Results tagged “ericbarton”

When the NFL first released its 2005 schedule, someone somewhere was happy at the prospect of seeing the defending champion New England Patriots have to play the upstart Jets twice in the season's final month - both Sunday in Foxboro, Mass. (4:15, TV: WCBS - 2, Radio: 1050 AM ESPN), and in a Dec. 26 Monday night matchup in East Rutherford.

You know its been a tough season when Jets fans look back so fondly to last season's cardiac-inducing AFC Divisional playoff victory over the San Diego Chargers. Remember linebacker Eric Barton's penalty, which could have been the costliest in franchise history? Anyhow, with things looking down but not yet out for the Jets (2-5), a date with a San Diego (4-4) team that looks like last year was no fluke does not seem like an ideal situation, even after a bye week.

The turnover parade was not the worst part of the game for the Jets as they continued to add players to the injured list. Testaverde left the game after catching his toe in the turf, linebacker Eric Barton tore his triceps and is out for the season, and wide receiver Laveranues Coles is having his elbow checked out. Good thing the Jets have the two weeks off, because Gothamist isn't sure if we want to watch them play next week anyway.

First, the Jets played well enough to win. Then, at the latest and worse possible moment, a single player's costly mistake (Eric Barton's personal foul on Drew Brees after an incomplete pass that otherwise would have effectively ended the game) singlehandedly allowed the Chargers to tie the game and force overtime. Had San Diego rookie Nate Kaeding's 40-yard field goal attempt in overtime been good, Barton would be seen as a 'Bill Buckner' of football - in New York, no less. Anyhow, Barton ultimately would be off the hook (another similar story), after Doug Brien converted on a 28-yard attempt in the extra period.