SEATTLE – A month ago, it looked as if the Jets were going to coast into the playoffs. Instead, they’ve made it interesting, losing two of their last three games.
Still, all the 9-5 Jets have to do is win their final two games to capture the AFC East crown. That begins today against a dreadful 3-11 Seahawks team, which will be playing with emotion in Mike Holmgren’s last home game as coach.
Get past this one and the Chad Bowl awaits. We’ll see if the momentum of last week’s miracle win over Buffalo carries over.
“We control our own destiny, that’s the good part about it,” cornerback Ty Law said. “But at the same time, if we get too lax or we lose a game, we could be sitting at home with everybody else. There’s a sense of urgency. . . . Right now, it’s ours for the taking, and if we take advantage of the preparation that we do the next couple of games, we’ll be in the playoffs and give New York what they want.”
A look inside the game:
BEST BATTLE
Seahawks QB Seneca Wallace vs. Jets pass rushers: The Jets pass rush has been missing in action for more than a month. The Jets face another backup quarterback this week in Wallace, who took over for an injured Matt Hasselbeck (back).
Wallace has been great in his last two starts, compiling a 110.4 passer rating with three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Jets need to get in his face and knock him down a few times. They have to be careful, though. Wallace is mobile, something that’s given the Jets trouble.
J.P. Losman had all day to throw last week. Maybe Eric Mangini and Bob Sutton could dial up a blitz today?
PAGING MR. FAVRE
The legendary Brett Favre was questioned this week after his third consecutive subpar game. He has thrown just one touchdown and four interceptions over that span.
Favre swears he feels fine. He should show it today. The Seahawks are the worst team in the NFL at defending the pass, allowing 260.9 yards per game. This is Favre’s time of year. He is 26-6 in the final two games of the season.
OH, BROTHER
The Jets’ and Seahawks’ leading rushers both grew up in the same Virginia home. Brothers Thomas and Julius Jones face off for the third time in the NFL (Julius prevailed in the first two). Thomas is having a monster season and was elected to the Pro Bowl this week. Julius has 692 yards and has lost the starting spot to Maurice Morris.
“Every time I get to play against him, it’s like a dream come true,” Thomas said. “We dreamed of being running backs in the NFL as kids. We have a chance to play against each other. It’s very unique. We’re very thankful and very grateful.”
NOT THE BEST IN WEST
Now for the story line Mangini is the most tired of talking about – the Jets are 0-3 on the West Coast this season. The head coach loves to research every variable that can affect his team, but this is one he can’t figure out.
Mangini tweaked the routine this week, having practice later on Thursday and Friday so players could sleep in and prepare for the time change. He also wanted to fly out yesterday instead of Friday like the Jets had for the prior trips, but Delta Airlines could not switch the charter.
“Starting fast is going to be the biggest thing,” linebacker Calvin Pace said. “I think when we go on the West Coast, for whatever reason, we come out kind of flat. This one, we’ve got come out with some energy and make plays.”
FOE FACT
Qwest Field will be rocking today as Seattle fans say goodbye to Holmgren. The stadium has a reputation as one of the loudest in the NFL and has caused penalty nightmares for opposing teams (see Giants’ 11 false starts in 2005). The Seahawks are 35-13 there since Week 16 of the 2002 season – only the Patriots and Colts have been better at home.