Football Jets

The New York Jets had an epic victory at the expense of their most hated rivals, the New England Patriots. Rex Ryan made it personal between him and Bill Belichick and on this day he out coached him by a wide margin. The Jets defense dominated this game and Mark Sanchez had a magical performance throwing three touchdowns.

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.

A common theme this year is Darrelle Revis leading the Jets defense to wins. On Thursday night this was no different as Revis locked down Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrelle Owens holding him to only 3 catches for 31 yards. Literally this guy is the reason the Jets are now 6-6 and only a game behind Denver for a wild card position.

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.