Yeah, that’s where our views differed. I think I am just more risk-averse than you. I would worry about a deal like that no matter how amazing I thought the QB would be (in Ryan’s case I wasn’t as confident as you, but I did expect him to be good – perhaps not this fast though) just because an injury or some other non-football act could leave you stuck for years. In fact, that could even happen this weekend and the Falcons would be in trouble.

The “Clemens sucks” guy was you, anyway!

I agree about the rookie cap, AW.

As you know, Ryan’s contract was a function of his draft position, not a referendum on his potential. He would have gotten that money regardless of his position, although QBs get a premium.

With the CBA expired after next season, most owners will opt for a rookie cap, like in basketball. LeBron had to accept it for the first few years. The shoe comanies reward sensational rookies anyhow. The idea that Gholston, or any unproven rookie, can learn on-the-job and cash million dollar checks is absurd. That money should go to guys who have proven their mettle time and again in the NFL.

Bent, the money that Ryan ultimately received as an untested rookie QB was ridiculous. But, it’s worth it for a franchise QB. And, I think that’s where we parted ways. I thought Ryan was the best QB prospect since Carson Palmer and on a par with Big Ben. I think most folks on this blog questioned my sanity (among other less savory things) for saying that. As it turned out, the Falcons were hell-bent on drafting Ryan, so the Jets would’ve had to offer the farm to the Rams for the second pick. But, like I said at the time, sooner or later, the fact that the Jets had the opportunity to draft a top QB prospect and did not (from 2006-2008) might catch up to them. Obviously, trading for no. 4 and allowing KC and Ratliff to battle it out might work out in the end, but it didn’t look that way, to me at least, before this year’s draft, when the Hobson’s (and I don’t mean Victor) choice was between Chad and KC.

It’s hard to see your points when they’re presented in such a puerile and disparaging package. You’re welcome to your opinion about Favre but the way you express it, which I assume you mean to be funny, is anything but. It just makes you look infantile and stupid. Writing isn’t like talking. Say what you want to your friends but in a public forum show some recognition that the audience represents opposing points of view.

Favre wasn’t included in my rant because I didn’t think he did that much to lose the game. That’s debatable. But, whether you like it or not, the Jets offense, over the past three weeks going into the Denver game, has been virtually unstoppable and much of that has been due to the balance provided by the short passing of Brett Favre. If you think just any quarterback could make the throws he’s been making with 70% accuracy catching receiver after receiver in perfect stride and avoding coverage, you don’t know anything about football. And, a lot of those completions have come on plays where his ability to slip in the pocket has bought enough time for receivers to get open.

He’s brought a winning attitude and a sense of fun that this team needed with a coach who can be way too buttoned up and dry. If you’re a Jet fan you know that last year was pretty difficult for the players. There were evident signs of strain. Mangini, like Belichick, does not instill love or friendship or even a sense of play in his players. He is respected, but most agree he is not easy to play for. He has to win to be admired and that, he does with a businesslike efficiency that can wear in adversity. Favre makes playing fun. Don’t underestimate that.

As for their results being due to luck, your evidence is that if we deduct defense and special teams’ play there’s nothing left but luck. Nonsense. Who engineered those five minute-and-longer drives we’ve become accustomed to? But, while I’m on the subject, whose success isn’t due to luck? Coughlin picks a little known assistant to be his DC and he strikes gold and wins a Super Bowl. He picked Spagnuolo’s predecessor Tim Lewis also and fired him in less than two years.

Every season has its share of pluses and minuses. there’s a reason ‘it all evens out’ is a cliche.

Has Favre completed a deep ball since week 1 to Cotchery who was WIDE OPEN and underthrown. I can’t recall one good deep ball. They are all underthrown to guys who are not open. So, it is not only a bad decision, but also a bad throw.

Re: This being the game where everything goes wrong.

The previous eleven games were games where everything went right. The Hail Mary in Miami. Escaping KC. NE sleepwalking for a half, the Jets getting a sweet penalty call at the end, and then winning the toss. I would also add Leon running kicks back for TDs as semi luck. Yes, there is skill involved there, but you can’t count on that happening. One could make the argument that TEN had the game when everything goes wrong against the Jets last week. Their receivers didnt catch a thing.

The Jets were lucky to be 8-3. At best, they will win one playoff game. Better not rain on Brett or we are toast.

Take away outstanding D (good D still would have lost the DEN game), kick returns for TDs, fortuitous penalties, and other assorted breaks (NE snapping a ball over the QBs head for a 20 yard loss) and it is apparent how lucky the Jets have been.

http://www.brettfavreblows.blogspot.com

Sean – I know anyone can be successful in Denver, my point was that some were moaning that some scrub tore us up when I actually feel like Hillis is a talented player.

Sack – Ryan has been great, but I never said he wouldn’t be. I just didn’t want them to draft him because of the financial risk (and didn’t want them to trade for Favre for the same reason, but hopefully that risk will pay off). It’s amazing how good a QB can be when they have a decent OL. *cough* Chad *cough*

Elam can not handle a wide receiver by himself and he had a bad game but he wasn’t the only one. He’s always been a better run guy than a pass guy. Some might ask what is he doing out in single coverage on that blitz? Only Sutton can answer that.

Every team has weaknesses. We had a bad matchup that came at a bad time and we played badly. So did New England and it probably knocked them out of the playoffs. We’re still in first place. Let’s not get out of proportion and personal attacks do not belong on this site.

Oh and Cutler has a long way to go before you can say how great he is over Collins. Collins was in an NFC Championship game in his 2nd year. Cutler wouldn’t even be on his way to the playoffs this year if it weren’t for Norv Turner and a host of late San Diego losses. Their strength was our weakness.

Kerry Collins is no Jay Cutler and the not one of the Titan’s receivers could start on Denver.

We simply cannot stop high powered offenses and Sutton has to shoulder the blame. Pittsburgh’s corners arent great but their ability to pressure the QB with an aggressive style allows them to pummel the pats.