Holy NFL Network Batman, the Jets had a Thursday night game this week! Yes Robin, they did, and unfortunately, we don’t get the NFL Network in the Batcave. (Sigh) Someday we should do something about that.
Well kids, sad but true, I missed the big game this week between the Jets and the Patriots, but nonetheless, I went through with our Madden 09 sim to see how well it would match up with the real deal, and here’s what I came up with. Interestingly enough, the Patriots were 6-3 heading into this game with the Jets on Madden 09, while the Jets under my guidance where sitting at 8-1, so while there wasn’t quite as much on the line as the real game, it was still an important one. The Patriots got off to an early start after a Brett Favre interception with 65 yard pass to Moss. In fact, about half of the Patriot’s scores came on big plays, usually when I tried to blitz. Still, the Jets settled in and Favre went to work, methodically racking up 313 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, and hitting 19-24 passes. The Jets led by three at the half, and in the third quarter they went to work on the ground game, grinding down the clock while trying to protect the lead. The Patriots still got some big plays, but the steady control of the game the Jets established in the second half eventually led them to a 30-24 win.
[Update] Now I realize that my game wasn’t quite as thrilling as the real deal, but it was still close. We didn’t go to overtime, but the Jets didn’t really seal it until late in the fourth quarter. Favre had 258 yards and 2 TDs, hitting 26 of 33 passes while leading the Jets to a thrilling overtime victory, 34-31. This win put the Jets at the top of their division, which according to our Madden sim is exactly where they should be. However, they face off against the mighty Titans of Tennessee next, so anything could happen at this point. Seeing as how the game is a regular weekend game, my Madden 09 sim and update should be a bit more timely.
