Down the line we go

Uggh. Any loss stinks. Yeah we played Pittsburgh tough and didn't get embarrassed. Chad made some nice throws. The defense did a great job against Roethlisberger and the passing game. But 12 penalties in the first half? Inexcusable. The Jets took more penalties in 2 quarters than you see in 20 Ranger-Islander games.

I have to credit Bettis, he just ran them over. As good as the Jet defense was in the first half, they were just as bad in the second. I knew we were in trouble when Reggie Tongue made the interception in the 4th quarter with the game tied at 6-6. First play. A handoff to Curtis Martin. LOSS OF FOUR! On 2nd and 14, they run again. Martin takes it 3 yards and then an incomplete pass to Santana Moss. When the offense completely failed to do anything with that turnover, I knew the opportunity was slipping.

And then a big moment that nobody seems to be talking about. Toby Gowin nails a perfect punt down to the 1-yard line. Darrell McGlover touches it, which puts the Steelers on their own 1-yard line. BUT. Not so fast. His foot is on the endzone line, which means a touchback. And that would be pivotal. The Steelers go right down the field. And even when the Jets forced the 3rd down, then came the Bettis hb option pass that basically ended it. If there wasn't a touchback, maybe the Steelers try a field goal. And if the offense does something following the interception, the game goes differently, and who knows?

But we still have a good shot at a playoff spot. However, next week's game against Seattle is now PIVOTAL. This team cannot afford to lose to a beat up Seahawk team before hosting New England. The Jets have played well all season, but if they want to reach the Super Bowl, they have got to raise their game a couple of notches. The first thing is fewer penalties. Where is the discipline we are used to seeing with this team? I can think of at least 3 times the Jets made a big play (Lamont's run, 2 3rd down stops) in the first quarter, it was nullified with a penalty. And John Abraham has got to get back. Bryan Thomas was good today, but Abe is special.

The bottom line is this. The Jets are good, but not good enough right now.