Miami, Buffalo, the Giants and Eagles; all contests in which they could be the favorites.
“We are fine. We laid it on the line and I think everyone feels confident that we can work through this,” Cotchery said. “We are 0-2, but we played two great teams as everyone can see and we made some huge strides. Looking at the film we did some great things. We have to be more consistent with our execution throughout the game.”
The Jets’ first two losses of the season revealed that the team is severely lacking on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots and Baltimore each ran over Kerry Rhodes and the Jets defense, as Gang Green failed to force any turnovers in either game. (Boston.com)