Edwards Has Better Day Than Vermeil

Herman Edwards knew exactly how he wanted his day to go. He would meet early with his mentor, Dick Vermeil, for an emotional reunion. Then, he would turn the New York Jets’ game against Vermeil’s Kansas City Chiefs over to his veterans.

Edwards’ game plan went perfectly. He held his teary meeting with Vermeil nearly two hours before Sunday’s kickoff. And his team leaders, particularly Curtis Martin, Wayne Chrebet, James Farrior and Victor Green, took care of the rest in a 27-7 rout.

“There were tears when I met him on the field at 11,” Edwards said of the man who signed him as an undrafted rookie in 1977 and has been his guiding force since. “We figured get it over with, like a shootout. We met on the 26-yard line, where I picked up ‘The Fumble.”’

That play, on which cornerback Edwards beat the New York Giants, was the defining play of his career. As a coach, Edwards hopes to be as successful as Vermeil, who coached the Rams to the 1999 NFL title, retired, and then came back this year with the Chiefs.

“I told him I loved him and I’m proud of him. He did a heck of a job today,” Vermeil said. “They kicked everyone’s butt today.”

Added Edwards, “I told him to hang in there, it would have been tough to beat us today.”

Particularly with Martin, the league’s rushing leader, gaining 113 yards and scoring three touchdowns.

The Jets (6-3) also had three interceptions, a fumble recovery and three sacks in their third straight win. They showed all the elements needed on a blustery, chilly day in manhandling the Chiefs (2-7).

“I still don’t think we are operating on full potential,” Martin said. “Coach was kidding with me ... telling the players his running backs have ‘allergies to the end zone.’ So I’m really glad we were able to score some touchdowns.”

After a slow start, the Jets turned to their old reliables to grab a 14-0 halftime lead. Vinny Testaverde, Chrebet and Martin keyed both scoring drives, with Green’s 13-yard interception return setting up the second score.