Reality Check or a Good Sign?

The Jets' 24-17 loss to the Patriots at home included a comeback that fell short. The question that should be asked is which half should carry more weight? The first half, when the Patriots pushed the Jets around, and looked well on the way to an easy victory? Or the second half, when the Jets took advantage of sloppy Patriots defense and showed the capability to make a big play?

Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles each made a spectacular play, and Mike Nugent made a 42-yard field goal as the Jets scored 17 unanswered points after falling behind 24-0. After Nugent's shaky Week 1 performance, the kick is a bright spot. Cotchery has made big plays in both weeks. His catch shouldn't have ended up in a touchdown, but he was hit so hard that he spun around without being down by contact, and he alertly scampered to a touchdown. Without some sloppy Pats defense, this game wouldn't have been close. But without the Jets' fight, the same thing could be said, and the Jets can be pleased with that.