by Jeff Moeller ,The New York Extra/TheNYExtra.com
Dec, 22, 2019
Oct. 3, 2021
Those were the last two times the Jets and the Giants won on the same day.
As you can see, it hasn’t happened much in the current state of New York football. (no one ever counts the Bills).
Their victories Sunday afternoon weren’t spectacular or notable. When your two teams’ win total combined is seven, there isn’t that much to get overly excited about. However, there still is joy in the tri-state.
More importantly, though, both the Jets and the Giants proved they still have some character and grit left. They haven’t totally packed it in. Still, you could envision both of them losing their leads in the fourth quarter, as they both teetered on the brink.
We were all ready for Houston’s Tyrod Taylor to throw the winning touchdown, and Philadelphia Jalen Hurts to lead his team to the winning drive. Ironically, they both had their shots in the final minute.
They didn’t and their scripts to success mirrored each other with backup rising to the occasion and their strengths playing to their favor.
Don’t make any plans to buy playoff tickets for either, but both the Jets and the Giants can make the final six weeks pretty interesting.
Zach Wilson looked rusty after a month off, yet he survived his share of hits –also having his helmet turned and ripped off on a roughing the passer call — and spirinted into the end zone for the Jets’ winning score.
The much-maligned Jets’ defense recorded five sacks and allowed just 202 yards in their bent-but-didn’t style.
Their running game accumulated a season-high 167 yards without stud rookie running rookie Michael Carter and unveiled practice squader Austin Walter for his second game. Walter responded with 38 yards and a timely touchdown.
You could see the relief on head coach Robert Saleh’s face after the game, as his team notched an important win on their belts. This was about putting some bricks in place toward the new foundation.
As for the Giants, the case was the same. They grinded out a tough win that was in doubt until the final 24 seconds. They reminded all of us that they do have a defense that can play in the upper half of the league when they execute.
The Giants’ defense did allow Philadelphia 208 yards rushing, but like the Jets, they didn;t break. Instead, they made timely plays with their three interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Their offense with new coordinator Freddie Kitchens was mainly conservative and vanilla, and they couldn’t find a way to break out Saquon Barkley, even though he had his best outing in three weeks. Daniel Jones was a pedestrian 19-for-30 for 202 with a touchdown to recently activated tight end Chris Myarick.
Enjoy the moment. Both teams showed they haven’t mailed in their seasons. Now, it is just a matter of maintaining their found resolve and playing consistently down the stretch for some more full, fun New York football afternoons ahead.