New York Jets – Close but Not Close Enough

By Ian James

As we approach Super Bowl XLIII, NFL betting fans wonder what happened to the Jets and Broadway Brett? They looked like they were on their way to the promise land mid-season, but slipped up when it mattered most losing 4 of their last 5 games, including an embarrassing 13-3 loss on the final Sunday of the regular season to the meager Seattle Seahawks. Their overall record of 9-7 put them 3rd in the AFC East division and on the outside looking in as the playoffs started. If there was any consolation, the Patriots finished at 11-5 and still didn’t make it but New York fans and media alike called for heads to roll. It was unacceptable for the once 8-3 Jets to miss the playoffs after revamping the squad in the 2008 off-season with major acquisitions. This end of season meltdown cost coach Eric Mangini his job, replaced by Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.

There was an awful lot of finger pointing inside the Jets organization and the future of aging quarterback Brett Favre is in doubt. He is, believe it or not, hinting at retirement. Stop me if you’ve heard this one. Brett needs time to reflect on his commitment and will decide in the summer whether or not he will return. The Jets finished with the conference’s third highest points per game just behind the Patriots and the Chargers. Brett Favre finished the season in a slump due to a shoulder injury that probably cost the Jets their shot at the playoffs. He had impressive stats but turnovers became a factor for Brett, possibly because he lost arm strength due to the injury. New York had a balanced attack, chewing up yards on the ground with Pro Bowl RB Thomas Jones. Guard Alan Faneca was also named a starter on the AFC Pro Bowl roster, with Favre and center Nick Mangold named as reserves on the AFC offensive roster.

The New York defense was also recognized with Pro Bowl starter Kris Jenkins and reserve Darelle Revis. Holding opponents to 94.9 yards per game rushing (seventh in the league), however they gave up 234.5 yards through the air, forth worst in the league. This turned into the 14th most points allowed in the NFL, and playing in the talent-loaded AFC East was more than this team could handle.

The Jets can look to Super Bowl XLIII QB Kurt Warner and the Cardinals (BetUS superbowl spread +6.5) as inspiration for next season. If the ageless wonder Warner can bring a perennial loser like the Cardinals all the way to the final game, then Brett Favre has a chance to lead the 2009 Jets all the way. Cardinals are playing great all-around, but mostly winning games scoring a lot of points. The BetUS over/under of 47 points is in danger of going over in Super Bowl XLIII. This is a down-right sexy Super Bowl, one you don’t want to miss. Check out the BetUS sportsbook for all your Super Bowl XLIII information.