6
Dec
2010
As the Jets-Pats rivalry goes, there’s never been a bigger one than this
Long simmering, the feud between the Jets and Patriots is set to explode Monday night. (Source: New York Daily News)
(Ed. note: This article was originally posted last week, but with the impending Monday night match-up on everyone’s mind today, we thought it deserved another look)
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The word “rivalry” is tossed around a lot in the NFL. You hear announcers, desperate for market share, describe a pedestrian Seahawks-Chiefs tilt as a rivalry. Who’s buying that? Most “rivalries” unfold without so much as a breadcrumb on the line.
The history between the New York Jets and New England Patriots is a messy, entangled war by contrast. With both franchises notched at 9-2 atop the AFC East, you have to go back to the 1990 Monday-night meeting between the 10-1 49ers vs. the 10-1 New York Giants to find a late-season prime-time bout with equal appeal.
The lifetime record between these two teams stands at 51-50-1 in New York’s favor. Records aside, the Patriots are the Goliath, having dominated the last decade with three Super Bowl wins under the leadership of a once-per-generation quarterback talent in Tom Brady.
The Jets, after years of struggle, are at the threshold — but the long-time Jets fanatic is still haunted by ghosts: “When will the other shoe drop? When will the S.O.J.s appear from behind the Wizard’s curtain?”
A season sweep over the Patriots would send a statement league-wide: These Jets are for real.
28
Sep
2009
Chad Pennington may be done for the year
Credit: Associated Press
Per ESPN’s Chris Mortenson, Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington may be done for the season after dislocating his throwing shoulder in yesterday’s 23-13 loss to the San Diego Chargers. He’s currently seeking a second opinion before undergoing a third major operation on his throwing arm.
“Chad (Pennington) is our leader,” wide receiver Greg Camarillo told the Associated Press. “Any injury to him is an injury to our offense.”
The injury serves as an opportunity for backup Chad Henne, the Dolphins’ 2008 2nd-round draft pick out of Michigan, who completed 10 of 19 passes for 92 yards and a pick in relief of Pennington. If Pennington sits out, Henne may start this Sunday, at home, against the Buffalo Bills.
Pennington has suffered a string of severe injuries during his 10-year playing career, and there are people out there who will wonder if this may be the end of Pennington’s career. It would be a shame. He is often overlooked, but he has been a gritty, tough competitor–not always the most physically gifted player on the field, but a motivated, team-first leader who isn’t afraid to run the show.
Who can forget his moment of redemption last season, ending the Jets’ season en route to leading the Dolphins to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth?
