This game was emotional. The Jets took off a little slow out of the gates, but then the fourth quarter arrived and the New York Jets behind the energy of 80,000 loud fans made play after play on offense, defense and on special teams to win a game that looked out of reach.

Nick Folk 50 yard field goal gave the Jets the 3 point lead with less than a minute to play. Kicker Nick Folk made the biggest kick in his career, taking avenge on the team that cut him a few years ago.

Mark Sanchez threw for over 300 yards and never quit after making a couple of mistakes. The quarterback Mark Sanchez found different receivers in crucial situations and made just enough plays to pull out the epic win over Rob Ryan’s highly touted defense.

Rex Ryan defense gave up a couple long scoring drives early in the game, but then they got comfortable and put a ton of pressure on Dallas Cowboy Quarterback Tony Romo.  The special teams and the defense decided the game by making some tremendous second half plays. Brian Schottenheimer was steadily aggressive calling pass after pass and only sprinkling in the occasional run. The aggressiveness payed off when the Cowboys secondary was injured and worn down allowing Jets receivers to find openings and opportunities that they took advantage of over and over.

Special Teams of the Jets came up with the biggest plays of the game. The blocked punt return for touchdown made the entire stadium go bonkers. Then Nick Folk drilled the kick of his life to send the Jets into the win column.

Jets Defense by many players including stars Bart Scott and Darrelle Revis. Linebacker Bart Scott pressured Romo and had some huge tackles. Corner back Darrelle Revis made the interception late which set-up the game winning field goal. Romo had the lead and the Cowboys were in the driver seat. However, the pressure of the moment forced Romo to make mistakes, and the Jets capitalized in the biggest way.

Ladainian Tomlinson was making plays including many huge first downs by catching Mark Sanchez passes in the flat and finding the first down chains and doing whatever it took to get past the chains. In reality the stars of the Jets all seemed to make plays.

Plaxico Burress was quite in the first half and then he made his return to the NFL memorable. With several catches on the game none were bigger than the Mark Sanchez to Plaxico Burress touchdown pass down the sideline.

Jim Leonard who ran all the way down the field and made a game changing tackle that preceded the Tony Romo goal line fumble that ignited the comeback.

New York Jets Come From Behind Victory Over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, just had to repeat the title because this win was something special on a truly special day in American History. God Bless America and thank you to all the men and women who lost their lives saving others on that unforgettable day ten years ago. The NY Police Department, NY Fire Department, First Responders and all those who lost their lives  you will all, forever, be in our hearts.

And why wouldn’t they? The Jets have won 4 playoff road games the past two seasons, they have competitive AFC Championship games, they boast one of the leagues best defenses and they of course have a throng of high profile players.

One of those high profile names was the free agent acquisition of Plaxico Burress. Here is where I throw out the lame joke, “I hope the Jets didn’t shoot themselves in the foot” with this signing. Opinions vary widely on what will be Plaxico’s production during the 2011 Jets season but he did make a high-light reel catch during the pre-season but he is 3 years removed from making his last touchdown catch, albeit it was a Superbowl winning touchdown catch.

Most of the other big names are back again with LT, Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes powering the offense and Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Bart Scott locking down what could possibly be the NFL’s best defense. The defense finished ranked third in the league last year which followed the number one ranking during Rex Ryan’s rookie year as head coach. The offense can at times look great, and at times look very pedestrian. This has been the case with the offense throughout the preseason and pretty much throughout the Mark Sanchez era. Sanchez is young though, most third year quarterbacks are just getting their first opportunity to start in year three, Mark Sanchez has already tied the NFL record for most playoff victories by a quarterback.

So the 2011 New York Jets season will be exciting. The New England Patriots are going to be very good again, the Buffalo Bills should be vastly improved, and the Miami Dolphins… well let’s just say Tony Sparano has done a magnificent job keeping the Dolphins mediocre – which has been an absolute delight to see for New York Jets fans.

As for my 2011 New York Jets season prediction I am going to concur with Head Coach Rex Ryan and say that the Jets are going to the Superbowl.

28-21. A score for the ages, in what is according to Rex Ryan the second biggest game in franchise history. The fact is, this next game against the Steelers will push this win to third, because the game against the Steelers is for the right to go to the Superbowl in Dallas.

Talking smack is cool now! With this being a copycat league, won’t the Rex Ryan and New York Jets players smack talk become the ‘in’ thing to do in the NFL?

Pretty boy Tom Brady is starting to lose his charm after two years straight of being knocked out of the playoffs in their first game, both at home. But tonight, new stars of the AFC shown brightly.

LT played another heck of a game,  scoring his third touchdowns in the playoffs.

Shonn Greene had a heck of a game, running for the score that broke open the game late.

Santonio Holmes made a historic, epic reception in the corner of the endzone, then got his two feet in bounds a split second before landing out of bounds. Holmes once before made an immaculate catch, a pass from Big Ben while playing for Pittsburgh in the Superbowl. That day he won the game for them, and tonight his incredibly difficult touchdown catch adds to his legacy of making the biggest plays at the biggest moments.

Jets Defense played so well, frustrating Brady,  sacking him several times, forcing fumbles, producing some hard hits time and again, and catching a game changing interception early on.  Smith, Scott, Ellis, Revis and Cromartie amongst others had amazing performances. This was a total team effort, and truly the Jets defense stepped up.

Jerricho  Cotchery had a huge catch and run that was so timely.

Braylon Edwards had a huge catch that got Sanchez in a groove.

Mark Sanchez again played great. 4 playoff wins in his first 2 seasons. This kid played at an ultra high level. The offensive line protected him well and gave him time to make some fantastic decisions and throws.

The Offensive Line played strong, allowing the Jets running backs the opportunity to gain yards repeatedly by running the football.

The coaches coached great. From exceptional special teams, to the variety of offensive play calls, to the perfect mixture of defensive blitzes and strong pass coverage choices the New York Jets coaching staff did a fantastic job.

The list of great performances today goes on and on. This was a total team effort.

The AFC Championship Game against Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh for the right to go to the Superbowl in Dallas.

To the game: We will all remember this game for Brad Smith. Brad Smith has had some welcome to the NFL moments as NY Jet, basically because about 1/2 the time he touches the ball he is running for a big play with it. However, on Thanksgiving Brad Smith had 2 huge monsterous epic emotional ‘I can’t believe what I just saw’ moments. A long kickoff return and a long rushing touchdown that were instrumental accounting for more than half of the Jets 26 points.

What I love about Brad Smith is that he runs and protects the ball. The Dallas Cowboys lost a game they controlled because Roy Williams boneheaded one hand protecting the ball running style. Williams switched the ball from his one hand to the other moments before getting stripped at the end of the game. If he just holds the ball with two hands and falls down, the Cowboys win that game virtually everytime. Brad Smith protects the ball always, I like that. 53 yard end-around and a 89 yard kickoff return were a testament to his vision while running with the football.

The Jets defense showed up and dominated. Two interceptions, plenty of quarterback pressures and three sacks, one of which went for a huge 2 point conversion stretching the lead to 16. Revis Island embarrassed Terrell Owens. Coverage was so tight, T.O. only saw 6 passes come his way for 3 catches and a measly 17 total yards. T.O. said Revis is “just an average corner” so if that is the case, what makes you T.O.? – a very, very below average wide receiver because Revis Island has punked you the past 3 games you played against him.

Thanks Jets for delivering a not so pretty at times, but hard fought victory on Thanksgiving. Now, how about an early Christmas present by delivering a victory against the New England Patriots next week?

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Now their opponents the Baltimore Ravens are no slouch, with many of the idiotic talking heads projecting the Ravens as Superbowl bound, but hopefully on this day Revis Island and the Jets D can put those thoughts on ice.

Jets are stacked, as much as we have ever been. Obviously, we have something special and entertaining in Head Coach Rex Ryan. So much that he can convince players to get on board the Jets en route to his proclaimed Superbowl bound flight. LT, Jason Taylor, Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie are just a few of the big name new faces we will see tonight, well not Holmes who smoked his way to a 4 game suspension.

Offensive Line looks as good as ever, execpt for the BIG hole at left tackle, but who needs to block the Sanchise’s blindside anyway. Defensively we have big names that will hopefully lead us to another top defensive year.

And we got Sanchise. Who people knock at every opportunity for inadvertantly throwing to the wrong colored jerseys way too often. But he was a rookie, and now as a seasoned veteran – ok thats a stretch – hopefully he will surprise those expecting a sophomore slump like he surprised those who said rookies can’t win playoff games.

I went to the liberty of asking my friend his take on the game, and not to my surprise he of course chose to pick the ‘nevermores’ over the Jets during the opening day game. Here I share his thoughts:

I’ve been running hot in football so here are my picks for the 2 games tonight. All lines are as of when I write this.

Baltimore (+1.5) AT NY Jets

This is going to be ugly, as Flacco is dealing with new receiving corp, and Derrick Mason and Heap are still going to gouge the Jets in the playaction game. Which means Ray Rice will killing it. But, the Jets D is good so killing it will be 70 to 80 yds for him, and 20 points as team. Holding calls and 2 picks by Sanchez are going to doom the D on a possession, as field position is going to be key. The B’More offense will be unspectacular as well, but a little more cohesive. I have Shonn Greene in the fumble pool for this one.

20-16 Ravens (with a 40% chance of Ravens blowout)

Good thing he gets 80% of his picks wrong

4 years and a bunch of money was all it took to get Revis Island on the field. The long hold out which was too often played out in the media cost Revis over 1/2 million dollars in fines. But in the end Revis got his big(ger) payday and is now set to join the Jets 53 man roster.

With the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots the teams on the early season schedule having Darrelle Revis playing cornerback was going to be vital. Expect him to be ready to shut down those top tier wide receivers all season long.

Congratulations Revis Island, now go out there and win a couple of Defensive Player of the Year awards!

1. A star who once shined so bright on the biggest stage, known for one of the greatest catches in Superbowl history, Santonio Holmes. Holmes won’t make his appearance during the opening credits, he has a 4 game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
2. 2009′s most fast rising star, Darrelle Revis is holding out for more money despite a $120 million offer.
3. One of the greatest stars of all time, LT is trying to rediscover his former glory.
4. Another fresh face and troubled star, Antonio Cromartie has tabloid written all over him as he arrives in NY. The drama begins when you have seven kids in five states, and child-support issues.
5. The trash talking funny man Rex Ryan whose quotes are so entertaining.
6. Charismatic young quarterback Mark Sanchez who has a bit of Brett Favre recklessness to his game.
7. Over-paid and under-performing first round draft pick Vernon Gholston who doubtfully will ever live up to his hype for even one play.
8. Braylon Edwards who evidently has seriously more memorable dropped passes than passes he has caught
9. There is also some real TV talent in Jason Taylor, his moves on “Dancing With the Stars” should help land him a starring role in this show.
10. The fans who love them.

I just want to say thank you to all of the players and coaches who have made this regular season captivating and the improbable playoff run riveting and unforgettable.

The future of the Jets looks bright, but before everyone starts talking about all the positives for next season, we should reflect on a few of the thrilling moments and lasting impressions with which the Jets players  thoroughly entertained us with this entire year. Their skill and passion for the game alongside the cockiness and bravado made being a Jets fan this year something truly special.

Big, Loud, and Proud Rex Ryan proclaiming confidence like the clear favorite in the face of unimaginable odds. And for proclaiming us dead when we actually had a faint heartbeat.

Mark Sanchez going through every phase of being a rookie while saving his best for when it mattered most.  Two playoff victories ties Joe Flacco for most ever by a rookie and his AFC Championship game performance was truly magnificent.

Being 23 minutes away from the Superbowl. Next year lets get some home playoff games – in our brand new stadium!!!

Revis Island. Single handedly making defense cool.

The entire defense. Witnessing that level of play week in and week out made me believe in stops and not just hope for them.

Running the football. Old School football is still relevant and Thomas Jones, Shonn Greene and Leon Washington were the best at it.

Braylon Edwards.  Braylon we new you were due for a big catch, but the 80 yard AFC Championship game touchdown reception from Mark Sanchez was even beyond our wildest imagination. We all witnessed the  longest offensive play in New York Jets playoff history.  That trade was awesome.

Jerricho Cotchery. Love the toughness, soft hands and intelligence you bring to the table.

Dustin Keller you are a huge part of our future, and  your three touchdowns during the playoffs makes you a top flight tight-end.

The Owner and General Manager for assembling an all star cast of players that appears to be primed for a good run in the near future.

The fans for chanting J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets loud, real loud. And to Fireman Ed for telling us when to do so.

I know I am proudly riding the  Green Wave on the new era Jets.

Thank You,

Robert, lifelong Jets fan

In the second greatest game ever played by the Jets franchise, the 2009-2010 New York Jets are in the AFC Championship Game.

The improbable 17-14 win over the hottest team in football – Chargers had 11 consecutive victories going into the game – moves the Jets into a rematch with Indianapolis for the right to play in the Superbowl.

Great Effort. Defense played with a lion’s heart and the entire team contributed to this amazing victory.

Brilliant game Mark Sanchez. You made history and we believe you can take us to the Superbowl.

Shonn Greene. Two postseason games both of which he rushed for over 100 yards and scored a crucial touchdown.

Thomas Jones. When we needed one yard we knew you could get it for us.

Darrelle Revis. Again the game turned on your interception. Your half speed run was stride for stride with Vincent Jackson running all out.

Jim Leonard. That toughness and determination makes you an integral part of our defense.

Special Teams. Well coached and well executed.

Dustin Keller. Great hands.

Coaching Staff. Great minds.

I am the Happiest Person in San Diego

By the way, check out my NFL Playoff Predictions from September they were pretty close, got 3 of the final four correct and of course I got Jets over the Vikings in the Superbowl.

Jets Defeat Bengals.

The New York Jets, who were way outside looking into the playoffs just a few weeks ago have now become the NFL Cinderella.

Total Team Effort. Sanchise Delivered. Defense Delivered. Running Game, Special Teams and Coaches Delivered. Dustin Keller Played Great. How about that for playoff experience for Mark Sanchez.

This win needs to be celebrated.

Love Rex Ryan. Before the game, the New York Jets coach did an indirect Joe Namath type guarantee by passing out a practice/off day schedule to the entire team through February 9, 2010 – the day of the Superbowl Parade.