Jets play mistake free football against the Dolphins

By Jonathan Solomon | Tuesday, September 20, 2005 | ( 0 )

Got something to say?

The New York Jets were aching to get back on the field to erase the bad vibes from a Week 1 thrashing in Kansas City. Sunday afternoon, AFC East divisional play kicked off with a match-up with the Miami Dolphins. In the end the Jets squeaked out a victory, 17-7 at the Meadowlands.

Offensively, the Jets never were lights out but they got the job done. Other than a miscue on the first possession of the game, Pennington had no troubles receiving the snap from pro bowl center Kevin Mawae and never had trouble as far as moving in the pocket. The often questioned quarterback single handedly put the game to bed in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass to fullback Jerald Sowell. Earlier in the game, Pennington found favorite weapon receiver Laveranues Coles for a seven yard score. On the big fourth quarter touchdown drive, Pennington was 7-for-7 with 74 yards passing. Even though it was the middle of the quarter, the offensive group and Pennington specifically, were as calm as could be.

The rushing game was all but effective in the sense of the word but it did help the play-action passing game. Curtis Martin rushed over 30 times for only 70 yards. Bigger troubles may be in the horizon as word late Monday says there's a chance Martin will not be able to suit up for next weekend's match with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Martin strained his right knee early in the game but never came out. According to team officials, an ongoing MRI would reveal whether the Pro Bowler would be able to play on Sunday.

The biggest turn around was seen on the defensive side of the ball for Gang Green which held Miami quarterback Gus Frerotte to only a 46.5% completion percentage and running back Ronnie Brown to just 35 yards. The Donnie Henderson led group acted as ball hawks for the entire game and unlike last week made all the necessary tackles. The only notable injury was a non-serious ailment to safety Erik Coleman who was seen with his thumb wrapped. Defensive end John Abraham started his first game of the year and helped teammate Shawn Ellis get pressure on Frerotte. Besides Miami tight end Randy McMichael (8 receptions, 77 yards, one touchdown) the rest of the receivers were not effective at all.

Rookie kicker Mike Nugent was able to get his first successful NFL field goal out of the way with a 41 yarder. Otherwise, special teams play was a non-story for the Jets. The return game issued no major aids although rookie punter Ben Graham continued his better than average kicks.

With both the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots losing this past week, it's a prime situation for the Jets to try and gain some confidence and leeway in the division. The Jets will welcome the Jaguars to the Meadowlands next week so the offensive will have to once again play mistake free football. They did so against the stringent Miami defense and they won because of it.

Got something to say?