Copyright 2008 The New York Sun Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:43:44 -0400 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Sean Lahman :: Stories from The New York Sun http://www.nysun.com/authors/Sean+Lahman istoll@nysun.com (Ira Stoll) webmaster@nysun.com en-us SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-fans-can-relish-dawn-of-the-manning-era/70355/ Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST Eli Manning's late-season struggles prompted many to question whether it was time to declare him a bust. It wasn't that Manning had failed to prove he was capable of playing in the NFL. Rather, it was that he came to New York with such high expectations, and it was beginning to look like he simply wasn't capable of becoming the superstar the Giants fans hoped for. Manning's strong play during the last month has changed those perceptions, and his three playoff wins have made most Giants fans... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/two-quarterbacks-forever-linked-together/69661/ Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST They will always be linked. It started on draft day 2004 when Eli Manning and Philip Rivers were traded for each other. It continues on Sunday when both young quarterbacks lead their teams to the conference championship games. And frankly, it will be that way until the end of their careers. Each quarterback will ultimately be judged not simply on how well he performed, but on how well he played in comparison to the other. Most of the focus will be on the other two quarterbacks who are playing... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-go-to-dallas-with-momentum-on-their-side/69381/ Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST If momentum counts for anything, you have to feel pretty good about the Giants' chances this weekend. They've played well in the past three weeks, and the confidence of quarterback Eli Manning is as high as it's ever been in his NFL career. The Cowboys, on the other hand, limped through the end of the regular season, losing two of their last three games, and gave the impression that they had lost focus. The two teams met twice this season, with Dallas posting a 10-point win each time. But can... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/in-playoffs-manning-must-meet-expectations/68948/ Fri, 4 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST It's year four of the Eli Manning era, and while the Giants find themselves making their third straight playoff appearance, the consensus is that it's in spite of their passer, not because of him. Manning threw four touchdown passes in the season-ending loss to the Patriots. He started the season with a four-touchdown performance against the Cowboys. In between, he threw 15 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions. The Giants lost some games because Manning committed too many turnovers, and they... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/pressuring-brady-is-only-way-giants-can-prevail/68698/ Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST In truth, it's a season finale with no playoff implications. But with the Patriots one win away from a perfect season, their game with the Giants this weekend is the most anticipated NFL matchup in years. The game will be broadcast on the NFL Network and simulcast by both NBC and CBS. It's the first time an NFL game has aired on multiple networks since Super Bowl I in 1967. The Patriots are poised to become the first team to finish an NFL season undefeated since the 1972 Dolphins, who posted a... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-must-refocus-around-power-running-game/68471/ Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST Once again, the Giants have painted themselves into a corner. They need a win in Buffalo this weekend, not simply to clinch a playoff spot, but to avoid a mustwin game next week against a Patriots team hell-bent to finish 16–0. These late-season slides are nothing new for the Giants, but the problems this year seem to be entirely correctable. In five of the last six weeks, the Giants have thrown the ball more often than they've passed it. It's a strategy that doesn't make sense, given how... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/as-jets-play-out-string-titans-fight-for-wild-card/68513/ Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST The Jets aren't sure who'll start at quarterback for them, although coach Eric Mangini says Kellen Clemens will get the nod if he's healthy. Gang Green faces a tough challenge against the Titans, a physical young team that's battling for a playoff spot. JETS (3–11) at TITANS (8–6) Sunday, 4:15 p.m., CBS WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL Thomas Jones needs 37 yards to reach the 1,000 yard mark for the third straight season. But that milestone can't overshadow the other disappointing numbers he's... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/rusty-redskins-qb-may-be-giants-ticket-to-playoffs/68091/ Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST Despite their struggles, the Giants are on the verge of earning a playoff berth for the third straight season. Losses by the Saints and Vikings could seal the deal Sunday afternoon, or the Giants could clinch by beating the Redskins Sunday night. The Redskins would like to make a run for the other wild-card berth, but the loss of quarterback Jason Campbell to a knee injury last week makes their long odds even longer. If forecasts of heavy snow prove accurate, this game could turn into a game of... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-need-everything-to-click-or-rout-is/68128/ Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST David beat Goliath. James "Buster" Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson. But can the hapless Jets pull off a similarly improbable upset and derail the Patriots' quest for a perfect season? The oddsmakers don't think so. New England opened as 27-point favorites, arguably the biggest point spread ever for an NFL game. But it's more than just the talent disparity that they're looking at. There's the perceived feud between head coaches Bill Belichick and Eric Mangini, and the suspicion that the Patriots'... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-should-overwhelm-eagles-in-the-trenches/67697/ Fri, 7 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb is expected to return to the lineup this weekend after spending the last two weeks resting his sprained ankle. The Eagles lost both of those games and have fallen out of the playoff chase. Backup A.J. Feeley threw seven interceptions in his two starts, each time dooming the Eagles to defeat in a game they could otherwise have won. That's a problem that Giants fans are all too familiar with. Their franchise quarterback, Eli Manning, has also turned the... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/one-team-that-makes-the-jets-look-good/67285/ Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST There are two kinds of terrible, and they'll both be on display Sunday. The Dolphins have been ravaged by injuries and plagued by bad luck, losing six of their games by three points or less. The Jets, on the other hand, have been relatively healthy. They simply haven't played well. Both teams will try to salvage some pride when they face off in Miami on Sunday. JETS (2–9) at MIAMI DOLPHINS (0–11) Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL When we look back at what has become a lost season... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-need-to-silence-talk-of-late-season-slide/67286/ Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST This is the time of year when NFL teams start to get desperate. For underperforming teams like the Bears, Sunday's game represents a last chance to salvage their season. A year after storming into the Super Bowl, they've regressed on both offense and defense. They've endured a quarterback change, lost their leading rusher to injury, and seen a dominating defense get trounced repeatedly For the Giants, this game offers an opportunity to silence the critics who fear yet another late-season slide... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-must-slow-viking-run-attack/66896/ Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST The well-worn adage says that you have to have a good backup quarterback to compete in the NFL. It's not said as often, but depth at the running back position is just as important. The Giants have demonstrated that this season, as injuries have forced them to use three different players to key their ground game. The Vikings demonstrated the significance of having an outstanding backup last week, when Chester Taylor took over for the injured rookie Adrian Peterson. Minnesota runs the ball very... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-must-do-everything-they-did-vs-steelers-plus/66827/ Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST If there's anything we learned from the Jets' improbable win over the Steelers on Sunday, it's this: We don't know anything about the Jets. This team lost eight of its first nine games with the league's worst run defense and a confused offense. But last week they did everything well, including some big plays on special teams. Jets fans can't help but feel that this team could have been a playoff contender if they'd played like that every week. After upsetting the Steelers, they head to Dallas... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/victory-for-giants-hinges-on-lions-secondary/66589/ Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST It has been a long time since we could say the Lions were a good team, or that Detroit was a tough place to win a football game. The Lions have had six straight losing seasons, and haven't won a playoff game since 1991. But this year, they're undefeated at home and looking more and more like a playoff contender with each passing week. The biggest reason for the improvement is their passing attack, currently ranked ninth. Detroit's offense has become explosive in their second season under... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/romo-interceptions-are-essential-to-a-giants-win/66213/ Fri, 9 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST There are eight weeks left in the NFL season. But the Giants' fate hinges on the outcome of Sunday's game with the Cowboys. A loss would essentially hand the NFC East crown to Dallas, leaving the Giants to battle for one of the conference's two wild-card spots. A victory, on the other hand, would put the Giants in a perfect position for a Super Bowl run. They would emerge in a tie for first place with what could be construed as a soft schedule in front of them. Only two of their next six... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/clemens-needs-to-be-perfect-to-have-shot-against/65741/ Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST This weekend, the Kellen Clemens era begins for the Jets. While much of the focus will be on the young signal caller, the list of problems for the Jets goes far beyond the quarterback position. Considering this, you could make the case that Chad Pennington was playing better than anyone else on the Jets. The defense can't stop anybody, particularly when opponents are running the ball. It isn't forcing turnovers, and it's leading pass rusher, Shaun Ellis, has just two sacks. On offense, the Jets... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/in-london-giants-may-eat-dolphins-and-chips/65357/ Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST Thirty-three years after the Beatles invaded New York, the Giants will return the favor: They're in London this weekend for the NFL's first regular season game outside of North America. The event will bolster the league's international profile and draw a sellout crowd to Wembley Stadium — but the game itself figures to be pretty lopsided. The Giants are riding high with five straight wins while their opponent, the Miami Dolphins, is still winless. GIANTS (5–2) vs. DOLPHINS (0–7) At London... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/run-defense-will-determine-winner-of-jets-vs-bills/65365/ Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST Just three points separated the Jets and Bills when they played a month ago, and there's every reason to believe their meeting Sunday will be another close one. The Bills have a resurgent defense and a young offense, and they seem like they can jump back into contention with a win on Sunday. The Jets, on the other hand, have lost four in a row, and are looking for answers to their struggles on both sides of the ball. BILLS (2–4) at JETS (1–6) Sunday, 4:05 p.m., CBS WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-want-to-avoid-shootout-vs-bengals/64875/ Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST Despite two horrible games, quarterback Chad Pennington got a vote of confidence from head coach Eric Mangini this week. If the team continues to lose, the calls for a change will get louder and louder. The Jets face a big challenge this weekend against a Bengals team that's much better than their record indicates. A win could save his job, but another tepid performance could bring the Pennington era to a close. JETS (1–5) at BENGALS (1–4) Sunday, 4:05 p.m., CBS WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL The... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/with-smith-out-49ers-will-lean-on-run/64882/ Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST For the third week in a row, the Giants face a shell-shocked opponent whose dreams of playoff contention have been shattered early. At the start of training camp, 49ers head coach Mike Nolan said "it will be a disappointment to me if we don't make the playoffs." They seemed on track after a promising 2–0 start, but injuries have left his offense impotent. San Francisco has scored just two touchdowns in their last three games, and last week lost to the Ravens despite holding them to just nine... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-must-limit-turnovers-to-win-in-prime-time/64564/ Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST The Giants have rumbled back into playoff contention with three straight wins, and they can pull within a game of first place with a win in Atlanta tonight. The Falcons' season has been overshadowed by the legal troubles of quarterback Michael Vick, but that's not the only reason why the team has fallen on hard times. New head coach Bobby Petrino wanted to install a more dynamic offense and an aggressive defense. So far, neither plan has worked out, and the Falcons are just struggling to keep... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-meet-another-team-desperate-to-salvage-its/64485/ Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST Last January, both the Jets and Eagles were in the playoffs. Now, both teams are approaching rock bottom, wondering how things could have changed so much in such a short period of time. One problem that both teams have in common is a lack of balance in their offensive play calling. Although both have proven running backs, they seem more focused on throwing the ball, and the lack of success with their passing games hasn't dissuaded either team from continuing to air it out. The best way for both... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-red-hot-defense-poised-to-ground-the-jets/64053/ Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST The NFL's only crosstown rivalry heats up this weekend, with the Giants hosting the Jets at the Meadowlands. There will be more than just bragging rights on the line. For each team, this game will answer the questions about whether last week's startling developments were flukes, or if they were statements about where each team stands. Does the Jets' stunning loss to Buffalo — with their injury-ravaged defense and their rookie quarterback — suggest that this team has regressed in coach Eric... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-giants-must-keep-momentum-vs-division-foes/63555/ Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST Now that they've each scored their first wins, the Jets and Giants need to follow up with more solid performances to get their seasons back on track. The return of Chad Pennington last week gave the Jets' offense a boost and helped to restore their running game. For the Giants, an impressive goal line stand has their defense feeling rejuvenated. Both teams face divisional opponents this weekend, and have a chance to re-establish themselves as playoff contenders. But while the Jets face a... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-need-running-game-to-awaken-versus-miami/63160/ Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST Any coach will tell you that to win football games you need to play well on the line. So far, the Jets have failed to do that on both sides of the ball, and the results have been predictable. Desperate for a win, the Jets hope to solve those problems this week against a familiar opponent. The Miami Dolphins have not only had their share of struggles so far this year, but they've lost to the Jets in five of their last six meetings. Here's a closer look at how the division foes will match up... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/eli-or-not-giant-pass-defense-the-biggest-concern/62661/ Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST After a miserable opening weekend in Dallas, the Giants have to scramble this week to save their season. More injuries and a horrible game by the defense have left fans worrying that the team is heading in the wrong direction. If there's any good news, it's that the Giants get a respite from their NFC East opponents this weekend and face a vulnerable Green Bay Packers team. Here's a look at how the two teams will match up. PACKERS (1–0) at GIANTS (0–1) Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX WHEN THE GIANTS HAVE... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-giants-draw-bitter-rivals-first/62114/ Fri, 7 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST If you're going to contend for a playoff spot in the NFL, you have to be able to beat the teams in your own division. Both New York teams will be put to that test early, as the Giants and the Jets both spend three of their first four weeks facing division rivals. For the Jets, the battle begins against their fiercest foe, the New England Patriots. It seems that all of the preseason pundits have crowned the Pats as the favorites heading into the 2007 season, not just to win the AFC East crown... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/uphill-playoff-battles-for-new-york-teams/46155/ Fri, 5 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST Step one is getting into the playoffs. Both New York teams have done that, and the Jets and the Giants now find themselves in very similar circumstances. They both are opening the postseason with a road game against a division rival and they both are huge underdogs, facing low expectations from critics who think their teams are too flawed to be competitive in the postseason. Giants head coach Tom Coughlin hopes to confound those critics, and he'll have to if he wants to save his job. The good... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-groundhog-day-effect/45877/ Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST Watching the Giants each week, I can't help feeling like Bill Murray's character in the film "Groundhog Day." Stuck in an endless rut, believing that things have to get better watching helplessly as they remain the same. When you look at the talent on the Giants roster, you think they should be winning each week. Inevitably, the penalties, turnovers, and general lack of passion lead to another loss. For the third time in four seasons the Giants have completely collapsed in the second half. A... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/harrington-mistakes-on-the-jets-christmas-list/45626/ Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST The Jets will be in Miami for Christmas, facing one of their biggest rivals in a game with playoff implications. Does it get any better than this? Both teams are surging, winning four of their last six games, but these are clearly two teams heading in opposite directions. The Dolphins will end the season facing more questions about their offense than they had at the beginning. The Jets, by contrast, seem to have turned things completely around in coach Eric Mangini's first season. Here's a look... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-must-not-let-saints-dictate-tempo/45644/ Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST Despite losing five of their last six games, the Giants still control their own playoff fate. The big question isn't so much whether they'll get in, but rather if they can overcome the poor play that led to this late season slide. Too many players have underperformed and the head coach is on the hot seat. Over the last two weeks, the Giants need to be thinking as much about the postseason as about next season, and which personnel on and off the field should be invited back. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-must-be-aggressive-to-sink-vikings-ship/45254/ Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST A hotshot young coach takes over a disappointing team, instills a renewed sense of discipline, and gets them back into playoff contention in his first year at the helm. That's the basic storyline not only for the Jets this season, but also for the Vikings. Minnesota's Brad Childress and Gang Green's Eric Mangini have made great progress, but both see their playoff hopes dwindling as they face off this weekend. JETS (7-6) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (6-7) Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/two-division-rivals-are-back-from-the-dead/45282/ Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST Winning last week kept their playoff hopes alive, but the Giants' work is just beginning. This weekend they'll host a rejuvenated Eagles team that is much different from the one they faced in early September. Both clubs have overcome a rocky November and are playing good football, but in all probability, only one of them will make the playoffs. Sunday's game will likely determine which one that is. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (7-6) AT GIANTS (7-6) (Sunday, 4:15 p.m., FOX) WHEN THE GIANTS HAVE THE BALL... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-jets-need-wins-to-keep-wild-card-in-reach/44867/ Fri, 8 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST The Giants need a win in Carolina this weekend to keep their sinking playoff hopes alive. Last weekend's loss to the Cowboys scuttled their chances of winning the division crown. Now they find themselves in a dogfight, one of seven teams battling for two wild card spots in the NFC. The Giants need to win at least three of their last four games to have a shot, and that's no easy task for a team mired in a four game losing streak. The Jets return home after thoroughly trouncing the Packers at... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/at-65-very-little-room-for-error-for-giants-jets/44432/ Fri, 1 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST Despite their stunning collapse against the Titans last week, the Giants have a chance to redeem themselves and save their season with a win against the Cowboys on Sunday. A victory would put the Giants into first place, while a loss would leave them battling with seven other teams for the NFC's two Wild Card berths. The Jets are also fighting for a Wild Card in the AFC, but their road is a much less treacherous one, starting with a trip to Green Bay. DALLAS COWBOYS (7-4) AT GIANTS (6-5)... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-jets-must-capitalize-on-winnable-games/44034/ Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST What do the Jets and Giants have to be thankful for? Both teams have lost two of their last three games but still remain in playoff contention. The Giants enter the weekend tied for first place in the NFC East, while the Jets are just a game out of the wildcard chase. Here's a look at the challenges they'll face this weekend. GIANTS (6-4) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (3-7) (Sunday, 4:15 p.m., FOX) WHEN THE GIANTS HAVE THE BALL On Wednesday, running back Tiki Barber criticized the coaching staff for... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jags-may-actually-have-more-injury-problems-than/43830/ Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST Football is a game of attrition, and each week the list of injured players grows for the Giants. Last week they lost left tackle Luke Petitgout, who broke his leg in the second quarter of the Bears game. The Giants have lost eight starters over the last four weeks, but they're not the only team struggling to overcome the loss of key players. Their opponent tonight, Jacksonville, placed 24 players on the injury list this week, including most of their key personnel. Both teams will try to find a... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/welcome-back-bears-return-to-take-on-surging-jets/43754/ Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST The Bears are back in town. A week after thrashing the Giants, they return to the Meadowlands to take on the surging Jets. It's the last major test for Gang Green before they reach the softest part of their schedule. None of their last six opponents has a winning record, leaving the Jets in great position for a playoff run under first-year head coach Eric Mangini. CHICAGO BEARS (8-1) AT JETS (5-4) (Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX) WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL One of the most encouraging things for the Jets... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-need-to-follow-miamis-blueprint-vs-bears/43274/ Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST Injuries are mounting for the Giants, and the timing couldn't be worse. Sunday night they'll face the 7–1 Chicago Bears in a matchup of the NFC's top two teams, and they'll have to do it without some of their most important players. The Bears are reeling from their first loss of the season, and a victory over the Giants would be a huge step toward securing home field advantage for the playoffs. CHICAGO BEARS (7-1) AT GIANTS (5-3) (Sunday, 8:15 p.m., NBC) WHEN THE GIANTS HAVE THE BALL The Bears... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-must-avoid-overlooking-texans/42889/ Fri, 3 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST November brings cold weather and the harsh reality of the NFL's midseason. For the Texans, that's the realization that despite some impressive young talent, they still don't have enough of the pieces to be a wining football team. For the Giants, it's the worry that mounting injuries could derail their quest for the Super Bowl — just like they did last year. Here's a look at how the two teams will matchup this weekend. HOUSTON TEXANS (2-5) AT GIANTS (5-3) (Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS) WHEN THE GIANTS... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-giants-each-draw-a-beleaguered-offense/42434/ Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST After slow starts, both the Jets and Giants have surged back into contention in their respective divisions. The Giants have won three games in a row, and the formula has been pretty consistent: Tiki Barber has rushed for at least 100 yards in each game, and the defense has sacked the opposing quarterback 16 times. The Jets are looking for their third straight win against the hapless Browns. A victory in Cleveland Sunday would send Gang Green into the bye week with a 5–3 record and position them... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/putting-pressure-on-bledsoe-essential-for-giants/42051/ Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST Most of the stories coming out of Dallas this year have been about the Terrell Owens sideshow, but behind all of the distractions you'll find a pretty good team. With an aggressive young defense and a veteran passing game, the Cowboys appear to have a shot at returning to the playoffs for the first time in four years. It's tough to win in Dallas, and the Cowboys have outscored opponents 61–16 in their two home games this season. But while the Giants have faced tough opponents every week, the... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-must-finish-the-game-strong-against/41917/ Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST Nothing beats home cooking, and the Jets have a chance to move above .500 on the season as they play their second straight home game this week. The Lions, on the other hand, are 0–3 on the road this season, and since 2001 they have gone 5–38 away from home. On paper, this is a game that the Jets should win, but there are plenty of reasons why Jets fans shouldn't be overconfident. DETROIT LIONS (1-5) AT JETS (3-3) (Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX) WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL Last week the Lions' defense... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/as-giants-try-to-stop-vick-jets-look-to-fry-fish/41534/ Fri, 13 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST As the weather turns colder, we start to see which NFL teams are contenders and which ones are about to turn into pumpkins. The Jets head into a soft part of their schedule, starting with a home game against the Dolphins that they hope will propel them back into contention. The schedule is not nearly so friendly for the Giants, who are in the middle of a six-week stretch with only one home game. In Atlanta this Sunday they'll face what could be their biggest challenge of the season. GIANTS... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/giants-jets-look-to-erase-disappointing-losses/41068/ Fri, 6 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST As the Giants return from their bye with a chance to show whether they've corrected the glaring deficiencies that made them lose two of their first three games, the Jets travel to Florida to face a tough Jacksonville team that plays smash-mouth football on both sides of the line of scrimmage. It's the third time in four games that the Jets face a team that went to the playoffs last year. A win against the Jaguars would give the team a huge boost as they head into the softer portion of their... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-face-their-first-real-test-with-colts/40612/ Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST At the start of the season, the biggest question for the Jets was whether quarterback Chad Pennington was healthy enough to be productive. While his strong performance thus far has provided a definitive answer, everything else about the team seems to be in doubt. The Jets' defense has struggled, appearing to be equally porous against the run and the pass. Penalties have killed the team. The running game has disappeared, a development that can be attributed mostly to a failure to plan for life... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-giants-travel-to-unfriendly-confines/40155/ Fri, 22 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST With last week's dramatic win, quarterback Eli Manning refuted all of the critics who said he lacked the big-game ability necessary to make him an elite quarterback. He has no time to rest on his laurels, as the Giants head to Seattle to face the defending NFC champions. It's a rematch of a game from last November's game, which the Seahawks won in overtime. The Jets head to Buffalo to face Willis McGahee and the Bills. The two teams enter the weekend tied for second place in the AFC East. It's... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/jets-and-giants-both-have-a-date-with-an-old/39734/ Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST The thrill of kickoff weekend is over, and now it's time to get down to business.The Jets and Giants both face the toughest teams in their respective divisions in matchups that will start to determine this year's new pecking order. Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb leads a team that was ravaged by injuries last year.They're looking to unseat the Giants as champions of the NFC East and return to the title game for the fifth time in six seasons. Coming off a loss in their opener, the Giants can't... SEAN LAHMAN http://www.nysun.com/sports/brothers-forced-to-do-battle-oh-yeah-jets-are/39335/ Fri, 8 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST The new "Sunday Night Football" makes its debut on NBC this weekend with a stellar matchup — two playoff contenders led by brothers Peyton and Eli Manning. It's the first time the two have faced each other head-to-head, and there's much more than pride on the line. Both teams believe they have a shot at reaching the Super Bowl this year, and they'll get a chance to prove it in prime time. Earlier on Sunday, the Eric Manginiera begins for the Jets as they travel to Nashville to face the...