An Opportunity to Do Something Special Falls by the Snowside in Foxboro
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by Alanschech
The Jets, despite everyone picking otherwise, had the chance to do something special this afternoon in New England. Despite the snow, sleet and everyone doubting that they would lose by less than 30, they had their chances to win today, and break up the perfect season. They couldn't capitalize on those opportunities, however, and in the end the Patriots move to 14-0, as they down the Jets, 20-10.
The first quarter had only one score which came early. Kellen Clemens was hit in the endzone by Richard Seymour, causing his pass to float to Eugene Wilson at the 5 yard line for an easy INT and TD. Clemens was injured on the play, noted as a rib injury, and he did not return. Chad Pennington took over and led the Jets the rest of the way.
The Jets only TD came in the second quarter when they blocked a Hanson punt, and David Bowens picked it up and rumbled into the endzone from 26 yards out, which at the time brought the score to 10-7. Later, a blocked Ben Graham punt led to a Lawrence Maroney one yard TD that made the score 17-7 late in the half. After a Mike Nugent 4th quarter field goal, the game became out of reach on a Gostkowski field goal, which made the score 20-10.
The tale today was of missed opportunities by the NY Jets. First of all were redzone opportunities, reaching the zone 4 times, with a field goal for their effort. The other was the story on 3rd down, 3/14, which proved to be costly.
Chad Pennington did a very efficient job in relief, 25-38 for 186 yards, he would have had a TD if not for Justin McCareins bobbling a wide open TD pass in the back of the endzone. Leon Washington rushed 4 times for 57 yards, although 49 yards came on his first run. Chris Baker led the way receiving with 8 catches for 66 yards. For the Patriots, Tom Brady did well enough, going 14-27 for 140 yards and 1 INT. Lawrence Maroney led all rushers with 26 carries for 104 yards and 1 TD. Randy Moss led all receivers with 5 catches for 79 yards.
One interesting sidebar from the post game. When Coach Mangini was asked if Kellen Clemens was able to be brought back into the game following his injury, his response was that it was a "coach's decision" to keep him out of the game. Should we read that as a possible dissatisfaction with his performance, and maybe the return of Chad? Maybe, maybe not. We will find out soon enough. Off to Tennessee for week 16 to face Vince Young and the Titans.
