LOST: Jets Season Snowballed

SEAHAWKS 13

JETS 3

If we learn anything from this disastrous Jets season it is this: money doesn't always buy happiness. It is well documented that the Jets spent more than $140 million to reshape the franchise in the off-season and shipped out Chad Pennington in favor of Brett Favre. Expectations were high; people wanted a division title and a deep playoff run. Then, after a terrific 8-3 start, the fans were dreaming of the Super Bowl, and a possible matchup with their stadium mates the Giants. That was what it was ... a pipe-dream. The Jets in 2008 are offically dead!

After a dismal and heartless 13-3 loss to the 4-11 Seattle Seahawks, the Jets can kiss their playoff dreams goodbye, because both the Patriots and Dolphins won, making things very difficult for New York. The Jets now have to win against Miami and hope that the Buffalo Bills come up with enough of an effort to beat the Patriots. If that scenerio plays out, the Jets would win the division at 10-6. That is highly unlikely; instead, the same Chad Pennington who was jettisoned in August will come into the Meadowlands looking to capture Miami's first division title since the 1999 season.

Oh the irony. Oh the pain.

The Jets did very little against Seattle. The Seahawks put tremendous pressure on Brett Favre, sacking him four times and forcing two interceptions. Favre was mediocre, underthrowing receivers all day long. The biggest irony of the night came with 1:37 to play, when Favre hit Laverneous Coles down the middle of the field. Coles had it and then dropped it, ending the game and ending the Jets season. It was a microcosm of the relationship between Favre and Coles, which has been an icy one since day one.

As for the Seahawk offense, they were brilliant. Seneca Wallace had all day to throw and never faced any pressure from the Jets defense. He completed 18 of 25 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown. Wallace showed great poise and was accurate with his throws. The games lone touchdown came on a fade by Wallace to tight end John Carlson in the back of the end zone, just before half time, to make it 7-3 Seattle.

Still, blame has to go to Eric Mangini, who continues to look disinterested and bored on the sideline. His play calling comes into question with a fourth and one inside Seattle territory. Mangini decided not to go for it and settled for the three. Later, the Jets faced another fourth down at the Seattle 35. Feeley trotted out to kick a 45 yard field goal to cut the Seattle lead to 10-6, but the Jets were called for a delay of game penalty. Instead of settleing for a 50 yard field goal, Mangini decided to punt, killing New York's chances of getting closer in the game.

Kudos to a job well done by Seattle coach Mike Holmgren whose career comes to an end in Seattle. It is fitting that Holmgren beat his old quarterback Brett Favre in what should be their last game against each other. Holmgren is a class act, and he will be missed.