Thank You Very Much, Please May I Have Another!

On Sunday September 9^th the New York Jets opened their 2012 NFL Season hosting the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands, New Jersey.  It was a pleasant day which began with the celebration of Curtis Martin’s induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.  New York continued the celebration throughout the entire game.

The Jets received the opening kickoff. Mark Sanchez, after completing two first down attempts, flip the ball to Jeff Cumberland on a broken play and it was intercepted by the Bill’s Bryan Scott.  Buffalo made three first downs before Ryan Fitzpatrick was intercepted by Cornerback Darrelle Revis. A few plays later, Mark Sanchez hit Wide Receiver Jeremy Kerley for a 12 yard touchdown; scoring on the buffalo turnover.  Nick Folk was true on the extra point. 

Fitzpatrick responded to New York by tossing another interception at the end of the first quarter to Kyle Wilson. After one quarter of play, the score was Bills 0, Jets 7.Mark Sanchez started the second quarter by throwing a 33 yard touchdown strike to former Georgia-Tech Wide Receiver, and second round draft pick, Stephen Hill.  Once again, Nick Folk was true.  It was three and out for Buffalo.  Brian Moorman's 44 yard punt to the Jets Jeremy Kerley was returned for a touchdown.  Folk was true.  All of a sudden the Jets were up 21 points.  

The Bills Runningback CJ Spiller answered the call for Buffalo a few plays later; ripping off 56 yards for a touchdown.  Spiller out ran the entire Jets secondary.  Rian Lindell added the extra point, making the score Bills 7 and Jets 21.  Buffalo was finally on the scoreboard.

Mark Sanchez led the Jets down the field to the Buffalo 7 yard line; but he was unable to score in the red zone.  Folk nailed a 25 yarder improving the Jets score to 24. On the first play from scrimmage Fitzpatrick hit Spiller on a 30 yard gainer, but on the tackle he fumbled and the ball was recovered by New York’s Yeremiah Bell.  Folk was good from 39 yards out and converted the turnover into three points. 

The start of the third quarter began with more turnovers for Buffalo.  Fitzpatrick attempted to connect with David Nelson, but was intercepted by Antonio Cromartie; who ran it back 40 yards for another Jets touchdown. Folk was true, making the score Bills 7 and Jets 34.  Buffalo responded with three and out.  

Sanchez quickly led New York down the field, with the help of Shonn Greene and Stephen Hill, to another touchdown; throwing a strike to Hill.  Folk was good on the extra point, making the score Bills 7 Jets 41. 

At the nine minute mark, Bills Head Coach Chan Gailey began to stomp down the sidelines demanding that his team get their act together.  Fitzpatrick responded, leading his team down the field.  Spiller broke lose scampering for 49 yards to the New York two.  A few plays later, Fitzpatrick hit Scott Chandler for a touchdown.  Lindell added the extra point; increasing Buffalo to 14 points. 

New York began the fourth quarter with a 10 yard penalty; courtesy of Nick Mangold.  The Jets Robert Malone nailed a 55 yard punt for no return.  Fitzpatrick quickly led the Bills into New York territory, hitting Donald Jones for a 6 yard touchdown.  The extra point by Lindell made the score Bills 21 Jets 41. 

On the very next possession, Fitzpatrick led Buffalo down the field again; scoring on a 29 yard strike to Stevie Johnson.  Lindell kicked the extra point to bring the Bills their final points. 

Sanchez answered immediately. Greene’s rushing led New York to another touchdown in the Jets final possession of the game. The final score was Bills 28 Jets 48. New York set a franchise record, scoring the most points in the first game of the season. Jeremy Kerley is the first Jets player in franchise history to score touchdowns from a punt return and pass reception in a single game.

The Jets defense performed well in this season opener; racking up three interceptions and a fumble recovery. New York’s front line did a great job protecting Sanchez. Aside from a penalty, Mangold did an outstanding job. Buffalo’s defense was dismal, causing one interception and two fumbles; but Greene recovered both fumbles for the Jets.  

The Bills offense got off to a slow start, but started moving in the second half. CJ Spiller was awesome!  The Jets performed well against Buffalo. Thank you very much, please may I have another in Pittsburgh. 

© Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved. Article by A. Carter for Contemplating New York Jets Football™