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

Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver

(11) is unable to make a catch as New York Jets cornerback

(27) defends during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Hello again Jets’ fans. As we are getting ready for a Super Bowl right here in our backyard, let’s continue to look back at the 2013 season for our New York Jets. Specifically, we are counting down the top ten moments of the 2013 season. Yesterday, we took a look at the goal line stand against the Falcons in the number ten position.

Today, we move ahead with number nine.  What are we looking at?  We are looking at the development of a future New York Jets’ star.  Time for number nine, here we go….

THE JETS END THEIR HOME SCHEDULE WITH THE BROWNS:

The Jets went into week sixteen, ready to finalize their home season, with a game against Josh Gordon and the Cleveland Browns. We knew that the playoffs were out of consideration, but we still had the potential to get to 8-8, and hopefully save Rex Ryan’s job. Knowing the way the team feels about coach Ryan, we knew they were going to play hard.

And they did. The game was tied after one half, 10-10. In the fourth quarter, the Jets put the game away with a touchdown pass from Geno Smith to David Nelson, and a Geno Smith scramble for a touchdown. The Jets won the game by a final score of 24-13, running their record to 7-8.

Why is this game the number ninth moment? Because of the explosion by Dee Milliner. See, up until this battle, some of the fan base, and some of the “experts”, were beginning to use the word “bust”, and Dee Milliner in the same sentence. Well, that all changed during the Browns game.

He was matched up against phenom Josh Gordon. Although Josh did put up 97 yards, he did not get in the end zone. Furthermore, he finally “got it” during this performance. Dee posted his first interception as a pro, as well as knocking down five passes for the game. Being at the game, as I was, it seemed as if every other play, Dee Milliner’s name was being called by the public address announcer.

Milliner went on to have a fine game in week 17 against the Dolphins as well, setting up some nice momentum for him heading into 2014. How will he progress? One can only guess. But, if he makes the expected strides in 2014, we can look back at this game against the Browns as the day Dee found his way.

And that is why it receives the number nine spot.