Spring Break
In a New York state of mind
Kevin Meacham
Issue date: 11/13/08 Section: Sports
Hello, my name is Kevin, and I have a secret I must share with the general public.
I'm a Jets fan.
It is my secret shame, to root for a team whose greatest player drunkenly hit on an ESPN sideline reporter; to root for a team which finds new and innovative ways to screw up each year; to root for a team whose lone notable accomplishment came when the Beatles were still producing original music as a group.
Tonight, I'll watch the Jets play arguably their most important regular-season game since 2002, against the hated New England Patriots. The winner will take control of the AFC East with six games left and get on the inside track to a home game in the playoffs.
Of course, the Jets will no doubt lose tonight in spectacular fashion.
I could see the Patriots shut down the Jets' mediocre offense; I could see Randy Moss acting like he still cares and catch a dozen passes; I could even see Brett Favre throwing eight interceptions on seven passes (he'll find a way).
Now don't get me wrong - I want the Jets to win. And, being a Jets fan, I will flip you the bird if you try to argue the exact same thing. That's just the way we are.
The Jets are simply doomed to failure in everything they do:
-Anyone who's watched the NFL Draft recently has seen the video of Jets' draft blunders, including my favorite: "With the 14th pick, the Jets select Kyle Brady, tight end[!] from Penn State." In the background, fans are chanting "We want Sapp!" That would be Warren Sapp. Sigh.
-Brooks Bollinger. Ray Lucas. Rick Mirer. Glenn Foley. Quincy Carter. The 67-year-old version of Vinny Testeverde. These men have all started games at quarterback for the Jets in the last 10 years. It makes one appreciate that Brett Favre might occasionally throw a touchdown or two to offset his interceptions.
Even when there's been fleeting success, it usually ends in crushing playoff defeats that even Cleveland Browns fans would wince at:
-1983: After Don Shula lets a huge rainstorm turn Dolphin Stadium into mush to slow down the Jets' high-flying passing attack, Miami beats New York 14-0 in the AFC Championship game.
I'm a Jets fan.
It is my secret shame, to root for a team whose greatest player drunkenly hit on an ESPN sideline reporter; to root for a team which finds new and innovative ways to screw up each year; to root for a team whose lone notable accomplishment came when the Beatles were still producing original music as a group.
Tonight, I'll watch the Jets play arguably their most important regular-season game since 2002, against the hated New England Patriots. The winner will take control of the AFC East with six games left and get on the inside track to a home game in the playoffs.
Of course, the Jets will no doubt lose tonight in spectacular fashion.
I could see the Patriots shut down the Jets' mediocre offense; I could see Randy Moss acting like he still cares and catch a dozen passes; I could even see Brett Favre throwing eight interceptions on seven passes (he'll find a way).
Now don't get me wrong - I want the Jets to win. And, being a Jets fan, I will flip you the bird if you try to argue the exact same thing. That's just the way we are.
The Jets are simply doomed to failure in everything they do:
-Anyone who's watched the NFL Draft recently has seen the video of Jets' draft blunders, including my favorite: "With the 14th pick, the Jets select Kyle Brady, tight end[!] from Penn State." In the background, fans are chanting "We want Sapp!" That would be Warren Sapp. Sigh.
-Brooks Bollinger. Ray Lucas. Rick Mirer. Glenn Foley. Quincy Carter. The 67-year-old version of Vinny Testeverde. These men have all started games at quarterback for the Jets in the last 10 years. It makes one appreciate that Brett Favre might occasionally throw a touchdown or two to offset his interceptions.
Even when there's been fleeting success, it usually ends in crushing playoff defeats that even Cleveland Browns fans would wince at:
-1983: After Don Shula lets a huge rainstorm turn Dolphin Stadium into mush to slow down the Jets' high-flying passing attack, Miami beats New York 14-0 in the AFC Championship game.
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