New York’s Winning Weekend

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

 

It hasn’t happened since 2009 the last time the New York Yankees won the World Series. All four teams, the Giants, Jets, Yankees and Mets played on the same day and came out victorious. Each organization have struggled over the years. Sunday, gave them hope that this year could be special.

 

 

The Giants were coming off an improbable win on the road against the Tennessee Titans needing a 2-point conversation and missed field goal to give them a week one victory. The Jets hosted the Baltimore Ravens, a team that many picked to go to the Super Bowl. Not only did the Gang Green offense struggle under veteran Joe Flacco, the defense was torched by Ravens quarterback Lamar who was setting out to show the organization he is worth the money he is asking for. 

 

 

 

 

When they traveled to the Cleveland, the Jets were looking to avoid an 0-2 start. Did not look good from the start as they were down 30-17 with less than 2:00 to go in the game. Gang Green pulled off the improbable. Flacco connects with wide receiver Corey Davis for a 66-yard touchdown to bring them to 30-24. With no time outs left, they would recover the on-sides kick. Flacco then finds wide receiver Garrett Wilson for the game winning 15-yard touchdown catch. Said second year head coach Robert Saleh of the recovered on sides kick, “with the new rules, have been so rare. Once that happened, there was no doubt we were going to score once we got the ball.” The Jets coming on top 31-30.

 

Big Blue wanted to show the win against Tennessee was no fluke. It was a back and forth contest as both teams traded field goals early on. The Giants defense and special teams put them in good position to put more points on the board but the offense could not take advantage. In the end, veteran field goal kicker Graham Gano proved to be the difference. He was perfect on the day, nailing all four of his attempts. The last, a 56-yarder to seal the 19-16 win over the Carolina Panthers. It is the first time the Giants have started 2-0 since 2016. 

 

The Mets, off a 4-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, clinched a playoff birth after their 7-2 win last Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers. It will be their first post season appearance since 2016. Max Scherzer pitched 6 perfect innings, striking out 9 in his first start since coming off the injured list. The Metropolitans are clinging to first place as the Atlanta Braves refuse to lose.

 

The Bronx Bombers, behind MVP front runner, Aaron Judge struggled, losing 2 of 3 to the Brewers. They came away with the last game as Judge went deep twice for numbers 58 and 59 in his quest to surpass Roger Maris at 61. They hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday and Wednesday before the Boston Red Sox come to town for a 4-games series.

 

New York sports teams and their fans have not had a lot to cheer about in recent years. This past weekend gave them something to look forward to with the Yankees and Mets getting ready for the playoffs and the Giants and Jets looking to establish themselves in their respective divisions.