From a negative standpoint, yes, Mangini pulled back the reins too early on Thursday night, the Jet staff was “out-adjusted” by the Pats after halftime, and the defense was a tad soft on the regulation-ending job. But what about giving the Jets coaches some props for all their positive work? They clearly won the game-planning battle against “Genius” Belichick,” generally kept Moss and Welker under wraps, shut down the running game, and “re-adjusted” to move the ball more or less at will on their last two drives. Fine, Cassel had a big night throwing to Gaffney and the TEs. But you can’t cover everyone – it just doesn’t work that way – and it seems that the staff deserves credit for having forced the Pats to compete by using their lesser weapons.

Along the same lines, the Patriots were decimated by injuries, and were set up for a fall. Then again, they’re a proud, well-coached, desperate team, and it’s always tough to knock out the champ, especially on their own turf.

Bottom line, there were negatives about the game, no doubt about it. But only a “Same Ol’ Jets Fan” could focus on those negatives while disregarding the numerous positive results of the game – most importantly that the Jets beat their bitter rivals on the road and are in first place in the division with six games left.

I am really happy about many things that the Jets have going. They are coming together as a team. Except for Gholston, who remains a work in progress — I think Tangini did a great job with the new pick-ups. They have stepped in, exactly as planned. Favre is a pleasure to watch. Kris Jenkins is a monster. I love being in first place.

BUT, the Offensive and Defensive Coordinators have been poor. Play-calling is hurting us on both sides of the ball. We could be so much better if Shott and Sutton had a clue.

That being said — We beat NE, we are in first, and we are going to beat Tennessee in a hard fought win, next Sunday.

You see, you can be critical and love the Jets at the same time!