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After yesterday's great expectations, a game that aroused very few expectations, instead: Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets, two bottom-ranked teams. But, being in New York during the NFL season, I couldn't miss the opportunity to watch a game, and this was available.
I had already been to MetLife Stadium in 2014 for the Super Bowl. Back then I went by taxi, spending quite a bit (I think $ 75) and taking the train back. This time I followed the instructions on the Jets website, which gave two possible train routes: I chose the one they suggested as the best, via Hoboken. There are few people on the train and, if it weren't for the fact that the train goes only there, you wouldn't even think they go to the stadium. The station, which is active only for games, is right outside the gates.
We arrive around 12.15. Like yesterday, the entrance is generic, with no indication of the sectors. The first check this time is not on vaccination, as it is not required, but on bags: non-transparent bags are not allowed. Immediately after the gate there is the ticket check, this time manual, without a turnstile. We then pass by the store, much smaller than yesterday's: there is also Joe Namath's shirt, they also sell a statuette of him, while they sure don't make statues to today's players.
We go up the escalator, which only gets to the first deck. Once there, it takes us a while to find the ones that go up to the second and third. There are many different food stands, including a slightly creepy one of "fried dogs". Compared to the Madison, there are fewer bathrooms, but in better condition. We arrive at our seats around 12.45: as expected there are few people, the first deck is a little fuller, but the third opposite us is almost empty. In total, that's a lot if it's one third full. In the attendance there are more jerseys of players from the past than from the present. I also see a couple of Brett Favre's and for a moment I wonder why, then I remember that he played for them too. The stadium is very different from eight years ago: for the colors, but of course also because it was night then and it was full.
After the anthem, we go: in the first drive, the Jaguars fake a punt and close the down. It is the first of a long series of fourth downs played, often successfully, but sometimes not: a couple of declined field goals could have cost the Jets the game. At every third down of the Jaguars a buzzer sounds and the display between the second and third deck shows "third down". The Jaguars will then be stopped on the 2-yard offensive line and the drive will end with an FG. They do not give any information on the lineups on the field. In the first drive of the Jets, Wilson escapes a sack that seemed certain and starts running: on around the 20 itseems he wants to get out, but at the last moment he turns inwards, avoids a defender and goes to TD. A fantastic play.
The Jaguars will then score with a lineman, on a fumble recovered, but the Jets will return the kickoff in touchdown. Meanwhile, I discover something that I had not noticed in 40 years that I follow the NFL: the yardage chain is on both sides. Sides that instead confuse me in the penalties: twice I think they gave a penalty to one team, instead it was the other, because I do not consider that the referee is framed from the other side. The first half ends 16-15 for the Jets.
At halftime we go to get some food and we return three minutes before the end of the break (then we atein the stands, there was nowhere to do it in the restaurant area): therefore, I cannot say anything about the halftime show. In the second half, the Jets score first, again with a lineman (this time as an eligible tackle) bringing them to 23-15, then the Jaguars, who miss the 2-point conversion 23-21. so we get to the last minutes: the Jets give up a simple field goal, close the down and go on the 2 yard line. Despite the few people, the cheering is felt: the attendance is all standing. it's a fourth down again and this time the Jets kick: 26-21. The Jaguars find themselves with the ball with about 1'45" to go and 1 timeout: thanks to a pass interference they arrive 1 yard from the TD, they are pushed back by a foul, but they return to the 2. But it's the fourth down, and they don't get in: the Jets have won, they celebrate with fireworks.
On my way back I discover that tickets are not sold at the station (by mistake I bought one-way ones). I ask for information and they tell me to get on the train. On the transport company's website I read that you can also buy them on board, but the problem does not arise: no one checks.
The match went way beyond expectations: it was definitely worth it
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