New York Jets: Problems Entering New England Patriots Rematch

Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Although the New York Jets did not have great expectations entering 2013, there was suddenly a window. They came into Sunday matchup with the Pittsburg Steelers standing at 3-2. An opportunity became available to make their mark in the AFC East picture. Pittsburg stood winless coming into their road game. Everyone started patting Gang Green on the back but it proved to be too soon for any excitement.

Two redone chances ended in Geno Smith interceptions. Their running worked in spurts but the injury to Bilal Powell is bad development. To top it off, other players like Stephen Hill also got hurt. Passion from their home fans quickly died. Instead, it was replaced with anger. Ben Roethlisberger was initially pressured by New York’s defensive front. Then, as he usually does, Roethlisberger used great upper body strength to escape from danger. Losing to a seemingly inferior opponent caused tremendous disappointment.

It remains too early as far as Playoff implications. However, winning perhaps the first contest all year where they were considered favorites would have been huge. Choking away such a scenario once again demonstrates pain for supporters. It appears that the Jets are a team that performs better without expectations.

This is good because quarterback Tom Brady will lead his New England Patriots into Met Life Stadium next Sunday. They defeated previously unbeaten New Orleans Saints. New England’s growing receiving corps should have success against New York’s secondary. Things could get intense for a suddenly upset group of fans. Despite close first game, things could get ugly.

Nick Mamary is a New York Jets writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickMamary1, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.