Barry McCockinner Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Quote FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Chad Pennington #10 of the New York Jets cheers on the defense during the NFL game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 22, 2002 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Jets beat the Patriots 30-17. If anybody ever asks you what it's like to be a Jets fan, just show that person tape from the 2002 season. It was the year where the team experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It was arguably the most incredible roller coaster ride in franchise history. There was a torrid 1-4 start, a quarterback controversy, an injured running back who fought his way to 1,000 yards, a memorable coaches' speech, a winning streak, a devastating late-season loss, and then an improbable playoff berth and division title in the season's final game. And that's just the regular season. The reason I'll always have a special place in my heart for this team is their resiliency. When they were 2-5, after a heartbreaking 24-21 loss to the Browns in late October, it would have been very easy to pack it all in. But this team was special. They had high character guys in that locker room that wouldn't allow it. They had a coach who is a man of high integrity and who pushed all the right buttons to keep his players focused. As a fan of the game, I'm always going to be attracted to players and teams who elevate their play when the chips are down and when everyone is counting them out. That's why the '02 Jets are my favorite team of all-time. The season started out in dramatic fashion for Gang Green as they won a 37-31 overtime thriller in Buffalo. RB/KR Chad Morton returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and Vinny Testaverde threw for 210 yards and two TDs. Then it was almost as if a disconnect reverberated throughout the locker room. Suddenly they couldn't pass protect, run block, catch, or cover anybody. Testaverde became trigger shy and the team lost four in a row. In essence, they became the "Bad News Jets" overnight. That streak included ugly losses vs. New England (44-7), at Miami (30-3) and at Jacksonville (28-3). However, it was at the start of the Jacksonville game when Testaverde was injured that coach Herman Edwards inserted a wide-eyed Chad Pennington. He didn't lead the Jets to a victory that day, but he threw for 281 yards, moved the team, and provided an evident spark within the offensive unit. A few days after the game, Edwards anointed Pennington the starting quarterback. The following week they lost another close one, this time to Kansas City, 29-25. Pennington had another solid effort, but it was all for naught. The Jets finally got off the snide the following game, beating Minnesota 20-7 as Pennington had his first 300-yard performance. However, after a terrible loss to Cleveland in which they blew a 21-6 halftime lead, the Jets stood at 2-5 and were in danger of having their season spiral wildly out of control. During the week leading up to the next game, coach Herman Edwards gave one of the most memorable speeches in the history of the NFL. It was his "Play to Win the Game" speech in which he lashed out at members of the media after they suggested the team had quit. "Hello! You play to win the game!" After that, it seemed like the Jets had a fire lit under them as they racked up four straight victories including a shocking 44-13 drubbing of the Chargers in San Diego. After a tough loss in the Black Hole in which they were overwhelmed by an excellent Raiders team, the Jets returned home and snuck by Denver 19-13 to go to 7-6 on the year. Suddenly, their path to the playoffs was clear. They just had to win out and they were in. However, in true Jets fashion, they burst their balloon once again—losing to a terrible Bears team on the road, 20-13. The loss all but eliminated them from the playoffs. With nothing to lose, the Jets demolished the Patriots the following week in Foxboro 30-17. This was a victory that not many people thought would happen, but one that changed the whole landscape of the division. Nevertheless, the Jets went into the final week scoreboard watching. They needed the Patriots to beat the Dolphins in the early game, and of course, they had to win their own game against Green Bay. I remember watching it on television and hearing how the entire stadium erupted into cheers when the Patriots defeated the Dolphins. It was a magical sight. Not to mention, it was my birthday, so I just felt like something special was going to happen. And it did. The Jets blew the doors off Green Bay 42-17 and clinched the AFC Eastern Division title—their first since 1998. Curtis Martin finished the season with 1,094 yards after hardly playing during the first month due to two severely sprained ankles. Martin epitomized what being a Jet was all about. He fought hard until the very end. The following Saturday on Wild Card Weekend, the Jets crushed the Colts 41-0 at The Meadowlands. And all of a sudden, people were talking about this team as the 'hottest in the league.' As a fan, you couldn't help but get caught up in all the hype. But just when I thought maybe there's a chance this team could do it (a Super Bowl that is), they lose to Oakland 30-10 in the Divisional Round. The second half of that game was brutal. The Jets were completely over matched as Pennington was constantly under fire by the pressure from Oakland's front-seven. Looking back on it now, I really can't complain. The 2002 New York Jets gave me and the rest of the fan base hope when most people thought they were dead. They rose from the ashes to come within a game of the AFC Championship. They finished with a winning record, a division title, and a playoff victory after starting 2-5. And for that, they are my favorite Jets team of all-time. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/175143-the-2002-new-york-jets-a-microcosm-of-gang-green-fandom Could a Sam Darnold return spark a 2002 type improbable run? We were down and out - it looked like the team had quit. There was no chance, then Pennington came in and the team rallied around him. This is extremely doubtful, but I'm taking this sliver of hope into Sunday. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Namath Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 That year the jets didnt have to compete w/ a 14/15 win patriot team. Chad Penningyon also played joe montana level qbing that year. I dont think darnold is going to play anywhere near that level of qbing. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry McCockinner Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 3 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said: That year the jets didnt have to compete w/ a 14/15 win patriot team. Chad Penningyon also played joe montana level qbing that year. I dont think darnold is going to play anywhere near that level of qbing. 2002 was sandwiched between two Patriots Superbowl wins but to your point, a 9-7 division title is likely out of the picture. Pennington did play at a very high level but it was mostly unexpected. The season was over and lost for all intents and purposes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philc1 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 6 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said: 2002 was sandwiched between two Patriots Superbowl wins but to your point, a 9-7 division title is likely out of the picture. Pennington did play at a very high level but it was mostly unexpected. The season was over and lost for all intents and purposes. Ironically it was the patriots who did us a favor and beat the phins getting us into the playoffs 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philc1 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 20 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/175143-the-2002-new-york-jets-a-microcosm-of-gang-green-fandom Could a Sam Darnold return spark a 2002 type improbable run? We were down and out - it looked like the team had quit. There was no chance, then Pennington came in and the team rallied around him. This is extremely doubtful, but I'm taking this sliver of hope into Sunday. In 2002 we had: A top 3 O-line A pass rush Better coaching staff Better WRs The only area we might be better at now is qb 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry McCockinner Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 1 minute ago, Philc1 said: Ironically it was the patriots who did us a favor and beat the phins getting us into the playoffs The phins came out strong that day too. Ricky Williams was running wild on them. I remember thinking there was no way the Pats could withstand the onslaught. Then the stadium went wild. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewilly12 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 2002 I was 17 years younger................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philc1 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 4 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said: The phins came out strong that day too. Ricky Williams was running wild on them. I remember thinking there was no way the Pats could withstand the onslaught. Then the stadium went wild. That was a crazy day I thought there was no way jets make the playoffs two weeks later we were in the second round facing the raiders 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadFan Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 I think 2002 is a reach. Hoping for the 1999 Jets. Still probably a reach... but a little more realistic. Rick Mirer. Luke Falk. Even the Tuna needed time to adjust. I stand behind the hire of Adam Gase. He is a bright guy. Give him a chance to clean this mess up... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Voice of Reason Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 9 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said: That year the jets didnt have to compete w/ a 14/15 win patriot team. Chad Penningyon also played joe montana level qbing that year. I dont think darnold is going to play anywhere near that level of qbing. 6 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said: 2002 was sandwiched between two Patriots Superbowl wins but to your point, a 9-7 division title is likely out of the picture. Pennington did play at a very high level but it was mostly unexpected. The season was over and lost for all intents and purposes. They only play Pats once more. Wild Card is still in play because most of the AFC is trash at the moment. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewilly12 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 1 minute ago, RoadFan said: Rick Mirer. Luke Falk 17 years later this organization hasn't learned a damn thing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry McCockinner Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 4 minutes ago, RoadFan said: I think 2002 is a reach. Hoping for the 1999 Jets. Still probably a reach... but a little more realistic. Rick Mirer. Luke Falk. Even the Tuna needed time to adjust. I stand behind the hire of Adam Gase. He is a bright guy. Give him a chance to clean this mess up... 2002 was a reach when it happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adoni Beast Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Remember what Red told Andy Dufresne... ”Hope is a dangerous thing...” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philc1 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Just now, Barry McCockinner said: 2002 was a reach when it happened. We got incredibly lucky that year with a way better roster and coaching staff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Namath Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 We had mvp type qb back play that year. Unless darnold is going to give us that level of play, we have 0 chance getting to 9-7. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadFan Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 5 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said: 2002 was a reach when it happened. Fair enough. You're right. How long before I get trashed and misquoted as comparing Gase to Parcells? Or that Parcells rebounded with Ray Lucas and Gase will have Darnold? Even though Parcells had a better roster than this one around the QB. Round and round we go... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philc1 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 12 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said: We had mvp type qb back play that year. Unless darnold is going to give us that level of play, we have 0 chance getting to 9-7. Sam won’t even have Chris Herndon next 3 weeks minimum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy2020 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 33 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said: 2002 was sandwiched between two Patriots Superbowl wins but to your point, a 9-7 division title is likely out of the picture. Pennington did play at a very high level but it was mostly unexpected. The season was over and lost for all intents and purposes. Even beyond the possibility of winning the division, I doubt 9-7 is good enough for a wild card this season. The Bills play 4 teams (Dallas, Philadelphia, New England, Baltimore, that seem more likely to be losses than wins for them. Throw in a loss to the Jets and that's 5 losses putting them at 10-6. The Jets would need 11 wins in that case even with a win against the Bills they lose the tiebreaker. That would mean there's a razor slim margin to make the playoffs at 9-7 by getting help and having tiebreakers fall their way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philc1 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Just now, jeremy2020 said: Even beyond the possibility of winning the division, I doubt 9-7 is good enough for a wild card this season. The Bills play 4 teams (Dallas, Philadelphia, New England, Baltimore, that seem more likely to be losses than wins for them. Throw in a loss to the Jets and that's 5 losses putting them at 10-6. The Jets would need 11 wins in that case even with a win against the Bills they lose the tiebreaker. That would mean there's a razor slim margin to make the playoffs at 9-7 by getting help and having tiebreakers fall their way. No way we go 9-7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 The only way to get back into this thing is to win a few games were were pencilled in to lose. This next game for instance. I do think Dallas is beatable. We will learn a lot about this team or more than we know now after this next game. A loss and the season is 100% over. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry McCockinner Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 25 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said: We had mvp type qb back play that year. Unless darnold is going to give us that level of play, we have 0 chance getting to 9-7. Sam Darnold played like one of the best QB's in the league after returning from injury last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Goodman Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Herm wasn’t a good coach but the “you play to win the game” line is an NFL classic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry McCockinner Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 3 minutes ago, Saul Goodman said: Herm wasn’t a good coach but the “you play to win the game” line is an NFL classic Says one thing and does another. Take a couple of knees before attempting a long FG in Pitt. What a jerkoff. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNJet Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 They also had guys that wouldn't get hurt wiping their azses. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgb Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 1 hour ago, Barry McCockinner said: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/175143-the-2002-new-york-jets-a-microcosm-of-gang-green-fandom Could a Sam Darnold return spark a 2002 type improbable run? We were down and out - it looked like the team had quit. There was no chance, then Pennington came in and the team rallied around him. This is extremely doubtful, but I'm taking this sliver of hope into Sunday. I was told by an evolved human being that we aren’t allowed to compare the 2002 NFL to today. ?♂️ 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Namath Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 18 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said: Sam Darnold played like one of the best QB's in the league after returning from injury last year. The infamous “last 4 games of the season” jet fans cling to. Unreal. You do realize in one of those games he threw for 170 1td and 1 pick. And other he threw for 167 yards and 0 tds. These are the games jet fans are clinging to for darnold??? My goodness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry McCockinner Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 16 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said: The infamous “last 4 games of the season” jet fans cling to. Unreal. You do realize in one of those games he threw for 170 1td and 1 pick. And other he threw for 167 yards and 0 tds. These are the games jet fans are clinging to for darnold??? My goodness. 80 of 125, 931 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT, Passer rating 99.12 That's strong QB play. If you extrapolate it over a 16 game season, it would be: 320 of 500, 3724 yards, 24 TD, 4 INT In 2002 Pennington's "Montana level QB'ing" season he was 275 of 399, 3120 yards, 22 TD, 6 INT, 104.2 QB Rating ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 5 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said: The infamous “last 4 games of the season” jet fans cling to. Unreal. You do realize in one of those games he threw for 170 1td and 1 pick. And other he threw for 167 yards and 0 tds. These are the games jet fans are clinging to for darnold??? My goodness. Baker is close to the worst QB in the league right now with one of the best WR core in the NFL. Last year he was breaking records with TD passes now his go to play is the interception. Sam Darnold has pretty much stunk with an occasional flash of what might be while surrounded by one of the worst rosters in the NFL. Things change from week to week and season to season. I’m looking forward to this Sunday. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Namath Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 4 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said: 80 of 125, 931 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT, Passer rating 99.12 That's strong QB play. If you extrapolate it over a 16 game season, it would be: 320 of 500, 3724 yards, 24 TD, 4 INT In 2002 Pennington's "Montana like" season he was 275 of 399, 3120 yards, 22 TD, 6 INT, 104.2 QB Rating ? The infamous last 4 games where in 2 of them he barely threw for 150 yards and had 1 td pass. Classic delusional homer stuff. Too funny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry McCockinner Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 5 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said: The infamous last 4 games where in 2 of them he barely threw for 150 yards and had 1 td pass. Classic delusional homer stuff. Too funny. In Penningtons "Montana level QB'ing" season he had the following two games: 11/10 vs. Miami 17 of 27, 167 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT 11/14 vs. Buffalo 15 of 24, 178 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INT classic, delusional homer stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy2020 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 56 minutes ago, Philc1 said: No way we go 9-7 Oh, I don't think so either, but the people who harbor dreams of 9-7 based on the strength of the schedule are believing yet another fantasy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Namath Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 34 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said: In Penningtons "Montana level QB'ing" season he had the following two games: 11/10 vs. Miami 17 of 27, 167 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT 11/14 vs. Buffalo 15 of 24, 178 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INT classic, delusional homer stuff. Chad went what, 9-4 that year. Darnold was 1-3 in the infamous 4 game stretch. Come on now guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 1 hour ago, Barry McCockinner said: Says one thing and does another. Take a couple of knees before attempting a long FG in Pitt. What a jerkoff. I was so enraged by that. The week before sandiego did the same thing and their kicker missed so Herm repeats it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry McCockinner Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 3 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said: Chad went what, 9-4 that year. Darnold was 1-3 in the infamous 4 game stretch. Come on now guy. Wins and losses are team stats, not QB stats. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Namath Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 1 hour ago, Barry McCockinner said: Wins and losses are team stats, not QB stats. Only said by fans of qbs who lose. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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