Tom Rock and Bob Glauber of Newsday reported yesterday that "the Jets were caught using a videotaping device during a game in Foxborough last season that resulted in the removal of a Jets employee. After Gillette Stadium officials saw him using the recorder early in the game, he was told to stop and leave the area. He had been filming from the mezzanine level between the scoreboard and a decorative lighthouse in an end zone. The camera was not confiscated by the Patriots or stadium security."
This doesn't come as much of a surprise, seeing how Eric Mangini's biography on NYJets.com describes one of his duties as a Patriot employee: "Mangini was also responsible for advance opponent film breakdowns and analysis."
But one thing to note is that the Newsday story ends with the Jets employee leaving with all of his camera equipment and video tape in tact. The Patriots did not inform the NFL, nor did they file a complaint. The Pats played it classy: let's just handle this like gentlemen without getting any third parties involved.
Quite frankly, I'm shocked Mangini had the audacity to blow the whistle on someone else (let alone his former mentor) while he was doing the same exact thing. Mangini and the Jets are officially snitches. I'm sure Tony Soprano wouldn't be pleased.
2 Responses
Matty,
I'm right there with you regarding the way Mangini handled the whole situation, but arn't you a little bit scared that this game could be closer than we think? I know Mangini, he is definitely not stupid and perhaps all of the buzz about the Pats crushing the Jets and the fact that Eric may feel that he and his team have something to prove could present a problem for the Pats?
I totally agree that it could be a close one. Especially since the forecast is for plenty of snow, don't expect as many passing yards. However, the Jets defense is flat out terrible.
The only "good" part of their defense is against the pass – they rank 11th overall in pass yards against. However, the only way to stop a Brady pass this year is to get pressure, and they're 27th in the league in sacks. The Jets are also 30th in the league against the run – only the Dolphins give up more rushing yards per game.
Here are a few more stats showing how bad the Jets defense is:
- 28th in yards allowed
- 25th in yards allowed per play
- 25th in points allowed per game
- 29th in 1st downs allowed per game
- 31st in time of possession per game
The only thing I'm worried about is the possibility that we don't blow them out and Mangini doesn't get embarrassed. But, regardless of the score, if we humiliate Mangini, I'd say this game will be a success.
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