Entry 1- My cousins are my saviors
Where do the Jets keep the millions of hearts they’ve captured and broken? I’m just glad my cousins from New York got to me early and made me a Giants fan. However, I feel empathetic for my dad- The one who raised me, played catch in the backyard with me, took me to games, all the while rooted for his Jets, maintaining hope that the his beloved team would return to the glory days when Broadway Joe and his AFC powerhouse triumphed over the Baltimore Colts. Sadly this franchise has faltered since that epic year in 1969. Thus, last years’ emotional rollercoaster once again captivated Jet faithful. “Maybe they’ve turned it around?” the fans thought. As usual, the 6-2 contenders found their way into a season-ending tailspin.
But why do they always fall short? Firstly this organization has failed develop talent internally. Because of the salary cap and increasing salary, all the top teams mold a core of young draft picks into impact players who know the system from day one. However, since winning the Super Bowl 40 years ago, only 23 of their draft picks have been selected to the Pro Bowl team. 13 of these players have earned the honor in the past 10 years, including 7 last year. As a result, the front office has relied greatly on free agency. This organization has also lacked winners. Especially in the past decade, this team has struggled in the clutch. Their most recent collapse just last year was characterized as a failed QB experiment. Needless to say their famed acquisition didn’t work out in their Fav-re. In the 2003 playoffs, Herm Edwards and his squad rumbled into Oakland after their rout the Colts, 41-0. After fighting as even battle in the first half, the men in the green and white gave up 20 unanswered points and lost 30-10. Although this defeat was disappointing, the 1999 meltdown in which a 10-0 third quarter lead dissipated in a tragic loss to Denver epitomizes the Jets’ postseason woes. In any case, the underlying factor is lack of youth and winners. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but apparently the Jets have a hard time understanding the fundamentals of running a football team. Keyshawn Johnson, Kevin Mawae, and Brett Favre are not leaders around which you build a team.
Will the Jets finally conquer their most elusive goal-winning a Super Bowl? I think they can. Their coaching staff headed by Rex Ryan seems to have instilled a new life and chemistry in the team. The addition of veteran free agents such as Bart Scott, Kris Jenkins, Alan Faneca, Thomas Jones, and the mid-season signing of Braylon Edwards has provided talent, leadership, and passion. Moreover they have done a very good job of drafting and developing impact players in recent years like Revis, Mangold, Fergeson, Harris, Cotchery, Rhodes, Washington and more. Then again, reflecting upon the childhood memories of my dad pacing methodically in front of the T.V. and watching his jeers turn to tears, I may be a victim of the cruel trap that is the New York Jets.
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