Marty, a member of the New York Sack Exchange in the Eighties, is in his seventh season as the Jets' radio analyst.
File Under: Darrelle Revis, Chansi Stuckey, Bryan Thomas, Leon Washington, Ben Graham, Cody Spencer, Matt Cassel, chemistry, Brett Favre
10/09 — Players and coaches look at the long NFL season (17 weeks) as a game of four quarters, with the magical number of 10 wins coming from within that time to make it to the playoffs. Remember, sometimes 10 is not enough. With the Jets going 2-2 in the first quarter, it's time to make a move in quarter No. 2, going at least 3-1, maybe even 4-0. They can do it.
Recapping the first quarter is easy. Everyone thought the first game against Miami was going to be a sure win for the Jets, but Chad Pennington took the Jets down to the final seconds before the team could put their first victory of the '08 season in the bag and head back to New York.
Brett Favre was still learning the offense, and Chansi Stuckey came up big. Defensively they controlled the game from the start, making completions hard to find for Chad. Take the victory, learn for your mistakes, and get ready for your home opener against New England.
The Patriots came in with an unknown quarterback in Matt Cassel. While victory was in reach, three tries from inside the 5-yard line and a great goal line stand by New England proved devastating. Still something was missing from the team, and you can't find it in the playbook. What is it? It will soon surface.
Monday night in San Diego, with the Chargers leading 17-14 early in the second quarter, the Jets tried an onside kick that they didn't recover. The score soon turned into a 31-14 halftime lead for the Chargers. The game was filled with mistakes and turnovers, two things the Jets could not overcome. Still something was missing from the team. What is it?
Arizona in Week 4. Brett Favre came out and challenged his team to believe that they could win. The first half was the best football I've witnessed in the last 30 years of Jets football. Everything fell into place: the offense with 56 points, the defense with seven turnovers, and special teams creating field position for the first time all season.
This team was starting to develop CHEMISTRY. You need chemistry to win in the NFL. Chemistry was missing in the first three games, even though they were able to beat the Dolphins. Something special is starting to come to the surface, something they will need in the next 12 weeks to win ... chemistry.
My first-quarter MVPs are offensively, Brett Favre and Chansi Stuckey, defensively, Bryan Thomas and Darrelle Revis, and special teams, Leon Washington and Cody Spencer.
Biggest disappointment — Lack of field position created by Ben Graham.
Both 3-1 and 4-0 are within reach in the second quarter of the NFL season. The Jets have to believe in themselves and the system — and most of all, keep the chemistry going. Talk to you after the Buffalo game.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (19)Row Said:
Thu, October 9, 2008 - 6:51pm EDT"Could you personally teach Vernon the gap he's can't seem to fill between college and the pro's? I know you were a DT, but this rookie needs some help. Wander what it's like to have 45 sacks..."
Andrew in Tucson Said:
Thu, October 9, 2008 - 8:12pm EDT"Drew if you weren't upset at the pats and chargers game I have a hard time believing you are a die hard fan. You do make some good points though. I was one of those fans super mad (there is no way on this earth that we should have lost to the pats) at the team.Thank god there are sane fans out there to counter act the insane. It ripped my guts out when we lost to the pats it should have done the.."
Andrew in Tucson Said:
Thu, October 9, 2008 - 8:19pm EDT"it should have done the same to any breathing Jets fan. When they lose games like that it takes me right back to 1-15. I am glad that we are finally going to turn the corner. The last 4 years have been painful almost turning with herm 10-6 divisionals, 4-12 no playoffs, mangini 10-6 wild card, 4-12 no playoffs. Some of us just try to keep things in reality don't knock us for our style. GO JETS!"
Ira Said:
Thu, October 9, 2008 - 8:41pm EDT"Marty, Nice comments and i agree with you about the chemistry. That 1st half vs the Cards is a toss up to me compaired to the Packers game in 06 were they were up 31-0 and scored on their 1st 5 possesions. Once they get this Bengals game they will set themselves up nicely to get to 3-1 or hopefully 4-0 in this 2nd quarter of the season. My prediction is they 4-0 and the will win the AFC East."
mike ex jet fan Said:
Thu, October 9, 2008 - 9:08pm EDT" Andrews in tucson .. U see what us long time true fans are feeling .. & your right drew does make some good points when he's not blowing his horn ...wonder if he will admit he's wrong if they falter again .. I will admit I'm wrong if we make the playoffs Cause like u I am tried of watching this team disappoint us fans every year"
Drew Said:
Thu, October 9, 2008 - 9:51pm EDT"Andrew in Tuscon...I was just as angry during those games as any Jet fan. My point is I went into those games thinking we "could" win (especially the Pats game) but understood that this team needed time to build a little chemistry. I said (like many) that I would take 2-2 at the Bye and hope for a run. I did not change my opinion because Brady got hurt. "
Drew Said:
Thu, October 9, 2008 - 10:00pm EDT"Funny thing is I usually come to the site angry after a loss but some guys are so over the top with negativity I see things differently. When I see "FIRE MANGINI" after a loss it blows my mind. I think Tangini has done a pretty good job up to now. People forget how bad we were in 2005 and how bad our cap and future were then. I dont .....even after a really tough loss. "
jet80 Said:
Thu, October 9, 2008 - 10:29pm EDT"I believe this theam is only going to get better with each game just like theve shown.thats if not only the players do their part but coachin needs needs to do theirs and then some.i am also really happy for Chad and his new team we all should show Chad the support that 40 YR packer fans are showing their old qb and even becoming jet fans.as long as we beat the phins go Chad"
uncle joe Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 6:41am EDT"Every team has some type of identity.We never have that,where an opposing team has something to say about us.But now,we're a team capable of scoring from anywhere on the field at any time,and a Defense that comes at your QB from all over the field.We have the best up the middle package of Jenkins,Harris and Rhodes in football.And once the running game gets going with Chatman and Leon ,LIGHTS OUT!"
Dunnie Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 8:14am EDT"TJ has a huge game this week. Watch. I have a question for you guys. Can someone explain the launching rule. I read this on NFL.com "he left his feet and he planted his helmet into Boldin" How do you defend a leaping reciever without leaving your feet ???"
Ira Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 8:49am EDT"Drew, Come on now. 05 was a horrible year because they lost their #1 and #2 QB's in a matter of a few plays vs the Jags and went with Vinny and Brooks for the rest of the year. People forget that 4 games before that Jags game they were 1 FG away from going to the AFC Championship Game."
Frank Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 9:54am EDT"Ira glad to see that you finally feel the need to correct Drew's revisionist history. You forgot to add our Mawai, Curtis and Ellis to the list and a few others we were decimated with injuries. We should have gone the distance in 2004. "
Jets fan in NC Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 10:01am EDT"The magic is happening all around -- this team is about to explode! The offense is meshing, the defense is getting tough! All my lofe I have been a Packer fan and now I am also a Jets fan--watch the magic as Favre uses that cannon of an arm to zero in on all his weapons at offense! HAPPT BIRTHDAY BRETT!! We love you and GO JETS GO!!!"
Moshe Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 2:56pm EDT"This week will be a sign to what the rest of the season will be like. If the offense performs, and the defense gives up less the 21 points, it shows you that the team is starting to get it going. If they have a so-so game, that is not a good sign."
Moshe Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 2:59pm EDT"If they do win, and win solidly, then I have hope for 4-0. In fact, they could probably go 6-0 until they face Tennesee. If they don't win, or if they play lousy and manage to eak out a win, I'm quite worried about the Buffalo game."
Drew Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 3:59pm EDT"The 05 team was completely out of shape thanks to Herm. Which had a lot to do with our injuries. The cap was a mess and Bradway/Herm were to blame. They threw their eggs in the 2005 basket and failed....C Mart was having a poor 05 then got hurt and was at the end of the rope anyway Frank. 2004 was great guys but we started at 0-0in 2005. You dont get credit for the year before. Just ask Mangini!!!"
Frank Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 4:52pm EDT"Drew what is your point? Even Ira doesn't agree with your analysis...so be a good boy and stop defending the indefensible. The injuries dude it was the injuries."
Drew Said:
Fri, October 10, 2008 - 7:19pm EDT"My point bud was... I defend Tangini bacause of the over the top negativity they receive from some you guys. I used 2005 as an example of what a nice job MrT did to get this team back under the cap and help Mangini make the playoffs. "
Randy's RSS
The fastest way to get Randy's articles. Subscribe now.
Marty's Posts


Drew Said:
Thu, October 9, 2008 - 6:19pm EDT"Every disgruntled Jet fan (you know who you are) should read this story by our own M Lyons and realize once this team gets rolling we are going to be scary. This is not a new thoery by Mr. Lyons...it's what every intelligent Jet fan thought would happen.....2-2 at the Bye and then make a serious move. I know I serve the Green Kool-Aid but get ready to jump on bandwagon guys. "
Offensive Comment?