Real or Fake

The Jets started this season with a last second victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  But since that victory it has been win one, lose one.  They lost to the Patriots in a game the Jets still think they won.  Triumphed over the Bills in Geno Smith’s break out game, but then laid an egg against the Titans.   They came back, twice, to beat the Falcons in a nationally televised game only to bring their swagger back home to be humiliated by the then winless Steelers. 

Be that as it may, last week the Jets showed they should be considered contenders by making the most of a second opportunity against the perennial AFC East Champion Patriots.  In that game the Jets had coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and the entire New England organization completely flummoxed.  They fought back from a half time deficit and won the game on a field goal in overtime while establishing their defense as one of the league’s most fierce. 

This week the Jets head into Cincinnati to face another division leader in the Bengals.  The Bengals have also had their ups and downs this season beating some of the top teams in the league such as the Patriots, Packers and Lions.  But they also have recorded loses against the Bears and Browns.  Their often criticized quarterback, Andy Dalton, is having his best season, passing for over 300 yards in two straight games.  His dink and dunk style could pose a problem for the Jets defense who have had a problem defending the short pass.

A victory this week against a division leader, in their own building would be a good indicator that the Jets are ready to move into the upper echelon of the NFL.  It’s time for the Jets to step up and show their fans that they are a real contender and not just a pretender…