By Lenn Robbins
The worst place to go for an NFL game is MetLife Stadium.
The two teams that call this steel and concrete monstrosity home have a combined record of 4-15. Amazingly, they played a somewhat entertaining game Sunday with the Jets beating the Giants 34-27.
The Jets share the bottom of the AFC East with a 2-7 mark. The 2-8 Giants have a one-half game lead over the truly pathetic Washington Redskins for last place in the NFC East.
Apparently, the Jets offense is quite competent, as long as its playing against the Giants defense. Gang Green averaged 223.5 yards (dead last in football) and 11 points (tied for last) going into the game. They racked up 294 yards and 34 points against the Giants.
And the Giants offense is competent when playing against the Jets defense. Big Blue averaged 326.8 yards and 19.6 points going into the game. They racked up 287 yards and 27 points against the Jets.
Yep, it was that bad.
The sobering questioning is this: If you were to draft a team of Jets and Giants, would it be good enough to make the playoffs. Remember, the NFL rewards mediocrity, so we’re not counting on 10-6, 8-8 gets you in, 7-9 might.
So, we put together our All-NY NFL team. Perhaps you should sit.
QB: Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones – They each get a half. Cop out, I know: Still evaluating. Might be the case for the next five years. Ouch.
RB – Saquon Barkley, Giants – despite yesterday’s performance, second best all-around back in football (Christian McCaffrey).
RB – Le’Veon Bell, Jets – despite this season, once one of the best all-around backs in football.
TE – Evan Engram – Legit. Would start on most teams.
OT – Kelvin Beachum, Jets – consummate pro.
OG – Brian Winters, Jets – had the temerity to get in Darnold’s face after last week’s botched snap count.
C – Jon Halapio, Giants – did not have to be lured out of retirement, like Jets center.
OG – Will Hernandez, Giants – emerged as a nasty, borderline dirty player last week. We like it.
OT – Mike Remmers, Giants – see Beachum.
WR – Sterling Shepherd, Giants – Should not play again this season, if ever. No joke.
WR – Jamison Crowder, Jets – Solid slot receiver.
PK – Aldrick Rosas – He started the season on the roster, unlike the Jets, who didn’t have an NFL-caliber kicker on its roster.
DEFENSE
DT – Kyle Phillips, Jets – Each team gets one player with potential
DL – Quinnen Williams, Jets – Slow start, coming on.
DT – Dalvin Tomlinson, Giants – Each team gets one player with potential.
DL – Dexter Lawrence, Giants – Looking like a terrific pick at No. 17.
OLB – Markus Golden, Giants – A delightful surprise. Serious.
ILB – Alec Ogletree, Giants – A little on reputation.
ILB – CJ Mosley, Jets – Amazing one-game season.
OLB – Jordan Jenkins, Jets – Out of options here.
CB – Janoris Jenkins, Giants – Depends of which Jackrabbit shows up.
CB – Darryl Roberts, Jets/DeAndre Baker, Giants – Each gets one half to avoid third-degree burns.
SS – Jamal Adams, Jets – He’s the best, just ask him.
FS – Marcus Maye, Jets – He’s very good, but not as good as Adams. Just ask Adams.
P – Uh, who cares?
Coach – To Be Determined, Jets, Adam Gase/Giants, Pat Shurmur – If they’re both back for 2021 season, season ticket holders deserve refunds. Wait, did I say 2021? Meant 2020. Sorry for the panic attack.
Does this team make the playoffs? Feel free to write.