New York Jets’ Top Ten Moments of 2013: Number One

Sep 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fans cheer against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets won 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

OK Jets fans, the time has come. For the last several days, we have one by one, revealed the top ten moments from the 2013 season for our team. Some have been games, while some have been individual moments within games.

Before we move on, let’s recap the list so far:

Number 10: The goal line stand against the Falcons on Monday Night Football.

Number 9: Dee Milliner figures it out against the Cleveland Browns.

Number 8: Geno Smith hits Santonio Holmes with a game-winner against the Bills.

Number 7: The Jets knock Miami out of the playoffs in week 17.

Number 6: The Jets pick off Drew Brees twice en route to an upset victory.

Number 5: Bilal Powell has a huge game against Buffalo.

Number 4: Nick Folk kicks the Jets to victory over the Pats at MetLife.

Number 3: Geno Smith and the Jets top Darrelle Revis opening weekend.

Number 2: The Jets play tough but fall short against the Pats in Foxboro.

OK, so we are down to the final moment.  What is it going to be?  Is it a game, or a moment within a game?  Is it offensive, or is it defensive?  What has he chosen?

Well, it was a moment of glory within a game, where a young player made a huge play, against a player that we all love to hate.  Turn the page, and you will see the one I am talking about.

Oct 20, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets free safety

(39) stops a pass to New England Patriots tight end

(87) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

ANTONIO ALLEN AND HIS PICK SIX OF TOM BRADY

To me, there was no other choice.

It was week seven. The Jets and the Patriots were in the midst of their annual battle at MetLife stadium. The Patriots were up 21-10 after one half, and received the kickoff to begin the second half.

Instead of keeping the momentum, Antonio Allen changes it for the better. He steps in front of a pass from Tom Brady, intended for Rob Gronkowski, picks it off and takes it 23 yards to the house, to close the gap to 21-17. The Jets went on to win the game 30-27 in overtime.

There are a couple of reasons this tops the list. For one, it was an example of how the Jets are improving at the safety position. We have been wondering a while about how the position was going to improve, about who was going to emerge. A play like this showed us the true potential of Antonio Allen.

Secondly, the timing in the game. Up eleven, the Patriots had the chance to put this game away. Had they driven the field and scored points, the Jets are likely too far behind to do anything, knowing how putrid our offense could be. Antonio Allen, on one play, took the momentum away, and brought the momentum back to his football team.

So there you have it, our top ten moments of 2013. What do you guys think of the list?