New York Jets: Superstitions and Conspiracy Theories?

Dec 16, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) during a game against the Washington Redskins at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Washington won 38-21. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t consider myself a superstitious person, but when it comes to football I can make a lot of comparisons when I need to. I have mentioned several times, the parallels between winning environments. I would never want to have Takeo Spikes as a linebacker on my football team, because if he is you never make the playoffs. I think if Tony Romo is your quarterback you can average 35 points per game on offense and still have a losing record at the end of the season, just because Tony Romo is your quarterback.

This Sunday I saw a wide receiver # 16 running the wildcat, and I knew. I mean I just knew that this was going to be a Jets season. Why do you ask? When was the last time you saw #16 making big plays for the Jets? None other than Brad Smith who wore #16 during the 2009 and 2010 seasons where he made big return after big return (One without a shoe), and also tore up the AFC East rivals with wildcat runs where he never passed the ball, but seemed to always make yards. Well Josh Cribbs, also #16, made big play after big play in his FIRST game as a Jet, and I see nowhere to go but up. His 14 yards per punt return, made 1st down on the Jets 35 with a Kerley fair catch, turn into 1st and 10 on the midfield line with the offense just having to get 15 yards to be in field goal range.

For comparison, Kerley in the previous six games had 12 returns and five fair catches. Basically, almost two punt returns for each fair catch. What did Josh Cribbs do on Sunday? He had three big returns that, to me, put this game in the Jets favor, and only one fair catch. If he can keep this average up of three returns, per one fair catch, you can see Jets’ drives starting at midfield far more frequently and Jeremy Kerley will benefit as he hauled in eight catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown on Sunday. Things will only get better with time. Geno Smith and Nick Folk get the applause, but Josh Cribbs was the unsung hero getting them started in great field position three times by himself, while also contributing a 1st down rushing.

The last thing I want to mention is the conspiracy theory. Is it possible that the Jets welcomed the four game ban of Kellen Winslow Jr.? I’m not saying they turned him in to the league and said drug test this guy while spiking his Gatorade bottle with Ephedra. I just mean, is it possible that the front office were giving each other low fives in the back room after he got a four game suspension for PED use? Just think about it. His knees, and even hamstring were becoming an issue on a game by game basis. He was starting to miss time. All of a sudden he gets hit with a four game ban, and the Jets have utilized Jeff Cumberland more, and by the time Winslow gets back he can be the 2nd tight end, as opposed to the guy expected to make the plays. The Jets can save his knees, and he can last throughout the season by continuing to play Cumberland, and just using Winslow on 3rd downs and in the red zone where he has shined. Seems like a convenient win-win for me. I’m just throwing it out there.