Got Away
Last night the New York Jets hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round of the playoffs. It would be the Jets first playoff game since 2002 when the Jets traveled to Oakland and lost. That would also mark Herm Edwards last game as the Jets coach after a bitter battle with the Organization's front office.
Coach Ed McGregor and the Jets were ready for the Steelers. The Jets are winners of 5 of their last 6. With the bye week the team got much needed rest, especially for Chad Pennington, whose knee is still not 100%.
The game started well for New York, they held Pittsburgh to a three and out, than signs to come would happen. After Pennington apparently hit Santana Moss for a big gain, deep in Pittsburgh territory, he fumbled the ball. Jason Gildon picked the ball up and returned it into Jets terriotory. Shortly after, Griese would hit Randle El for the score and the early 7-0 lead. On the ensuing drive Chad Pennington would be intercepted on the first play. However, the defense would make a big stand and force the Steelers to punt.
The Jets showed signs when they drove 92 yards on a 20 play drive, concluded by a 4-yard run by Curtis Martin, tying the score at 7 as the two teams went into halftime.
The Jets would take their first lead on a Doug Brien 37 yard field goal, but the Steelers would come right back when Griese hit Karl Williams from 25 yards out and a 14-10 lead. The Jets would get some more help from Doug Brien when he booted a 32 yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to pull within one.
That would be the end for the Jets. The offense could no longer move the ball, and the defense could not stop the Steelers as they gave up two late touchdowns.
For the game the Jets outgained the Steelers 360 to 232, however, the Steelers made far fewer mistakes as the Jets turned the ball over 3 times to zero for the Steelers.
"This is one that will sting for the winter, but this is playoff football, you cannot make that many mistakes in a football game and expect to win. I thought our defense played well today, our special teams did a nice job, however, when you turn it over you are in trouble." said McGregor.
The Jets have no choice but to begin planning for the 2005 season while Pittsburgh prepares themselves for the AFC Championship game.