It was an overall exciting week two in the National Football League, but it was rather anti-climactic for Jets and Giants fans, as both teams failed to produce in big games.
The New York Jets entered week two coming off of a game-winning field goal against Tampa Bay and then flew to New England to face the Patriots.
The Jets' offense missed many opportunities to score against the Patriots Thursday night in a defensive battle and lost 13-10, making the Jets 1-1 in the season.
The big question for the Jets these past couple of months has been their starting quarterback position.
Rookie Geno Smith and fifth year quarterback Mark Sanchez were competing for the starting job until the third game of the preseason against the Giants, when Sanchez was injured late in the fourth quarter.
Questions now swarm Gang Green because it was reported on Sept. 11 that Sanchez suffered a labral tear in his throwing shoulder during the preseason. He has since been put on the short term injured reserve, but says he expects to return at some point this season, making the quarterback position a week-to-week decision.
Fans on campus say that the Jets will likely have an average season.
"I believe they are setting themselves up more for next year, giving Geno Smith and new defensive members experience," said John Farella. "I don't expect much from this year though."
As for the Giants, Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos was the third time brothers Eli and Peyton Manning met in a head to head quarterback showdown in the NFL. The game started off close, but the Broncos ran up the scoreboard in the second half for a final score of 41-23.
The primary issue for the Giants is a high number of turnovers early in the season. They opened up week one by turning the ball over six times at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
On Sunday afternoon, Eli threw four interceptions as the Giants' offense failed to keep up with Denver's. Breakdowns on special teams allowed Trindon Holliday to return a punt against the Giants 81 yards for a touchdown.
After starting the season 0-2, the Giants need to fix things quickly. Fortunately, each team in the NFC East lost during week two, keeping the division race close early in the season.
Multiple Giants fans said they are not too worried about their rough start.
"The Giants are known for what they do in January and February, not September," Andrew Caetano said.
On the other hand, fans like Pete Kellner have said that this year will consist of a lot of defeat.
"I can't really see Big Blue getting more than 8 wins this season," Kellner said. "The turnovers are killing us, and we can't seem to fix the problem."
Looking forward to week three, both New York teams will look to bounce back from tough losses and find a solution to their big questions.
The Giants will visit the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday to face the Carolina Panthers. Both teams are 0-2 to start the season.
Also on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills will come to MetLife Stadium to play the Jets. With both teams starting at 1-1, each will be looking for a big win to try to climb the AFC East standings.
cmay2@ramapo.edu
