Post by Lithfan on Jan 1, 2016 8:27:06 GMT -5
January 1, 2012
The Jets came into their final game of the 2011 season with an 8-7 record. 2 weeks earlier, they were 8-5 and seemed like a good bet to advance to the post-season for the 3rd straight year under Rex Ryan. Consecutive losses to the Eagles and Giants left them clinging to faint playoff hopes -- needing a win in their regular season finale in Miami along with losses by three other contenders to make it into the wildcard.
What took place during those three hours on New Year's Day was an embarrassing display of football -- especially for those Jet fans like myself who were sitting in the stands in Miami that day.
Mark Sanchez would complete 21 of 32 passes for 207 yards, but would also throw 3 costly interceptions, including two to Miami defensive lineman Randy Starks. The biggest offensive play of the day was a 41 yard pass completion thrown by Jeremy Kerley to Matthew Mulligan on a trick play. A 41-yard gain to set up the Jets first TD, a one-yard pass from Sanchez to Dustin Keller.
The Jets were clinging to a 10-6 lead in the 3rd quarter when the Dolphins took over at their own 6-yard line following a TJ Conley punt. The Dolphins put together a back-breaking 21 play 94 yard drive that took nearly 12:30 off the clock. The Dolphins were 6-6 on 3rd down on the drive that ended when Matt Moore hit Charles Clay for one yard and a TD with 10:35 left on the clock. The 21-play drive was the longest in Dolphin team history.
The Jets had plenty of time to come back, but Sanchez would throw picks on each of the Jets next two possessions, the 2nd coming at the Dolphins 10-yard line.
The Jets would go on to lose 19-17, but not after some drama on their final drive when Santonio Holmes was benched after arguing with a teammate in the huddle.
"It's tough for guys to follow a captain that kind of behaves in that manner," Ladainian Tomlinson said. "You've got to lead by example, and you've got to play your tail off until the last play."
As for Rex Ryan, who began the season with a Super Bowl guarantee (again). "I'm always going to chase the Super Bowl," Ryan said. "I know I get criticized for it beyond belief, but if you don't, then you're probably a loser, OK? I'm not a loser." 5 straight non-winning seasons might suggest otherwise.
For me, as a fan sitting in the stands in Miami, it was the first time that I began to question Rex as the Jets head coach. I was a big fan of Rex during those first two seasons, but that three game losing streak to end the 2011 season was a turning point for me. A no show against Philly in a 45-19 loss. The loss to the Giants thanks to a 99-yard Cruz TD catch and run and the embarrassing performance in Miami when Rex admitted after the game that he didn't realize Holmes had been benched.
As a footnote to that game, the Dolphins Interim Head Coach that afternoon was Todd Bowles and their leading receiver with 5 catches for 50 yards, Brandon Marshall.
The Jets came into their final game of the 2011 season with an 8-7 record. 2 weeks earlier, they were 8-5 and seemed like a good bet to advance to the post-season for the 3rd straight year under Rex Ryan. Consecutive losses to the Eagles and Giants left them clinging to faint playoff hopes -- needing a win in their regular season finale in Miami along with losses by three other contenders to make it into the wildcard.
What took place during those three hours on New Year's Day was an embarrassing display of football -- especially for those Jet fans like myself who were sitting in the stands in Miami that day.
Mark Sanchez would complete 21 of 32 passes for 207 yards, but would also throw 3 costly interceptions, including two to Miami defensive lineman Randy Starks. The biggest offensive play of the day was a 41 yard pass completion thrown by Jeremy Kerley to Matthew Mulligan on a trick play. A 41-yard gain to set up the Jets first TD, a one-yard pass from Sanchez to Dustin Keller.
The Jets were clinging to a 10-6 lead in the 3rd quarter when the Dolphins took over at their own 6-yard line following a TJ Conley punt. The Dolphins put together a back-breaking 21 play 94 yard drive that took nearly 12:30 off the clock. The Dolphins were 6-6 on 3rd down on the drive that ended when Matt Moore hit Charles Clay for one yard and a TD with 10:35 left on the clock. The 21-play drive was the longest in Dolphin team history.
The Jets had plenty of time to come back, but Sanchez would throw picks on each of the Jets next two possessions, the 2nd coming at the Dolphins 10-yard line.
The Jets would go on to lose 19-17, but not after some drama on their final drive when Santonio Holmes was benched after arguing with a teammate in the huddle.
"It's tough for guys to follow a captain that kind of behaves in that manner," Ladainian Tomlinson said. "You've got to lead by example, and you've got to play your tail off until the last play."
As for Rex Ryan, who began the season with a Super Bowl guarantee (again). "I'm always going to chase the Super Bowl," Ryan said. "I know I get criticized for it beyond belief, but if you don't, then you're probably a loser, OK? I'm not a loser." 5 straight non-winning seasons might suggest otherwise.
For me, as a fan sitting in the stands in Miami, it was the first time that I began to question Rex as the Jets head coach. I was a big fan of Rex during those first two seasons, but that three game losing streak to end the 2011 season was a turning point for me. A no show against Philly in a 45-19 loss. The loss to the Giants thanks to a 99-yard Cruz TD catch and run and the embarrassing performance in Miami when Rex admitted after the game that he didn't realize Holmes had been benched.
As a footnote to that game, the Dolphins Interim Head Coach that afternoon was Todd Bowles and their leading receiver with 5 catches for 50 yards, Brandon Marshall.
