As Sam Darnold Struggles, the Trevor Lawrence Questions Comes Into Focus

 Sam Darnold's days in New York appear to be coming to an end. Hard to believe that we are here at this point in Darnold's career, but this is what happens when a young quarterback ends up playing for the Jets and Head Coach Adam Gase. 

Darnold was uninspiring in his return from a shoulder injury on Sunday. He completed only 16 of 27 passes for 197 yards, and threw two interceptions. In a year where Darnold never had a full compliment of receivers, he had all of them on the field Sunday.  He just couldn't get the job done. 

There are a lot of reasons for Darnold's downfall, a lot of it is not his fault. Gase has ruined Darnold's confidence, coaching him into the ground with his ultra conservative play-calls, and an uncanny ability to put him in a position to fail. That is not a Darnold problem necessarily. But it is a Gase problem. 

Just look at Ryan Tannehill. 

Tannehill looked done when he worked under Gase in Miami. Once Tannehill went to the Tennessee Titans and could hand the ball off to the modern day version of Earl Campbell in the form of Derrick Henry, things got real simple for him. Now Tannehill is a Pro Bowler and a franchise quarterback after getting away from Gase. 

On Tuesday, Gase endorsed Darnold as the Jets starting quarterback, echoing that he needs to get in as many snaps as possible. That sounds like -- between the lines -- that the Jets brass is not convinced in Darnold's long term future. 

General Manager Joe Douglas said in the off-season that Darnold would be the face of the Jets for years to come, and even promised Darnold's parents that he would everything he could to help. Well, Douglas -- like Gase -- failed him. It started by not giving Darnold a quality offensive line outside of left tackle Mekhi Becton -- a mountain of a left tackle; the jury is still out on Becton by the way. 

He also failed Darnold by not keeping Robby Anderson; bringing in Bershard Perriman who has been woeful, and allowing Gase to do whatever he wants from getting Le'Veon Bell kicked out of town, and force feeding 37-year old Frank Gore down our collective throats. 

If Darnold continues to struggle -- and let's be honest he will -- the drumbeat for the Jets to hit the reset button and draft Clemson star quarterback Tervor Lawrence is only going to get louder. And it is already. 

Douglas is not going anywhere, so it will be his decision to make when, and if, the Jets get that first overall pick. 

The question is will Gase be here? Chances are likely he won't be. There is no reason to keep Gase here after what should be an 0-16 season. He has been a total disaster as head coach and the Jets need a new face. If the Johnson Brothers and Douglas want to convince a kid like Lawrence that it is 'ok' to come here after what he has seen his peer in Darnold go through, there is no way in H-E-Double Hockey Stick that Gase should be the coach beyond January 2. 

And that leads to the biggest question of all, will Lawrence want to come here?

Lawrence has yet to announce his plans, although many have reported that he plans to graduate Clemson this month, and the Tigers honored the junior during their Senior Day festivities this past weekend - indicating that he will likely come out with a year of eligibility left.  

Lawrence is 32-1 as a starter at Clemson and won a National Championship just two years ago. He lost the National title last year to Joe Burrow and LSU. Burrow of course accepted getting drafted by the equally dreadful Cincinnati Bengals. He is now out for the year after tearing his ACL and MCL a couple weeks ago. 

Does Lawrence really want to play for the Jets considering what a train wreck the franchise has been, especially over the last four seasons? Does he see what Darnold has gone through and think to himself, "No way I'm coming to the Jets." 

 

Lawrence has two options. He could stun everyone and pull a Peyton Manning and stay for his senior season. Or he could pull an Eli Manning and demand a trade on draft day. 

Everyone in the media the past two months from Stephen A. Smith to LeVar Arrington and former Falcons receiver Rodey White have chimed in and stated that Lawrence should do himself a favor and avoid the Jets at all costs. 

If the head coach is Jim Harbaugh, or Eric Bienemy or Matt Campbell would that change Lawrence's mind when it comes to deciding whether to accept a green and white jersey on draft day? Or does he not care who the coach is and just wants to come to New York? 

We won't know for months from now, but the debate has been raging on and will.

 The first domino to fall though is in Darnold's court. He could change the conversation completely if he finds a way to play well in the last five weeks and maybe gets the Jets a 'W' which could conceivably knock the Jets out of the top pick in the draft. 

The second domino of course is Gase. And that ball is in the court of Christopher and Woody Johnson. Stay tuned.

Daniel Jones Diagnosis: Hamstring Strain; Status for Sunday TBA

 Daniel Jones has a strained hamstring according to multiple reports, with the good news being that there was no structural damage, as the Giants take a "wait-and-see" approach. 

According to ESPN it is unlikely -- at least right now -- that Jones will be ready for the Giants next contest at Seattle on Sunday. When the Giants return home for the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14 is "more likely." 

Giants Head Coach Joe Judge told reporters "I couldn't give you an answer on if its one week or more than one week right now. I am not qualified and, to be honest, and the doctors I talked with today, they don't have a crystal ball." 

The Giants can ill afford to lose Jones long term at this stage in the season. Hamstring injuries are tricky, so the Giants are going to take every precaution before putting Jones back onto the field. 

If Jones does not start on Sunday against the Seahawks, veteran back-up Colt McCoy will get the start. McCoy has started 28 games in his career and posted a record of 7-21. He completed six of 10 passes on Sunday for 31 yards against the Bengals. He helped engineer three field goal drives for New York on Sunday in a 19-17 win. 

The Seahawks were going to be a difficult test no matter who starts for the Giants on Sunday. The Seahawks are 8-3, and are one of the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this winter. This is going to be a very tough ask of McCoy to get a win. In fact it might be down right impossible. 

The Giants hope that Jones returns in time for the Cardinals game in two weeks. The Giants play three of their final four games at MetLife Stadium including games against the Browns and Cowboys. They visit the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. 

The Giants are clinging to first place in the NFC East, and control their own destiny. If Jones returns and the Giants can go 2-2 in their final four games, it might be enough to take the division at say, 6-10. Yes, I said it, 6-10 might be enough to win the NFC East this year. Only in 2020.

Giants Jump into First in NFC East, Daniel Jones Injured

 GIANTS 19 - BENGALS 17 

It wasn't easy, but the Giants find themselves in first place in the NFC East, but it might have come at a huge cost. 

 

With the score tied at 10 in the third quarter, quarterback Daniel Jones injured his hamstring on a seven-yard scamper. He favored his leg as he got up, but remained in the game for only two plays before falling to the ground, holding onto his right hamstring. Jones was promptly replaced by Colt McCoy as Jones went under the tent for a look at the injury. 

Jones tried to return to action on the Giants next possession, but left after he couldn't put weight behind his plant leg on a pass, and limped off the field. He did not return. 

Asked after the Giants 19-17 win over Cincinnati about the extent of the injury, head coach Joe Judge wouldn't say what the extent was, adding that he was "Optimistic," while also admitting it was tough to say if the injury was long term. 

However, according to ESPN, they claim sources informed them that Jones injury is "pretty bad." 

If Jones does not play next when they head to Seattle, it will be up to Colt McCoy. McCoy did a fairly good job under center for the Giants on Sunday. He was 6-of-10 for 31 yards and led the Giants to three field goals as they extended their lead to 19-10, before the Bengals late touchdown brought the score to within two.

Even with the bad news on Jones, the good news for Big Blue is they are in first place, and they are in control of their own destiny. 

Defensively, the Giants were fantastic against the Bengals. They held Cincinnati to 40 yards rushing, and had third string quarterback Brandon Allen guessing all day. Leonard Williams and Logan Ryan recovered a couple of fumbles, and Niko Lalos had a huge interception of Allen with the Giants up 13-10. 

Meanwhile, Wayne Gallman had a huge day on the ground for the Giants, rushing for 94-yards on 24 carries with a touchdown. His efforts paved the way for Big Blue and made things easier for McCoy in the second half. 

That said, the Giants are going a step up in class now with a trip to Seattle next week. Of the Giants final five remaining games, all of them are against teams who think they have a shot at the playoffs, including the 3-8 Cowboys who aren't exactly out of it yet in the NFC East. The other games are against Arizona (6-5), Cleveland (8-3) and Baltimore (6-4). 

Even if Jones is healthy, the Giants are not going to favored in these games, and will almost certainly be up against it next week. Still Jones gives them the best chance to win. McCoy does not. McCoy can't stretch the field the way Jones can with both his arm and legs. 

The Giants will have to hold their collective breaths for one night as they await more information on Jones by Monday. 

Sam Darnold Returns, Jets Offense Sinks Again

 DOLPHINS 20 - JETS 3 

Another chapter of embarrassment has been written about the 2020 New York Jets, a team that dropped to 0-11, Sunday as they kept pace with their historic trek to infamy. Five more losses to 0-16. Five more losses til the so-called tank job fans are hoping for is complete. Five more losses until fans can begin thinking about Trevor Lawrence in green and white (we think). 

Sunday's loss was atypical Jets. They played careless, and the coaching by Adam Gase was even worse as the game woefully dragged along until it become noncompetitive by the third quarter. 

Sam Darnold returned to the lineup for the first time in weeks, and put together a horrendous performance, completing only 16 of 27 passes for 197 yards and two interceptions, with the first pick coming on a pass intended for Jamison Crowder that was badly thrown by Darnold as it sailed into the waiting arms of Nate Needham with the Jets down 13-3. 

This was supposed to be the start of a serious audition for Darnold, and he failed badly. As much as Adam Gase is to blame for Darnold decline the past two years, the former first round quarterback had no excuses Sunday. Not when he had a full compliment of receivers with Breshard Perriman, Denzel Mims and Crowder.

If there are any questions about Darnold's future in Green and White, the arrow is pointing drastically toward the end of his run here, believe it or not. The Jets have $25 million reasons right now to move on. 

As for Gase, his play calling again was hideous. How do you as a head coach, with your team down 13-3 not go for it on 4th and 3 on the 46 yard line; then two drive later, decide to run the ball right up the gut with a 37-year old running back on 4th and 1 at the Dolphins 17, with everyone expecting Gore to get the ball? There is no creativity. No ingenuity, no smarts. 

And this coach has the audacity to stand up in front of the press (via Zoom) and tell people that he is not in charge of the play calling, when we all know he is. If there isn't enough evidence that Gase is not only a horrible coach, but pathological liar, I am not sure what else the Johnson brothers need. 

At the end of the day it was a 20-3 loss in a season where the Jets were outscored by the Dolphins 44-3 in two games combined.

 Ryan Fitzpatrick again stuck it to his former team, tossing for 257 yards and two scores as he kept his Dolphins the playoff hunt, with an outside shot at division leading Buffalo. The Jets meanwhile keep their pursuit of imperfection intact.

 

NFL Needs To Stop Lions & Cowboys Thanksgiving Tradition

Tradition is usually very hard to break. Maybe it's traveling to your mother's house every Thanksgiving no matter what. Maybe you prefer to cook stuffing inside the turkey rather than cook it separately in  pot. Maybe you prefer macaroni and cheese with your Thanksgiving diner over yams. 

Yes, I get it. Trust me. When you have a traditional way of doing things, even the most mundane things in life, it's hard to break. Heck, I park in generally the same spot at work everyday. 

But let's be clear there is one tradition that needs to come to an end. Like yesterday. Like years ago.  

Every year the National Football League subjects its fans across the country to the Detroit Lions at 12:30 p.m. ET, and the Dallas Cowboys at 4:30 ET every Thanksgiving without fail. 

The only difference every year is that they rotate the network covering the game. This year CBS covered the Lions because they were playing the Houston Texans, an AFC opponent, and the Cowboys were on FOX playing division rival Washington. 

Next year, if the pattern holds up, the Lions will be on FOX, probably playing Green Bay or Minnesota or Chicago, while the Cowboys play an AFC team on CBS. And in case you are wondering the Cowboys welcome both the Broncos and Raiders into Dallas next year. So one of those teams will be on Turkey day most likely. 

I'm tired of it. It's boring. Enough. 

Thanks to COVID-19, which knocked out the primetime match-up of the Steelers and Ravens, we were reminded of what Thanksgiving day games were like before the NFL threw a Hail Mary and gave us Thursday night football on Thanksgiving beginning in 2006.  

And let's be honest, Turkey Day games with the Lions and Cowboys generally suck, and this year was no exception. 

I had a hard time keeping my eyes open to watch the Texans run over the Lions 41-25 in the Motor City, and was bemused by the Washington Football Team's 41-16 decimation of the Cowboys. 

Neither game was close. Both games were over long before the final gun sounded. And in case you are keeping score, over the past four Thanksgivings (including this one) dating back to 2017, the Lions are 0-4, while the Cowboys are 1-3 on this holiday. 

When is enough enough? 

Want more evidence? Ok. The last time both the Cowboys and Lions won on Thanksgiving? 2016. The Lions squeaked one out against the Minnesota Vikings 16-13, while the Cowboys beat the Washington Football Team 31-23. 

And that's another thing, why do we keep getting the same match-ups virtually every time? 

The Cowboys and Redsk ... errrr ... Football Team have met 10 times on Thanksgiving, and four of them have come in the eight years. 

The Lions have played the Green Bay Packers 21 times on Turkey Day including six times in a 12-year period from 2001-2013. Oh, and the Lions have also played Vikings 18 times on Thanksgiving, including back-to-back years in 2018 and last year.  

Enough is enough. 

While getting the primetime game can be interesting, keep in mind these are Thursday night games, they aren't that good to begin with, it feels like it's long past due for the NFL to throw us a change up regarding this holiday Game Day. 

It's time for the NFL to make it an honor to play and host a Thanksgiving Day game by rotating the afternoon games with the other 30 NFL clubs. Maybe instead of being subjected to the Lions at 12:30, we get the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears from Lambeau Field in the early game. Or maybe the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles in the 12:30 slot from MetLife Stadium. I'll even settle for Patriots-Dolphins from Foxboro.

Instead of the Cowboys at 4:30, why not give fans the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders -- a classic rivalry game and two good teams. In other words, reward teams for being good the previous year with a Thanksgiving Day game the next year.

 The NFL already rewards good teams from the previous year with Sunday night contests the following season. 

Thanksgiving should be no different. This is a prime event for the NFL. Thanksgiving is a chance to showcase the best of the sport, not the worst. 

In fact because of the NFL's stringent policy regarding who gets on Thanksgiving games, there are so many teams that haven't played on the holiday in years. 

The Cleveland Browns for example haven't been on Thanksgiving since 1989. Granted, the Browns haven't been good since their return to the NFL in 1999, but they have been more compelling the last couple of seasons. 

The LA Rams haven't been on a Thanksgiving Day game since 1975! What? You mean to tell me we had the Greatest Show of Turf years and this recent run of success for the Rams, and they haven't played on Thanksgiving?!!?! Not once? What?!

The Jacksonville Jaguars have never played on Thanksgiving. Ok, there is not much I can say there, but hell, the Houston Texans have played twice on the holiday since they came into the league in 2002. Com'on give these guys some love at some point! 

Want more? The Tampa Bay Bucs haven't been back on Thanksgiving since 2006. The Tennessee Titans haven't been back on Turkey Day since 2008. It's time for the NFL to change things up. 

Reward the good teams with a Thanksgiving Day game, and end the drawn out tradition that the game HAS TO include the Lions and Cowboys.  I understand the Lions were the first team to host a football game on the holiday, but they are 37-42-2 during it. It's time for a change. 

And I know that the Dallas Cowboys are a big draw ratings-wise, but, if the NFL wants the Cowboys on Thanksgiving that badly change it up; put them on the road and in the night game on Thanksgiving. That would be compelling. 

Dear NFL, give fans a reason to enjoy these games again on Thanksgiving. Even the NBA gets it and gives its fans compelling match-ups every Christmas Day. 

Do your fans a favor and save Thanksgiving.

Washington Win Over Dallas Paves Way for Giant Opportunity

 When the Washington Football Team pulled away from the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving with 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter en route to a 41-16 triumph, a huge exhale could be heard from East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

 

That is because the Giants (3-7) know that with Washington's win, the Giants potentially control their own destiny in the NFC East. 

 Yes, technically, the Football Team is in first place at 4-7, and the Eagles are in second at 3-6-1.  But with the Giants heading to Cincinnati to play the Joe Burrow-less Bengals on Sunday, and the Eagles playing host to an angry Seattle Seahawks team, there is reason for hope. 

Granted nothing is guaranteed. As we all know this is the NFL for a reason. For all we know the Giants could leave a stinker on the field in Cincy this weekend, and/or the Eagles could stun the world on Monday and upend the Seahawks. 

Hell, the Football Team could be for real now, and end up winning this division. They are a great story after all with starting quarterback Alex Smith's return from 17 surgeries on his leg, and Head Coach Ron Rivera beating cancer. Yes, there is a lot of sentimental reasons to root for the team once known as the Redskins. 

But, the Giants enter Sunday knowing that a win vs. Cincinnati could put them in the drivers seat in the division. Big Blue owns a sweep of their two games against Washington, and they have a win over Philly -- so they have a head-to-head strength of victory against them. 

If the Giants and Washington wound up tied for first place by season's end, the Giants would be NFC East by default. 

That is why every game the Giants play the rest of the way is critically important. The opportunity is right there before them. Now Joe Judge's team has to rise up and show it's ready now to take it.

Luis Rojas to Return to Mets in 2021

 The worst kept secret is now official, Luis Rojas will return as Mets manager in 2021. 

The news was confirmed by Mets President Sandy Alderson, who alluded to Rojas' return two weeks ago when he and owner Steve Cohen spoke to the media for the first time. 

Rojas took over the Mets job in January when the Mets fired Carlos Beltran after Beltran's involvement in the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal came to light. Rojas was going to be an assistant on Beltran's staff. 

 As skipper, the Mets went 26-34 during a COVID-shortened season in 2020 under Rojas. It was a rather nondescript season for the rookie manager, as the Mets struggled to stay in the mix in the crowded NL East for much of the season. The only real standout from the past year was Designated Hitter Dom Smith, who hit .316 with 10 homers and 42 RBI and was the Mets Most Valuable Player. 

Alderson and Rojas are not strangers having known one another for several years when Rojas was a manager in the Mets farm system, when Alderson was the General Manager of the Big League club. 

Rojas will get a full season to prove his worth as manager going forward. 

Meanwhile, Alderson told the press that he will try to hire a General Manager this winter, and will look for a President of Baseball Operations next year. Instead Alderson will assume both Team President and Baseball Ops roles as he fills out the front office staff to his liking. Once Alderson has a GM in place, he will work with that individual to being crafting a roster. 

The new President of Baseball Ops will allow Alderson to take a slight back seat next year in 2022.

Robinson Cano Suspended for the Year for PEDs

Robby Cano, say it ain't so! Ok, maybe not really.  

The polarizing Mets second baseman who was acquired by then General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen two off-seasons ago from the Seattle Mariners in the Jared Kelenic deal, has been suspended by Major League Baseball for the entire 2021 season due to a positive test for PEDs. 

This is the second time Cano has been suspended for steroid use; he was last suspended back in 2018 for using diurtec, and promptly received an 80 game suspension while with the Mariners. 

At the time that didn't preclude VanWagenen from shipping the Mets best minor league prospect to the Mariners for Cano and reliever Edwin Diaz. As we all know that trade has been a colossal failure, with Diaz proving to be incapable of closing games, and Cano somewhat aloof at second base. 

This news puts the final nail in the coffin on VanWagenen's hideous tenure as Mets General Manager. Of course Van Wagenen was fired by owner Steve Cohen and President Sandy Alderson over a week ago when Cohen completed his purchase of the team. 

It's hard to sit here and say that losing to Cano to suspension is a tough break for the Mets. Quiet the contrary, it might be a blessing in disguise. 

Cano, who had two years and $48 million remaining on his deal, will forfeit his 2021 salary of $24 million, creating an additional $5 million in cap room for the Mets this season. 

With Cano out, the Mets have options they can plug in at second base. Namely they could move Jeff McNeil to his more suitable position, which is second. McNeil has spent most of his time in the outfield, but that is sure to change now. The Mets want to upgrade left field, while moving McNeil to a better location on the diamond. 

In 103 games at second, McNeil has a .991 fielding percentage. 

The Mets could also move Andres Gimenez over the second base as well. Gimenez played mostly short stop last season when it became clear the Mets were growing tired of the struggles of Amed Rosario. Gimenez proved to have a steady glove and live bat, hitting .263 in 132 plate appearances. 

The Cano news also allows the Mets to explore their options outside the organization. DJ LeMahieu is the big name free agent out there at second base. LeMahieu was an absolute beast for the Yankees the past two years, hitting .336 and proving to be the Yankees best overall hitter. He is a free agent. The Yankees tried to sign him to a 1-year tender, but he declined opting to see his value on the market. 

The Mets would and could be interested in the soon-to-be-32-year old infielder; although they will have competition for him, including from the Yankees. 

The other option of course is swinging a deal for Francisco Lindor. The Mets have been linked to Lindor for months, even before the news on Cano broke. Lindor is in the midst of his prime at 26-years old, and is considered one of the best short stops in the game. In 2019 he hit 32 home runs and drove in 74. The year before, Lindor smashed 38 dingers and drove in 92. 

Getting Lindor won't be easy. The Cleveland Indians are going to ask for a lot. Trading Amed Rosario to them would be a start, but they would likely require a lot, lot more - perhaps a McNeil, or Gimenez, or even Dom Smith, or a pitcher. The Mets don't have a lot on the farm that they can trade. However with Cano out, the Mets could convince themselves to stay with either McNeil or Gimenez -- put one of them at second base, while trading the other to Cleveland for Lindor. 

Crazier things have happened. 

Regardless the Mets are in a better position today than they were yesterday when it comes to filling out their needs in free agency and in the trade market. 

Bye Robinson Cano, we hardly knew ye. 

Joe Judge Fires Line Coach Columbo Amid "Fight"

 Don't mess with Giants Head Coach Joe Judge. 

Reports earlier Wednesday say that the Giants head coach got into a heated verbal altercation with Offensive Line Coach Marc Columbo, and fired Columbo effective immediately. 

The move comes on the heels of the Giants two-game winning streak as they enter a bye week, and find themselves still in the mix for the NFC East crown. 

The Giants replaced Columbo with longtime NFL assistant Dave DeGuglielmo. According to ESPN, DeGuglielmo was initially brought on as a consultant, and it rubbed Columbo the wrong way. 

There were reports earlier this afternoon that Judge and Columbo engaged in a "fistfight," but ESPN through its sources confirmed that there was no such altercation, although there was a verbal spat between Judge and Columbo. 

Judge had been more involved in coaching the offensive line in recent weeks, and clearly he felt a need to step in an get one of his guys to oversee the unit. Columbo was brought in during the off-season due to his connection to Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett -- the former Dallas Cowboys Head Coach. 

The Giants visit the Bengals out of the bye on November 29.

Week 10 Recap: Giants Stayin' Alive in the NFC Least

Believe it or not the New York Giants still have a shot in this lousy division that is the NFC East. Yes, that's right, a 3-7 football team can still make the playoffs with six games to go.

Who knew?But that is the world we live in in 2020. 

I take a look at the improbable (the Giants chances) and the impossible (the DeAndre Hopkins Hail Marry reception) in this recap of a wild Week 10. 

Giants Are Back in NFC East Race with Win over Eagles

 GIANTS 27 - EAGLES 17 

Believe it or not, the New York Giants find themselves right in the thick of the NFC East title race. Even with all of the awful losses earlier in the season, the blown leads, the heartbreaking finishes, the Giants -- after a 27-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium, have a pulse. 

And it's not a faint pulse, but an actual chance. We'll explain how in a minute. 

First the on-field performance, and it is hard to argue that for the first time this year we got a complete game from the Giants. Daniel Jones was solid. He didn't turn the ball over once, completing 21-of-28 passes for 244 yards. He even led the Giants in rushing -- again -- this time with 64-yards on nine carries, including a 34-yard touchdown run that gave the Giants an early 7-0 lead. 

With New York holding onto a 7-3 lead, Jones led an impressive 13-play, 75-yard drive as he picked apart the secondary before the combination of Jones' own legs and those of Alfred Morris and Wayne Gallman pushed the Giants to the Eagles' two-yard line. 

Facing a fourth-and-goal at the Eagles two, the Giants went for it and awarded their head coach Joe Judge's confidence in his offensive unit when Gallman dove over the pole for a touchdown to make it 14-3. 

Perhaps the most impressive drive of the day for New York came when they answered Boston Scott's 56-yard touchdown for Philly with a touchdown drive of their own to extend the lead to 21-11. Jones connected on two big pass plays, one for 27-yards to Sterling Shepherd, and a 38-yarder to Golden Tate to move the ball to the Eagles' 10.  Three plays later the Giants found paydirt again on a Gallman score. 

As for the Eagles, aside from two extensive touchdown drives in the third quarter, quarterback Carson Wentz was under siege by the Giants defense. He was sacked three times and knocked around 13 times. Former Jet Leonard Williams hit Wentz the most with five quarterback hits. 

The constant pressure kept the Eagles at bay, as Philadelphia could only break into Giants territory once on their final four possessions. 

With the victory the Giants improve to 3-7. Philadelphia falls to 3-5-1. Typically 3-7 is nothing to write home about, but in this case, in this year, it's enough to give the Giants a chance to be in the playoffs. 

The Giants own three divisional victories, and are the only team in the NFC East that is over .500 in divisional play at 3-2.  With games against the Bengals, Browns, Cardinals and Cowboys remaining on the schedule, the Giants could easily go 6-10 or 7-9 and still, yes, I said it, STILL win the NFC East. 

They will need some breaks of course. The Eagles play a brutal stretch of games before their season finale at home against Washington, with games at the Browns, home to Seattle and New Orleans and at Green Bay still on the schedule. 

The Cowboys at 2-7 have been a flaming mess, and are on their fourth quarterback already. 

Washington doesn't even come into the picture having been swept by the Giants. 

In short this is a great opportunity for Big Blue.  Daniel Jones is slowly coming into his own. The Giants defense is showing signs of life, and it is clear that head coach Joe Judge has his team's ear.  In a year that appeared to be a lost for New York the Giants might surprise us all.

MLB Free Agency: Stroman Accepts Offer from Mets, LeMahieu Rejects Yanks

 Maybe the powers of Steve Cohen are indeed working already for the Mets. 

Just a day after his introductory press conference as Mets owner where he expressed his desire to win and win immediately, free agent to be Marcus Stroman is coming back to the Mets. 

Stroman accepted his one-year $18.9 million qualifying offer, and posted on Twitter that he is excited to be back in Queens for 2021, adding he is excited to play for Cohen. 

Cohen responded via Twitter that he was happy to see the right-hander return to Flushing. 

Stroman has had a very odd two-year stay with the Mets. He was acquired to much fanfare in 2019 from the Toronto Blue Jays in a move that stunned many. A lot of people thought Stroman would be heading to the Yankees instead. In 11 starts for the Mets in 2019, Stroman went 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA. 

 

He was expected to be the Mets number 3 starter this year before COVID-19 hit. Once the season began in July Stroman opted out of playing, and many believed he was done with the Mets. 

Not the case. Stroman will be back, and if he and Noah Syndergaard are back and healthy in 2021, the Mets will have 3/5 of a starting rotation that will look mighty impressive on paper. Is there a chance Trevor Bauer could join them? The Reds free agent is expected to be a target of President Sandy Alderson and whomever the Mets bring in as GM. 

Meanwhile over in the Bronx, DJ LeMahieu declined his $18.9 million qualifying offer from the Yankees. This is not surprising. Not because he didn't enjoy himself in New York, quiet the contrary. LeMahieu put together back-to-back MVP caliber seasons for the Yankees and it is only natural he not accept the offer seeking a bigger, long term deal. 

The Yankees could still sign him, but it will have to be a three to four year deal if they do. 

In two years with the Yankees LeMahieu hit .336 with 268 hits, 36 homers and 129 RBI.

Steve Cohen Wants to Build a Winner with Mets

Steve Cohen sat in on a zoom call with beat reporters, his hands folded under his chin, in a grey sweater vest, looking very much like the fortune 500 executive that he is. His calm voice sounds slightly similar to Microsoft founder Bill Gates, only there was one noticeable difference. This was Bill Gates, Bill Parcells, Rex Ryan, and Bob Kraft all meshed together in a blender. 

And it was glorious. 

Cohen talked about winning. Winning not only now, but in the future for years to come. He spoke of building a Mets culture, and putting baseball experts in charge of baseball operations. 

"I want to exceed expectations. I want an exceptional team, built to be great every year. I don't want to just get to the playoffs, I want to win a championship," Cohen said in his opening statement. 

"Our fans matter to me," he continued, "We will hire great baseball people; we want great players and we want to make them better. We will start with our homegrown talent and fill in from there." He even took a shot at the Yankees by saying, "You build champions, you don't buy them." 

Cohen who purchased the team for $2.4 billion from the Wilpon's Sterling Equities, recalled how he would attend Mets games as a kid growing up, even going back all the way to the very beginning when his father would take him to the Polo Grounds. 

In fact, Cohen relayed that his father-in-law is a huge Mets fan who attends home games regularly. So it was clear to fans watching from home that they were hearing from one of their own. And that is what makes Cohen unique. He is not just a man with deep pockets, and an extremely successful and wealthy entrepreneur, but he is in fact one of them. 

When asked about baseball operations, Cohen said he would always lean on the "experts" such as Sand Alderson, and the eventually President of Baseball Operations and GM to put together a team, and vowed that building the team from within would be very important to him. 

On the World Series, Cohen was not shy about broaching the subject.  "Well you got to get the first one. That's a good feeling and you want more of that. We will shoot for that. Nobody remembers if you came in second place." 

My god, he's really going for it! 

"If we don't win a World Series in 3 to 5 years, I'd like it sooner, but it would be slightly disappointing." 

Call it music to the ears. For years fans in New York have had to hear about no playoff mandates, and no talk of winning championships. Cohen like Rex Ryan when he came to the Jets in 2010 is not afraid to talk about going for the brass ring. You gotta love it. 

When asked about competing with the Yankees, Cohen diplomatically said that he is not as interested about competing solely against the Bronx Bombers as he is against the 29 other clubs in the Big Leagues, echoing that it was important for the Mets to build their own brand and identity for success. 

Even Team President Sandy Aldrerson got into the act, saying the reason he came back to the Mets after a two-year hiatus was because his vision for a baseball aligned with Cohen's passion. "We want to be iconic," Alderson said, even joking around that he has waited 31-years since his last World Championship with the Oakland A's back in 1989, and wants to get one sooner than the 3-5 years Cohen talked about. 

Regarding the front office, Alderson said that the team is currently looking for a new Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. He has spoken with agents and players on the current Mets roster. "Stuff is happening behind the scenes," he added. 

On manager Luis Rojas, Alderson said that Rojas would be back as manager in 2021, but would leave open the possibility for change should the new GM and Baseball Ops president decide to go in another direction. 

In short, the New Mets are here and they are ready to get the party started.

Yankees Name Somerset Double-A Home in Minors Shakeup

 The Yankees are going to have a new look when it comes to their minor league facilities in 2021 and onward. No longer will the Bombers call Trenton, New Jersey home for their Double-A affiliate, instead moving some 46 miles north to Bridgewater, the home of the Somerset Patriots. 

The Yankees are also eliminating their single-A affiliation in Staten Island and Charleston, South Carolina which is part of Major League Baseball's greater shakeup to widdle down the minors from 160 teams to 120. 

On Tuesday the Yankees made it official, christening a new 10-year partnership with the Somerset Patriots, who had been an independent team out of the Atlantic League for the past 20 years. The Patriots will replace the Thunder in the Eastern League. 

The Thunder do not have a destination as of yet, but there was belief they could get slotted into the Atlantic League as an independent. There was also mention that the Thunder felt blindsided by the Yankees decision to leave Trenton for Somerset. 

The Patriots offer a state of the art 6,100 seat stadium in Bridgewater off highway Route 287. The Yankees have had partnerships with the Patriots in the past, namely their association with former Yankees pitcher Sparky Lyle who was the Patriots' first ever manager. 

According to Chairman Emeritus Steven Kalafer, the Patriots will maintain the stadium, but the Yankees will be in charge of baseball operations from picking players and a new coaching staff and manager. 

Also on hand for the ceremony at TD Bank Ballpark were Lyle, and former Yankees All Star and third base coach Willie Randolph, and former Manager Joe Torre. 

Torre, who led the Yankees to four World Series titles in the late 90s said that late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner would have loved the new partnership with the Patriots, since he loves winners. The Patriots won six Atlantic League titles in 18 years.  

The season is expected to begin in April.

Jets Blow 10-point Lead, Drop to Record Setting 0-9

 PATRIOTS 30 - JETS 27 

Leave it to the Jets to find a way to blow a 27-17 lead and lose in the waning seconds to the worst Patriots team to take the field in over 20 years. 

This is what happens when you are 0 and 9. You invent ways to lose. 

And the Jets have been experts in the field. 

They proved Monday night that in spite of a good performance from veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw three touchdown passes, and a big night from wide receiver Breshard Perriman (five catches, 101 yards and two touchdowns), it was not enough to beat a hobbled Patriots team.

Especially a Patriots team that at times looks more interested in losing thanks to the buffoonery of Cam Newton than at anytime in the Bill Belichick era. A year ago at this time Belichick was smiling as he team decimated the Jets 33-0 in the infamous "Ghost Game." This year he was probably just happy that Newton didn't turn it over. 

Let's face it the Jets handed the Patriots this game. The Jets did pretty much whatever they wanted offensively against New England's woeful defense, as Flacco picked apart the secondary at will. His 20-yard touchdown to Perriman after a 42-yard pass interference penalty on New England gave the Jets a 20-10 lead just before the half. 

By the third quarter, the former Ravens Super Bowl MVP quarterback had the Jets in the end zone again when he hit Perriman once more from 15-yards out to complete an 11-play, 75-yard answer to a Patriots touchdown. With 0:30 to go in the third quarter it was Jets 27 - Patriots 17. 

But the toll of New England's lengthy, time consuming drives killed the Jets defense. The Patriots ran a total of 49 plays in the second half to the Jets 15. New England's opening salvo in the third quarter was a 13-play, 78-yard drive that chewed up 7:33 minutes before Rex Burkhead plowed into the end zone that cut the Jets lead to three points at 20-17. 

Once the Jets extended that lead, New England was at it again, slowly picking part the Jets. A 17-play, 58-yard drive ate up nearly nine-and-a half minutes of action, with the biggest mistake - a penalty for too many men on the field, killed the Jets and gave New England a second chance. The Patriots inched closer for a field goal to make it 27-20. 

Even though New York still led, they were gassed.

Flacco did the Jets no favors when he heaved a pass down field for Denzel Mims that was picked off by J.C. Jackson in double coverage. The gaff gave the Patriots renewed life and sapped all the energy that was left for the Jets on Monday. New York tried to gamble with the home run, when all they really needed up seven points was a single. 

Newton methodically moved the Patriots down field on another long drive, this one 11-plays and 72-yards. The biggest play was a 31-yard completion to from Newton to Damiere Byrd that spotted the ball at the Jets three. Three plays later, Newton was in the end zone on a quarterback sneak, tying it at 27. 

And what did the Jets do with 1:57 to go, with a chance to win the game in the last two minutes? Nothing. The Jets went three-and-out and punted back to New England with 0:54 seconds to go. Ballgame. 

Somehow, even in spite of some terrible decision making and curious play-calling, Newton managed to get the Patriots into field goal range when he hit Jakobi Meyers on a 20-yard slant to the Jets' 33 with 0:03 to go. That was more than enough time for ex-Jet kicker Nick Folk to stick a fork in his former team on the game winner to send the Jets to 0-9, and right back into the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes. 

Giants Outlast Washington Comeback

 GIANTS 23 - WASHINGTON 20 

It wasn't pretty, but for the first time in a very long time the Giants found a way to win a football game on Sunday. 

In a season where the Giants have found ways to lose games in the fourth quarter, two huge interceptions of Washington quarterback Alex Smith, prevented another heartbreaking loss as the Giants came away with the 23-20 victory. 

The Giants had jumped out to a 20-3 lead at the half, thanks to a 10-yard touchdown by Wayne Gallman, and a 16-yard touchdown pass by Daniel Jones to Evan Engram.

However Washington stormed back in the second half when Smith, who had come in for an injured Kyle Allen, started to catch fire for the Football Team. Smith led Washington on a six-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a Antonio Gibson 1-yard plunge that cut the Giants lead in half, 20-10. 

After both teams exchanged field goals, Smith connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a 68-yard catch-n-run for a touchdown that cut the Giants lead to a single field goal, 23-20. 

Now it was getting tense. And it didn't help matters when the Giants were forced to punt after an offensive pass interference penalty on Engram botched what was developing into a nice drive that had Big Blue in Washington territory. 

Fortunately for the Giants the D stepped up huge. With Alex Smith picking apart the Giants secondary on short, precise throws to move the ball to the Giants' 40-yard line, the veteran quarterback ran into some tough luck when his pass for J.D McKissic was airmailed into the waiting hands of safety Jabrill Peppers for the interception. 

Unfortunately the Giants couldn't capitalize after the offense was turned around quickly on a three-and-out. The only positive that came from the drive was the fact that Jones didn't fumble the ball when sacked by Kamren Crul. 

With two minutes to go it seemed inevitable that Washington would either tie or win the game in the waning seconds. That inevitability never happened. 

On second and six, Smith rolled to his left and threw a pass right into the waiting arms of safety Logan Ryan who picked it off the seal the deal. In a week where Ryan's own wife had to have emergency surgery to save her life, the Giants safety, who made a career of big plays in New England and Tennessee, had his shinning moment as a Giant.

With the victory the Giants sweep Washington for the second straight year, and have won five straight against them. The Giants are 2-7 on the year in a season where they have struggled to close out games. Imagine if the Giants closed out Philadelphia and Tampa the past two weeks? They could have been on a four-game winning streak! Oh well, the Giants will get another shot at the Eagles on Sunday.

Sam Darnold to Miss Monday Night vs. Pats

 Sam Darnold's disappointing 2020 season has taken another turn for the worse when word came down Sunday that the Jets quarterback will not play Monday night. 

 

Darnod is still bothered by a shoulder injury that caused him to miss two games earlier this year. As a result Joe Flacco will get the start against the equally inept New England Patriots (2-5). 

Darnold injured the shoulder in a Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos, when his shoulder was jammed into the turf on a sack. He hasn't been the same since. 

In the two games since he returned from the injury list, Darnold is 30-for-53 for 253 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Jets have scored only 19 points in those two games combined. 

This will be the ninth game of Darnold's career that he has missed, and the Jets are 0-8 in games he has missed. In the two games he missed this season, the Jets lost 30-10 to the Arizona Cardinals, and 24-0 to the Miami Dolphins. Both those teams (the Cardinals and Dolphins) look like wild card contenders in the NFC and AFC, respectfully. 

The injury is another strange twist in the Jets miserable 0-8 campaign. They would love to see Darnold take the field against New England, and prove that he is the long term solution at quarterback. 

However with each missed start, and each uneven performance, the likeihood the Jets will move on from Darnold at the end of this season only increases. It doesn't help Darnold's case when Trevor Lawrence is projected to come out of Clemson a year early, and is considered by most to be the number 1 pick. The Jets are likely destined for that pick if they keep losing. 

Should the Jets lose on Monday to New England, an 0-9 start will be the worst start to a season in franchise history.

Cohen Cleaning House with Firing of Van Wagenen and Others

 Steve Cohen is serious about changing the complexion of the New York Mets. Just hours after finalizing his purchase of the team from Fred and Jeff Wilpon, and Saul Katz, Cohen had new team president Sandy Alderson do the dirty work of cleaning out the Mets baseball front office. 

Meaning in-battled General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen, his top lieutenants Allard Baird, Adam Gutridge, Jared Banner, and Assistant to the GM Omar Minaya were all fired!

Talk about making an entrance!

 The moves were inevitable, and it clears the way for Alderson to go ahead and create a baseball front office to his liking and Cohen's. It is clear that these two men are not fooling around, and want to turn what has been a floundering franchise into a winner right away. 

VanWagenen's firing has to be especially sweet to Mets fans. Van Wagenen, a former player's agent with CAA orchestrated two of the worst off-season's in Mets history with plenty of misses along the way. Here are some of the low-lights:

- Extending contracts to the likes of Jed Lowrie, who only had seven at bats in two seasons and Todd Fraizer - who had 1-plus years of mediocre play as a back-up infielder. 

- Re-signing Jeurys Familia to a mega contract which turned out to bomb in Van Wagenen's face as Familia struggled for the most part over two seasons. 

- Trading prospects to Toronto for Marcus Stroman who couldn't wait to leave town when he used COVID as an excuse to opt out of the season. Stroman won't be back in 2021. 

- Haphazardly handling the bizarre Yoenis Cespedes opt out this past season, when the oft-injured left fielder left the team without telling anyone. 

- Naming Carlos Beltran the manager of the team exactly one year ago, while Beltran was in the midst of being linked to the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal. The Mets and Van Wagenen had to double-back and fire Beltran soon thereafter before settling on Luis Rojas as skipper. 

- The worst move of all of them was trading Jared Kelenic to the Seattle Mariners for Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano. Cano has been unable to stay healthy for long stretches of his two years in New York, while Diaz has been a total headcase as the Mets' closer. Kelenic, meanwhile, is considered one of baseball's best prospects and could be in the Majors next year. 

- Let us also not forget how Van Wagenen threw Commissioner Rob Manfred under the bus this past season, when he mistook the initial decision to play a game against the Marlins after a team-wide social justice protest as Manfred's idea. It was not. It was Jeff Wilpon's. 

Let's be honest whoever Alderson and Cohen bring in to run the baseball team as the next General Manager will surely have some legitimate baseball experience and knowledge. 

That is the biggest difference of all. Keep in mind, Alderson was handcuffed by the Wilpon's when he was the team's General Manager from 2010 to 2018. Alderson did the best he could, but he could never spend the kind of money he would have liked. With Cohen now in the fold, and not the Wilpon's there is a very good chance the Mets will be aggressive this time in free agency. 

This is all sure to make Mets fans smile, and why not. They have waited a long, long time for this moment. 

There are already a number of candidates whose names have been linked to the Mets GM job. 

Two of those candidates could come from the Cleveland Indians in the form of Mike Chernoff and Chris Antonetti. 

Chernoff is the Indians GM, and was considered for the Mets job two years ago. He is the son of WFAN programming executive Mark Chernoff. Antonetti has worked closely with Chernoff as Indians team president. 

Other names include Billy Owens of the Oakland A's. He is currently the A's Assistant GM and Director of Player Personnel. He is also a candidate for the LA Angels GM position. Owens and Alderson are very familiar with one another. 

Tampa Bay Rays excutives Bobby Heck, who was a candidate for the Mets job two years ago, and Rays GM Erik Neanader are also names being tossed around. The Mets could also bring back long time Alderson lieutenants like JP Ricciardi or John Ricco to be the team's GM. Ricco served as Mets interim GM when Alderson stepped down initially in 2018 due to cancer.

Two Jones Interceptions Doom Giants Against Brady's Bucs

 BUCCANEERS 25 - GIANTS 23 

Another week, another blown opportunity for the New York Giants. What has become a disturbing pattern this year, the Giants came oh-so close to victory only to have the rug pulled out from underneath them.

 On Monday it was two-fold. 

The Giants not only found themselves on the wrong end of a horrible non-pass interference call on Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. when he clearly bumped Dion Lewis in the end zone, but Daniel Jones sunk Big Blue with two huge turnovers. 

The question about the viability of Jones as the Giants "franchise quarterback" is only going to come into focus more and more. This was the fourth Giants loss by less than four points this season. And in each case the Giants had a chance to win the game and failed to do so. 

On Monday, the Giants could have long avoided their now infamous defeat had they taken advantage of the numerous opportunities that were in front of them to put this game away. 

 Case number 1: Giants up 7-3, and have just gotten the ball back after Tampa Bay punted away with 2:10 to go in the first quarter. Jones leads the Giants on a lengthy 12-play 55-yard drive that winds up stalling and going backwards at the Bucs' 33 yard line. Instead of getting even three points, the Giants were forced to punt when Jones was sacked on third and seven. 

Case number 2: Interception No. 1: The Giants held a 14-6 lead on Tampa coming out of the break. The image of the night up to this point was Tom Brady slamming his Buccaneers helmet into the bench in frustration. The Giants start the third quarter with a 44-yard kick return by Dion Lewis that sets up shop perfectly near midfield. 

Instead the Giants blow that shot too. On second and eight, Jones tries to avoid the rush and hurries his throw down the sideline only to have it picked off. The Bucs turn the pick into three points to cut the Giants lead to 14-9. 

Case number 3: The Giants trail the Bucs 15-14 late in the third quarter, and again Jones has the Giants moving the football deep into Tampa Bay territory. And, again the Giants choke. On first and ten at the Bucs' 15-yard line, the Giants are called for holding and it completely wrecks the drive. The Giants need four plays to even get back to the original line of scrimmage and by that point it's fourth and ten, and Big Blue had to settle for 3-points instead of 7. Giants lead 17-15, instead of 21-15. 

Case number 4: Leading 17-15, the Giants again get a break when Brady and the Bucs go three-and-out on offense. Now the Giants have a shot to put this game away. Things are looking good as the Giants quickly move into Buccaneers territory. However on second and five from the Bucs' 34, Jones tries to roll to his right to avoid pressure and makes an ill advised throw in tight coverage. 

You guessed it, it was picked off. 

A drive that should have ended in points for the Giants instead turns into the golden opportunity the Bucs needed. Brady needed only six plays before he found Mike Evans in the corner of the end zone for his second touchdown throw of the night to put the Bucs up 22-17 with 9:02 to go. 

Of course the Giants failed to respond on their ensuing drive, and Tampa tacked on with a field goal that all but put the game away until the final minute.

But the facts are two Giants turnovers led to 10 Buccaneers points. What should have been a Giants upset was a night that got away. 

Even when the Giants got that last second touchdown to make it Tampa Bay 25 - New York 23, Jones was too late on his throw to Lewis in the end zone. Had he thrown it sooner, and got the ball to Lewis at the pylon, perhaps there is no contact with Winfield. Perhaps the Giants tie it and force overtime. At that point who knows what would happen. 

The facts are though that the Giants grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory, and cost themselves what would have been their most impressive and improbable victory of the year.

Giancarlo Stanton Opts to Stay with Yankees for $218 Million

 Yankees fans get ready to wince. 

Giancarlo Stanton is staying long term with the Yankees for the next seven years for $218 million rather than opt out and hit free agency. 

The news is sure to make Yankees fans grumpy after Stanton spent a better part of the last two seasons injured. In 2019, Stanton was limited to 18 games with a biceps strain and right knee injury. When he did play, Stanton hit .288 with three homers and 13 RBI that year. 

This season Stanton was limited to 23 games in a 60-game COVID-19 shortened season, hitting only .250 with four homers and 11 RBI. Yet he was the Yankees most consistent hitter in the playoffs batting .308 with six homers and 13 RBI. Still though he has yet to replicate the hitter he was three years ago in 2017 when he crush 59 homers and drove in 132 RBI as a member of the Miami Marlins. 

Stanton, who will turn 31 next season, is due $29 million in each of the next two seasons and $32 million annually through 2025. And, $29 million in 2026, and $27 million in 2027. His contract ends in 2028 with a $25 million club option and a $10 million buyout. 

The Marlins will help the Yankee finance the deal sending New York $30 million to offset part of the contract and $5 million each July 1 and October 1 in the final three years of the deal. 

What makes this deal even worse? Stanton has a full no-trade clause, and considering economics right now, nobody in their right mind is going to take on that contract off the Yankees books.  So basically Stanton has to produce or this poison pill contract will become an albatross that Brian Cashman and company will wish would go away. But it won't.

Mahomes and Chiefs Steamroll Over Jets

 CHIEFS 35 - JETS 9 

Well those of you worried about betting on a 19.5 point spread, have no fear the Jets would not disappoint.  As expected the Jets were annihilated by the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday to the tune of 35-9 as Patrick Mahomes tossed five touchdowns in the Chiefs victory. 

Mahomes was an unstoppable machine against the Jets pathetic defense. He completed 31 of 42 passes for 416 yards and even gave a piggyback ride to Tyreek Hill after the lanky wide receiver hauled in a 41-yard touchdown pass to give the Chiefs a 35-9 lead with 10:58 to go in the game. 

In short, the Chiefs toyed with the Jets. So much so that the Chiefs had three touchdowns in the bank and were losing the time of possession battle at halftime. That's pretty dominant don't you say? You bet. 

As for the Jets, it was more of the same offensively. Sam Darnold was a man on an island, fighting an uphill battle with nobody around him. He played well, at least in the first half, but the Jets couldn't get past the Chiefs 30-yard line all day, and had to settle for three Sergio Castillo field goals. 

At least Castillo looked good kicking the football until one was blocked before the half. Oh well. 

The Jets now stand at 0-8, starring at a still uncertain future. Next week New York faces the Patriots (2-5) who are in the midst of their worst start since the 2000 season, i.e. before Brady. It would be ironic if the Jets get their first win against them, but don't expect it. The 0-8 start is the first time the Jets have started a season that bad since 1996. The Jets would win their ninth game of the year that season in Arizona. This is a little different this time around. 

In his postgame press conference with reporters, Head Coach Adam Gase said that he "does this to win. Not to get my faced stomped on." Ouch, well I guess that's a good way to put it. 

Guess 0-16 it is. 

By the way, the Jets also completed a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, sending lineback Avery Williamson and a 2022 seventh round pick to the Steelers for a 2022 fifth rounder.