LongIsland.com

7 in Hawaii, None in the Playoffs

Written by sports  |  30. December 2008

Jets Sending Crew to Pro Bowl While Sitting Out Dance Maybe as individuals, the seven members of the New York Jets deserve to be named to the Pro Bowl. Because the team went through their usual December collapse does not take away from personal achievements that were mostly earned before 1-3 record in the final month of the regular season occurred, which - for the Jets - completed their season. By blowing a two-game lead in the AFC East and missing the playoffs with a 9-7 record, the Jets sending the most of any other NFL team to the annual meaningless All-Star extravaganza in Honolulu proves that the players should be picked the day after the regular season ends. Not only is it an embarrassment that this many players will be there wearing Jet helmets, but that Brett Favre is one of them borders on the ridiculous. When Favre was named, critics had a field day stating that the 39-year-old was chosen over Phillip Rivers. That was before two dismal performances by Favre and San Diego coming back from the dead to win their division on the final Sunday night. Back on December 16, Favre reflected on his tenth appearance in the game. "I'm honored to be voted to the pro Bowl again for my fans and peers but equally excited for my teammates," the signal-caller said. "Considering my late start this summer, I'm proud of what this team has accomplished so far." Of course, there was no way that Favre (22 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, 3,472 yards) could foresee the Jets dropping their next two and Eric Mangini getting the axe the day after the 24-17 loss to Miami, which eliminated the team from playoff contention. The team did accomplish some good things when they were sitting atop the division at 8-3, but a stretch where they were lucky to win the one game they did the rest of the way sealed their fate. The other players representing the Jets did have solid seasons. Guard Alan Faneca was signed to a long-term contract in March and will be making his eighth consecutive appearance in the Pro Bowl. Running back Thomas Jones had a career year (1,312 yards on 290 carries, 4.5 average, 13 touchdowns) and will be making his first trip to Hawaii. "I have played nine years in the league and finally to get the opportunity to be picked is a blessing," he said. Leon Washington, who accompanies Jones in the backfield, was chosen as a kick returner for his work on special teams, where he returned 48 kicks for a 25.6 average and a 94-yard touchdown. He will be also be making his first appearance in the game, as will cornerback Darelle Revis and center Nick Mangold. Nose tackle Kris Jenkins has been to Hawaii on three prior occasions, but this will be his first as a Jet after coming over from Carolina in an offseason trade. Accomplishments will be rewarded and taking nothing away from the seven Jets, being named to the Pro Bowl is an honor, first time or tenth. Favre will most likely sit this one out, especially since he has complained of shoulder issues and may require arthroscopic surgery to repair the injury. That may be the best case scenario, considering the caliber of play that the veteran showed as the season wore on.

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