Jets-Chargers Preview

Kerry Rhodes, Revis and the rest of the Jets look to keep their 'swag' going

Momentum is huge in any sport, and on Sunday both the Jets and Chargers will enter their Divisional Playoff game with plenty.  San Diego has won 11 straight and possesses one of the most lethal offenses in the sport.  Moreover, Gang Green has won 6 of 7, and their top ranked defense has given up just 8.7 ppg in those last 7 games. 

Meadowlands Meltdown

Mission: Failure

This was supposed to be the “Superbow.” The biggest game of the year. It was put up or shut up time for the g-men (lower case “g” because they’ve come up short). But instead of leaving the game with the “season still alive”  trophy, little blue limped out with nothing but the possibility of a season lost.

What changed?  Not much.  104 yds of penalties.  Terrible play calling on both sides of the ball. Running away from Giant’s football (literally). And the inability to make a stop when it was most needed.

When Terrell Thomas intercepted Philip Rivers  pass midway through the fourth quarter and brought the ball to inside the San Diego 5-yard line, you would think the Giants would wrap the game up.  However, the fact that the Giants are in the bottom rung in converting red zone opportunities into 7 points; a trend they have failed to buck since last season, it’s not suprising that they ended up with a FG.

Phillip Rivers celebrates the battle of the '04 QB's, with an easy game winning drive.

A holding penalty on Chris Snee, a dinky pass here, and two poorly-timed run plays later, and Lawrence Tynes is out for three points, to the  Chargers delight. To the dismay of Big Blue nation, the Giants failed to attack the endzone. Coach Tom Couglin explained, “We didn’t want a turnover there”.

If that’s not an indication that this team has completely lost its identity, I’m not sure what is. The rest is history. The Chargers marched down the field slicing through shabby coverage and mismatches (Thanks Bill Sheridan) and further diminish the Giants playoff hopes with a dagger-like touchdown with 20 seconds left.

Season over?  Not sure.  But the g-men have completely lost their identity.  Thank god for bye weeks.