FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -Brett Favre and the New York Jets’ offense aren’t leaving their defensive teammates much playing time these days.
Not that anyone wearing green and white is complaining. The Jets are controlling the clock with long drives that are keeping their offense – and tired opposing defenses – on the field for huge chunks of games.
“It has been a little different it seems like, especially the way we started out this year,” Favre said Wednesday. “I mean, it just goes to show you what chemistry and meshing or coming together, whatever, can do for you.”
The Jets’ offense was on the field for 40 minutes, 30 seconds in the team’s 34-13 win at Tennessee on Sunday. It was the longest New York held the ball in eight years, and was the fourth-longest time of possession in the league this season in a regulation game.
do that every week. But more and more, we’re finding that we’re able to do that.”
For a guy with a reputation for gambling and slinging the ball all over the field, Favre has been terrific managing an offense that has lately relied heavily on short passes and runs. New York has scored a franchise-record 115 points in its last three games, and Favre’s 77.4 completion percentage (65-of-84) in that span is the best of his career.
“I think one of our best assets right now is our patience offensively,” said Favre, who threw only six of his 32 passes against Tennessee more than 10 yards. “I’m not just talking about me, I’m probably talking more so the guys around me. I mean, I want to get 50 yards right now, but we’re OK getting 2, zero, 10. You know, that’s what it’s all about: holding onto the ball, eating up the clock. I mean, 40 minutes is outstanding. Obviously, keeping the other team from scoring as well.”
The Jets had three scoring drives of 12 plays or more against the Titans that took up nearly 22 minutes.
“Time of possession is huge, and that was a big contributing factor last week, of course, because it wears down their defense,” right tackle Damien Woody said. “That’s when you start noticing the runs, that third and fourth quarter, they start getting longer and longer.”
plays. That includes one 14-play drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in a touchdown, and another in overtime that lasted 7:50 and was capped with the winning field goal.
The Jets capped their 47-3 rout of St. Louis three weeks ago with a 16-play possession that melted the last 11:09 off the clock.
“It’s been key to the success we’ve had and we look to continue to do those kinds of things for future games,” left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson said.
New York, which has won five straight while taking over sole possession of first place in the AFC East, has scored on its first offensive series in its last six games – four touchdowns, two field goals.
“It’s a tone setter,” Woody said. “To be able to go out, especially on the road, and have a nice drive and cap it off with a touchdown, it really sets the tone for the next game. It gives us confidence in our offense. We’ve been doing it for a few weeks now, so hopefully we can continue that trend.”
The Jets will have an opportunity to do just that Sunday against a Denver defense that ranks 28th overall.
“When the opening kickoff happens, we’re out there after the week of work and preparation that we put in,” center Nick Mangold said. “Our guys are eager to get out there and show that it means something and I think that’s a big help to us getting on the right foot to start.”
ut he and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer have made great strides. After throwing three touchdown passes and an alarming eight interceptions in a four-game stretch, Favre has five TDs and only one pick since.
“I’m getting more comfortable with what Schotty likes to call, what he feels comfortable with,” Favre said. “I think he’s real comfortable with what I like to run.”
Favre has been extremely complimentary of his starting offensive linemen, and also gives lots of credit to the surging running game. Thomas Jones leads the AFC with 950 yards rushing and Leon Washington has provided a speedy, change-of-pace presence.
“The key in all of this to me is the fact that our running game has really dominated, no different than our defense, stopping the run,” Favre said. “The fact we’ve been able to run the football at our discretion has made all the difference.”
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