However, this big, kinda sloppy win did not come without loss. Quarterback Mark Sanchez forced the organization to hold their breath when he hobbled off the field following a third down scramble for a first down in which he chose to dive at the end of the play instead of slide. Ironcially, this is exactly what Rex Ryan was trying to avoid by having Mark Sanchez taught how to slide FEET FIRST  all week by World Series Champion Yankees Manager Joe Girardi. The dive got the first down but the collision with the field turf in Toronto caused Sanchez to sprain his posterior cruciate ligament in his healthier right knee since he already wears a brace on his left knee from an old college injury.

Good News is that if he can handle the pain he should be able to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, another must win game if the Jets have any post season aspirations.

Rushing and defense has been the bread and butter for the Jets all season long. Against Buffalo this was the case as Thomas Jones helped set a franchise record for the most rushing yards in two games against the same opponent in the same season. The Jets defense held Buffalo to less than 100 yards total offense in the second half and quickly ended the Buffalo game winning drive opportunity on their final possession. Defensive end Shaun Ellis sacked the Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on first down and then Darrelle Revis intercepted a long pass to Terrelle Owens on second down allowing the Jets to run out the clock for the victory.

The Jets slim but improving playoff hopes rest in the knee of Mark Sanchez. If he can not play then backup Kellen Clemens will be under center and the Jets will be left wondering what if.

Jets Mark Sanchez Throws 5 Interceptions Against Buffalo

The storyline of this game is the Jets quarterback which led them to an impressive 3-0 start has now led them to three straight defeats evening the team’s record at 3-3.  Sanchez threw the ball over and over again right into the arms of the Buffalo defense and time after time. Jets fans booed constantly from the Meadowlands and head coach Rex Ryan almost put in backup quarterback Kellen Clemens.

Yet, despite all the turnovers the Jets had chances in overtime. Receiving the kick the Jets ran the ball down the field. Running well all day were Thomas Jones and Leon Washington who combined for 318 yards. In fact, Thomas Jones 210 yards broke a Jets record held by Curtis Martin, yet the Jets became the 7th team in NFL history to lose a game with a 200 yard rushing effort by a single player. A crucial play in overtime was a Jets run inside the Bills 10 yard line that was called back for an obvious holding on the offensive line. The play was stupid, considering if he lets the defender tackle the Jets running back it would still have been a first down or at worse a very makable field goal. Instead the Jets get pushed back and out comes Jay Feeley to win the game, only the holder couldn’t catch the snap cleanly. Good Grief. Jets deserved to lose this game.

Wow, Oakland Raiders next week. That is no gimme, as Oakland shocked the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Jets should be 4-2 or 5-1. The debacle in Miami on Monday Night was one thing, a turnover plagued game at home against the pathetic Buffalo Bills is another. Both those teams were starting backup quarterbacks and had only one win coming into the game.

This team needs to wake up.

Sanchez TRY SCRAMBLING for a 1st down once in awhile. You have great protection, if you are in trouble and your receivers are covered just tuck the ball and run. Several times it would have worked in the fourth quarter and overtime. Instead, you throw the ball at the jersey’s worn by the Bills. Just mind boggling to watch. The Bills had not won an AFC East game since 2007 so basically they are familiar with losing close games. Despite trying their best to lose this game, Mark Sanchez tried even harder.