[mmarra82]

Hempstead, NY - The New York Jets played their best defensive game, statistically, under third year coach Ed McGregor yesterday, as the Jets defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 17-3.

Atlanta, expecting to improve dramatically from last year's 5-10-1 performance, a year in which Michael Vick was suspended for the season for off field conduct, began the year 1-0, with a victory over the Saints that saw them score 30 points. The Jets are looking towards taking that next step, however, the season did not get off to that type of start, as Miami, without Jay Fiedler, came with in inches of defeating the Jets as Dolphins place kicker, Olindo Mare sailed a 38 yarder wide left with nine seconds left to give the Jets the 27-26 victory.

New Defensive Coordinator, Ernest Shields, who came over from Tampa Bay was visibly frustrated on the sidelines during the Miami game at how the team was responding to his calls, however, the team seemed to be responding to Shields this week as the Jets held the Falcons to just 184 yards in total offense. After just two weeks the defesne is ranked 5th against the run, and 1st against the pass. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though, this was against two teams that were playing with a backup quarterback and a rusty quarterback.

Offensively the Jets still are struggling to run the ball. One of the goals of the offseason was to improve the defense and the running game, McGregor was not expecting to lead the league in rushing, however, he does expect the team to control the tempo of the games through the run, and be able to make key short yardage runs to sustain drive, both have not been evident in the first two games as the Jets have thrown the ball more than anyone else, 91 times.

The Jets will get a true test of their defense this week as the surprising 2-0 Titans come to New York. The Titans who were in terrible cap shape have once again appeared to find their way out and put a good product on the field. Steve McNair is hot, a quarterback rating of 120.1, and first round pick, running back Leon Washington, which everyone scoffed at when the Titans made the pick, has 210 yards rushing. Receivers Mason and Lloyd have combined for 29 receptions as the Titans 3rd ranked passing game, and 14th ranked rushing game look forward to their meeting. McNair stated, "Last season in the playoffs we thought we would be playing the Jets, however, they did not get by Pittsburgh. We look forward to the challenge this season."