http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?id=1953629EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- After answering the critics who questioned his ability against elite opposition with an impressive showing against a halfway decent (relative to the NFC) Seattle team last Sunday, Jets quarterback Chad Pennington delivered his infamous "action speaks louder than words" postgame diatribe.
Then New York turned around a week later against New England and gave everyone the silent treatment.
As if necessary, the difference between the AFC East "rivals" was illustrated again in a 23-7 Patriots win that really wasn't all that close. While the Jets have a tendency to spend too much time politicking, the Patriots, time and again, just handle business.
The Jets missed an opportunity to prove that they could contend come the postseason and now are in danger of missing it altogether. From the first meeting, a 13-7 loss at Gillette Stadium, they took the confidence that they could play with the Patriots. But, as their coach has said, you play to win the game, and lately when New York plays New England, the Jets always lose. They've been swept each of the last two seasons.
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