Even for people who don't know football, the Jets' 20-17 overtime win in San Diego in an AFC Wild Card game Saturday night had a little bit of everything, particularly of the extracurricular variety.
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.
Also, earlier in the game, coach Herman Edwards and running backs assistant coach Bishop Harris had to be restrained from one another. At issue is believed to be the assistant's altering of the balance of the rushing load between NFL rushing champ Curtis Martin and solid (yet second-string) LaMont Jordan.
As if all of this wasn't enough, John Abraham sat out, despite having practiced earlier in the week as he returns from an injury. When asked (before he would make the decision), he gave an honest answer, admitting that it was primarily due to the fact that he doesn't want to risk injury prior to his upcoming free agency payday in the offseason. So Barton would not have been alone in NY sports villany/Buckner-dom.
Gothamist takes a bow for making a 24-21 prediction for a Jets win, and starts getting buckled in for Gang Green's visit to Pittsburgh fo an AFC Divisional Playoff game Saturday 4:30 p.m.
Photo by AP/Kevork Djansezian
