Being a Jets fan is a lot cooler now than it was yesterday
Holy crap. Brett Favre is on the Jets. It's still a little surreal, and my eyes are gushing blood after seeing ESPN beat the bag out of the story, but here are a few rambling thoughts from a Jets fan:
- Instantly, the Jets are a more exciting team to watch. They can attempt plays longer than 25 yards, something we haven't seen with regularity since the re-birth of Vinny T in '98.
- Most likely, the Jets are a better team. They have the players and the schedule to make it to the playoffs - probably did even before this trade. They're not as good as the Pats, but getting Favre has us fans thinking they have a chance to win every game. This was not the case before. Not even close. We hoped, but never believed it.
- With Pennington at QB, they were a solid team when they had the lead. He could dink and dunk and get first downs and not turn it over. But if they fell behind by anything more than 7 points in the second half, the game was over. They had no big-play ability, the defense wouldn't be duped by play-action (a Pennington strength), and so their comeback ability was extremely limited. At least now if they fall behind by 10, you can keep the game on and be optimistic about the Jets hanging in there.
- It'll probably be tough to get used to Favre wearing black cleats and not donning a yellow helmet, and in a way it seems like we're borrowing someone else's player to root for. But hey, the hockey fans in Denver were fine with Ray Bourque hoisting the Stanley Cup with the Avs. Something tells me it won't be too hard to get used to cheering for Favre.
- Before his spectacular 2007, Favre had put together two consecutive mediocre-to-crappy seasons. I'll be fine with something in the middle.
- Regarding Pennington ... as someone who was loyal to him - probably to a fault - it's tough to see him get dumped like this. It was no secret he never had a rocket arm, but no one seemed to care when he ripped through the league during the second half of 2002, including an obliteration of Peyton Manning and the Colts in a playoff game. Then a limited arm was decimated by two consecutive shoulder surgeries, yet people seemed to forget this. People say they appreciated his toughness and smarts, but his arm still got too much crap. The flutterballs were tough to watch at times, sure, but what was more maddening was the simple-minded crew who thought that a big arm was the most important asset a quarterback could have. Talk to Ryan Leaf about that one. I'll still maintain that Pennington could win a Super Bowl with the right pieces around him (Chicago, anyone?). It's too bad the Jets were never that team.
- That being said, with Pennington out of the picture, maybe Jets fans can relax and actually enjoy a game for once. For the past four years, it seemed like every incompletion was met with boos or groans or calls for the backup. You almost got the sense they were looking forward to failure so they could vent.
- Regarding Kellen Clemens ... let's just say I'm not sad that the Kellen Clemens Era is on hold for the immediate future. And can we stop saying he has "a big arm"? He doesn't. It's pretty average, and so far, not strong enough to make up for other holes in his game we saw last year. And yes, it's unfair to judge a kid after 8 games or so, but during those 8 games, you would have liked to have seen something encouraging.
- The last three jerseys I've purchased: Santana Moss, Jonathan Vilma, and Chad Pennington. So if you're stuck on any gift ideas come Christmas-time ...
- In all honesty, Favre ending up on the Jets was the cherry on top. I'm just glad this freakin' story is over with and everyone (ESPN) can move on. Seriously, Rachel Nichols. Get off my TV.
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About this blog
Matt Casey produces a wide range of video programming for NBCSports.com, including the Fantasy Fix and The Matty Blake show. He is also, sadly, a Mets and Jets fan.
This is a well-written article that I'm reading in the library right now (shortly before I check my sports scores).
Nice job, Case.
Does anyone remember when Joe Montana finished up for the Chiefs? So then, can we really be led to believe that Favre is the Jets' answer? But hey I like action.
Dear Matt:
This is a very good article. I also like your haircut. It accentuates your naturally curly hair!
I think JETT FAVRE is going to finally make things exciting on offense! Kind of like the ladies must feel when Matt walks into a bar or club, or even a Farmer's Market.
Maybe they had some hidden weapons (Coles' speed, Jones' ability to mash through holes without 8 guys in the box), kind of like Matt has a hidden weapon (so the ladies say).
Basically, considering this move is for a CONDITIONAL draft choice, it looks good right now, kind of like Matt's bulging chest.
If nothing else, Brett will make the JETS watchable this year, especially in terms of fantasy football. I want to throw the remote at the TV every time I see one of Chad's dying duck passes taking forever to get to the intended receiver.