Mental State Of Mark Sanchez Key To New York Jets Making A Run

Over the last seven days, Mark Sanchez has been beaten by a quarterback who rarely throws a forward pass, and replaced in practice by another who hasn’t seen the field in a meaningful game in years. The mental state of Mark Sanchez, has expressed both confident and fearful tendencies over two and a half NFL seasons, and is the key component for the Jets playoff hopes. As the club embarks on a six game stretch that includes winnable games on paper, with virtually no room for error.

The 5-5 Jets have done it to themselves. Shoddy offensive line play, a pedestrian rushing attack, and a defense that has failed to dominate the line of scrimmage, have along with the now mistake prone Sanchez, all contributed to the club’s current need of running the table.

Going 5-1 should get the Jets in. 4-2 probably won’t. Not with five losses already in the AFC, and an AFC East title that appears headed for another Foxboro crowning.

The task is doable. A banged up Bills team. A QB-less Chiefs club. A Jekyll and Hyde Philly team and 3-7 yet improving group of Dolphins bring a semblance of hope to the Jets. Provided that their play improves. Starting with Sanchez.

It hasn’t all been the fault of the quarterback though much of the blame for the losing has fallen on the shoulders of number six. What has come first, the Jets quarterback’s lack  of ball security or the mounting losses, is debatable. What is NOT up for debate is that Sanchez has made a plethora of key errors that have led directly to failed outcomes. A collection of instances that have left many questioning his ability to lead the Jets.

Sanchez entered this season prematurely awarded the keys to an “Air Coryell” type of offense that was to throw early and often. Deep and short, and all over the field. Once the hardened wall of  a promising 2-0 start began to show cracks up front, a decision was made to do an about face. The “ground and pound” then made their way back into the huddle after Sanchez took a physical beating in Baltimore. In a loss that dropped the Jets to 2-2 during a hellacious three game road swing. The club’s move back in time settled down the ball security issues that following Sunday, but still resulted in a low octane, 30-21 loss at New England.

After a mundane offensive performance during a 24-6 Monday night win over winless Miami, OC Brian Schottenheimer came out from his lab in order to implement “science project three,” a spread out attack against San Diego. The new look got all Jet skill players involved early. However, an end zone interception thrown by Sanchez in the first half thwarted a drive that reminded some of the game ending pick six by Ravens CB Lardarius Webb in Baltimore one week prior. Despite a solid second half comeback that resulted in a big 27-21 win over the Chargers, a scary habit was forming for the Jets underneath the surface, and inside the helmet of it’s signal caller. At 3-3 though, the Jets were at least back in the race.

The Jets returned from a bye week answering doubts surrounding their recent history of egg laying after breaks, by embarking on a crisp nine minute opening drive at 4-2 Buffalo. One that resulted in, you guessed it, an end zone interception by Sanchez that gave Buffalo life. The play seemed to shake the foundation of Sanchez for the rest of the first half, as another pick was followed by a fumbled snap. Two quarters dominated by the Jets defense soon ended with Gang Green owners of a slim 3-0 lead. Sanchez and Co. got it together later in closing out the Bills 27-11, but questions regarding the QB’s “growth” after his nervous play early on, grew louder afterwards.

Now at 5-3, but trailing 30-16 with 8:00 left in a matchup for first place with New England, Sanchez did it again. Throwing a pick six from his own goal line that put the Pats up for good at 37-16. A play that ended the Pats two game slide and talk of a Belichick dynasty in it’s final throes. The interception only compounded an inexplicable timeout that Sanchez had called prior to a late first half TD, that left Tom Brady enough time to regain the lead 13-9, with a TD of his own.

Anecdotally, the lost lead at halftime had sent the Jets marching toward the locker room, where an angry Ryan told NBC the timeout was the “stupidest play in the history of football.” Moments later, a fan compared Ryan’s work to King Bill’s to which the Jets boisterous coach responded “STFU.” A comment that later led to a $75,000 fine by the league on Ryan.

The loss to it’s archrival after the rare shot at a divisional takeover slipped from within their grasp, left the Jets ripe for an ambush in Denver. Where only days later, on an odd Thursday night tilt, Sanchez again threw away the lead. This time at the tail end of the third quarter of a game the Jets led 10-3. Where points were at a premium, as injured primary backs Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson sat as specators. The resulting 10-10 tie then set the stage for Tim Tebow’s impersonation of a John Elway game winning drive.

Despite the many gaffes that Sanchez has had in 2011, his body of work during prior years, should still leave him with many postives to rebuild his confidence from. Regardless of the truth that Ryan’s Jets have been built on defense and a stout rushing attack, Sanchez’s caretaking DID lead to four big comeback wins in 2010. As well as clutch play during mistake free play from behind center over two postseasons.

Mark Brunell was given first team reps over the past few days, but the 19 year veteran is not about to start on Sunday in a must win rematch with the Bills. However, don’t take Ryan seriously when he says as he did at a press conference today, that he can’t envision sitting Sanchez. Should the “Sanchise” struggle with the season on the line, in a winnable game that will feature a Fred Jackson-less Bills offense, don’t be shocked if Ryan goes to the bullpen for a short term fix.

The only person who can prevent this scenario is also the only one who can spearhead the Jets return to a swagger that carried them to the Super Bowl’s doorstep for two years straight. Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez must believe in himself again. By surveying the field. By delivering throws on time. By avoiding the tunnel vision that has led to so many points for the opposing the defense. The Jets QB has to remember that he was brought here to get the Jets over the hump. He must take the field Sunday knowing that if the coaching staff DIDN’T feel as though he could achieve that, he would have never been given the starting job from day one, with a quality team built around him, in the first place.

As Jets Regroup, Time To Consider A Three Headed Monster

It might be late in the game for an entire overhaul of the offense. From airing it out, to grounding and pounding, to a recent attempt at balance, the Jets have tried almost everything in 2011. Except for a three headed attack out of the backfield. Which won’t require an arduous rewriting of the playbook on the fly, in order to do so.

BIG PLAYS FROM SPEEDY MCKNIGHT WILL EASE THE HEAT ON SANCHEZ

QB Mark Sanchez is in desperate need of confidence and rhythm. He has to be better. Perhaps using Joe McKnight as a Dexter McCluster type can help. The second year McKnight can give the Jets a chance for big plays both with some extra pitches outside, and bubble screens from the slot position. Going in motion towards a WR position after initially lining up in the backfield. All of which require little from Sanchez, as far as reading defenses and making tough choices go.

LET GREENE HAMMER, BUT USE HIM LESS

Shonn Greene can continue to hammer away inside. However, despite what the Jets brass will tell you when they say that Greene gets going once his numbers INCREASE, a few less carries will limit the potential of the nagging injuries that seem to plague Greene the MORE he touches the ball.

LT IS A VINTAGE CAR, USE HIM WISELY

LaDainian Tomlinson changes the pace in the screen game and in tough yardage scenarios, where both experience and vision become top priority. His recent MCL sprain though, may require the curtailing of any foreseeable heavy work loads. LT will be key in keeping drives alive, but like a classic and effective vintage car, must be used wisely.

NOTHING WILL HELP THE OFFENSE IF THE JETS DON’T OPEN IT UP

The switch to three instead of two won’t solve everything on. The notion of injecting more of McKnight only helps if the Jets ALSO remember to open up their passing game downfield. Stretching the defense has been the very reason why the eternally emerging TE Dustin Keller, has found little room to work in.

The unwillingness to try many deep throws stifles the Jets many quick slants and five yard outs. Predictable routes that have allowed defenses to pack it in, leaving no room for receivers Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes and Jeremy Kerley to run after the catch.

SHORT RANGE CAN WORK IF THE BALL IS SPREAD AROUND

After keeping teams honest by going deep, the Jets can take solace in knowing that teams CAN be effective when employing a predominantly short range ideology. Take Denver and Tim Tebow as even the most extreme example. Most plays nowadays in the Mile High city, start with footballs being tossed as options BEHIND the line of scrimmage. Yet it is  anyone’s guess as to which Broncos ball carrier or receiver ends up with it.

GO DOWNFIELD, USE THREE RBs, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

So then, what should come first? Throwing downfield to guys like Holmes in order to back the opposing defenses up? Or should the Jets try to spring a few quick pitches and screens for yardage in order to utilize a Sanchez favorite, the play action, to go deep with purpose? Our answer is, it doesn’t matter which of the two is higher up on the scripted play chart. As long as both are tended to, and a potential threat, throughout the game.

THREE RBs WIDENS THE ATTACK WHILE PRESERVING GREENE, LT

Opening it up downfield is a must. Going with a committed three pronged attack out of the backfield is an idea for an offense that certainly needs a spark. What do the Jets have to lose by widening the line of scrimmage with McKnight? Adding his speed and carries to keep the oft injured Greene, and currently banged up Tomlinson, rested.

In order to survive long enough to even attempt a 5-1 finish, the Jets must get more out of Mark Sanchez AND go downfield already. Yet they should consider how a three headed rushing attack could aid in the process.

Jets Fail To Escape Denver, And Fear Of Themselves

To the Jets last night’s 17-13 loss to the Denver Broncos in the church of Tim Tebow, felt more like “The Exorcist,” than a happy go lucky gospel led religious revival. Where that cliched final scene of horror was only a matter of time. Jets fans endured the final moments, watching through their hands like a Friday the 13th film, as the last drive took the Broncos 95 yards to an improbable victory. One that not only placed the Jets into the thin air of uncertainty. It left them trapped in their own fears. With concern and confusion as to what time is the right time for turning up the “risk and reward” dial on either side of the ball.

The Jets had come off of an emotional 37-16 loss to the hated Pats just days prior to this Thursday night matchup. In the altitude against a bizarre, yet effective run based Bronco club, featuring of all things, the option formation. All signs pointed towards a Jet letdown, highlighted by schematic confusion on the field. None of this was to be the case however.

The Jets came out focused on defense, and certainly clear about their intent on offense. One that was to be a mistake free”war of attrition.” Featuring a game long patience to grab any lead, then force the throwing challenged Tebow into trying to gain it back.

The way things were playing out, this shotgun gameplan, put together virtually on the flight out to Denver, was on it’s way to working to perfection. However, an inability to decide upon when to open up the offense, or go for broke and smother Tebow on defense, let things fester for too long. Part of the reason for the decision not to go for the kill, with the ball, was understandable to some degree.

Starting RB Shonn Greene had exited early in the game with a rib injury. Therefore right off the bat, the offense had to deal with more insecurities regarding ball security. Trying to limit mistakes by Sanchez, as the Jets coaches often do, was made more difficult after rookie Bilal Powell fumbled on the Denver goal line, and Joe McKnight, who was the primary ball carrier, fumbled after a long kickoff return. Who could the Jets turn to even if they wanted to put the Broncos away?

A run game in fear of putting the ball on the ground, with a QB who the Jets sidelines are always handcuffing, behind a line that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer seems to doubt during five step drops or more by Sanchez, made for a unit that was walking on eggshells all night.

Those wondering about where the downfield attack asked themselves “where was Santonio Holmes? Why is the only play to Dustin Keller a rollout throw into the flat? How can a team have any room to work if they don’t make the field longer than a ten yard box?”

Playing in fear of a mistake was of course heightened further after Sanchez erased 40 plus minutes of attrition work, by throwing away 7 points and the lead late in the third quarter. In a game where a touchdown felt like 40 points.

It only made sense then, that on a key third down, with the chance to keep the ball rather than give the angelic Tebow one more chance, the Jets chose to run a draw to Powell. Rather than risk the decision making of Sanchez again. Behind a shaky line, with Broncos Dumervill and Miller (already having big nights) ready to pounce from the blindside and change the game.

Why NOT put the safety of insuring a much needed road win in the hands of a Rex Ryan’s defense, right? Right. Sort of.

When the Broncos DID get the ball back with 5:00  left down 13-10, the Jets needing one negative play, feared the big play. Perhaps an aggressive call to create one from coordinator Mike Pettine could have hurt the Jets but also could have created a loss of yardage. A fake blitz look up front could have caused a Bronco lineman to jump out of concern for a sack. Instead, the Broncos milked the clock, moved the chains, and drained the Jets. Slowly. Horrifically.

In fact, after Jim Leonhard missed his chance to close the deal by over pursuing a screen in the end zone on a play that started the nightmarish drive, the only attack the Jets went on, came on a mortally self inflicted middle blitz package. One where Tebow ran like a Pop Warner QB around the left side, virtually untouched, for the game winner with 0:58 seconds left.

Why blitz then? With third and eight, and the Broncos already in game tying FG position? Why not be the aggressor on the other teams twenty yard line? Because they needed proof that Tebow could do it. So he did. for seventy five yards. Rex Ryan, envisioning a brutal bloody ending, like a Hitchcock film said, “blitz.” From the inside. With no insurance that the edges would be guarded. Too little, too late.

The Jets are not dead yet. 5-5 in a conference where many teams will end the weekend with at least four losses, means that with six games left, there is hope. What makes it FEEL like 2011 is over, is not the record as much as how the Jets looked last night.

They played scared. Afraid of themselves. The Jets were afraid to open up the field and take a shot at knocking that team out of their collegiate strategy. They were afraid to attack defensively, miles away from their end zone. Against an option QB with no arm accuracy whatsoever. They were afraid to close the game out on either side of the ball. So the Broncos thanked them for an opportunity instead, and did it for them.

Fear took over this team last night. As it has for much of the year on offense. THAT’s why the Jets season feels as though it has hit a point of no return.

Sanchez/Tebow: Two Unconventional Winners Share Scrutiny

For Mark Sanchez, two AFC championship games in his first two years as a pro hasn’t been enough to silence his doubters. Tim Tebow took over a 1-4 Broncos team that is now 4-5 under his leadership. Instead of admiring Denver’s re-entry back into the AFC West race since Tebow got behind center, detractors question his ability to throw the football. When the Jets and Broncos take the field Thursday night, you can guarantee that experts and fans will be grading each and every play made by two guys who win, but are expected to do alot more. Two young players who continue to be judged not by their club’s record with them at the helm, but through the lens of how they stack up against the NFL’s elite.

Mark Sanchez never got to sit and observe like top gun Aaron Rodgers did in Green Bay under Brett Favre. The league’s best passer in HIS first three years in the NFL didn’t start one single game. Sanchez? His big league learning, after just one year of major college football at USC (which included a Rose Bowl win), has happened ON the field. Not from the sidelines. While having to face a ruthless New York media simultaneously through the growing pains.

When Sanchez leads the Jets onto the field for the 41st time in his two and a half year career, he’ll be doing so with the jury still out on his ability to lead the Jets past the point of an AFC title game appearance.

Those who feel as though Sanchez threatens the Jets chances of going any further, will point to his lack of confidence in throwing the deep ball, as well as his in game emotional swings, and ill timed interceptions .

Sanchez apologist’s will combat that analysis with the fact that he has led game winning drives in 20 percent of the games he has started in New York. This includes the playoffs, where he has led the Jets twice in second half comeback victories (San Diego, 2009, Indianapolis 2010) in going 4-2. With all postseason games having been played by Sanchez and the Jets on the road during that time.

Tebow has been a savior to some, and a pariah to others. Those who don’t see Tebow lasting over the long haul, target his mechanics, and resulting lack of accuracy (44.8 completion pct), with a desire to run first rather than throw. A collegiate trait for a QB, in the eyes of many pro experts.

Tebow threw a paltry eight passes in the win against divisional rivals Kansas City on Sunday. Two were completed. His best day in the air saw him throw for just 172 yards. Despite plenty of garbage time in order to acquire more during a 45-10 loss to Detroit.

When he rushes the ball however, the once two time first team All American, Heisman Trophy winning, National champion Tebow is 48-320 yds (6.0 avg) with two TD’s. Broncos coach John Fox has taken notice, adding the scholastic option formation into the offense for the former Florida Gator legend. Maybe it hasn’t been pretty, but its worked out in the win column for Fox and co.

A late Bronco comeback in Miami (they trailed 15-0 in the waning moments and won in OT), followed by one against their hated enemy the Raiders, has the Broncos now one game out of first place. Like Sanchez though, the wins haven’t been enough to afford Tebow any blind acceptance.

Both Sanchez and Tebow also suffer from long shadows cast over them around their respective homes. After all, in Denver, there was once the great two time Super Bowl champion Hall of Famer, John Elway. The face of Denver’s franchise and perfect drop back passer, who now sits above in the director’s chair. As the Broncos Executive VP of football operations.

In the Big Apple, the shadow that engulfs Sanchez starts not from above, but from the North. Where the great Tom Brady lives. The Patriots three time champion sits inside of the same division that Sanchez has tried to grab from Brady and master general Bill Belichick. Who thanks to his signal caller and disciplined no named army, have now obtained enough hardware to be considered as one of the great dynasties in the sport.

Brady is a constant source of the  ”compare and contrast” talk, which makes it hard for Sanchez to ever come out on top of many arguments. As Brady spreads it around for scores to Welker, Gronkowski, Hernandez and the rest, you can just hear that Jets fan in the bar saying “Sanchez will never do that.” It is true. He may never do that. Sanchez though, IS 3-4 against Brady so far. 1-0 against him in the playoffs.

With both teams currently in second place, Sanchez and Tebow can ill afford to lose on Thursday night. The winner may not be included in the group of key reasons for the victory. The loser, most likely tagged with a lion’s share of the blame for the loss. Facing a scrutiny that not only comes with falling short, but doing so with an unorthodox style, and pedestrian stat line as well.

Rex And Jets Must Turn Page To Prepare For Second Half Run

Rex Ryan was out of line. Plain and simple. A head coach, right or wrong shouldn’t be taking on paid customers. Ones who pay to get close and pop off shouldn’t expect flowers in return either. Where Rex could apply the new team mantra in a more useful way though, is in talking to himself and the team. This regarding the notion of giving the AFC East away after nine games. Since when were playoff berths handed out before the Turkey and stuffing go around the table?

OK, fine. The Patriots have swept the Jets in 2011, and during the last contest between the two. Gang Green even lacked big game poise throughout. That still doesn’t mean that that other team is invincible the rest of the way. Not like they once were. No way.

Especially in this strange NFL season. Where the 49ers are matching the Montana 49ers for wins with Alex Smith. Where the Seahawks and Jaguars knocked off the big bad Ravens. Where the AFC East leading Texans, that’s right, the Texans will now have to go the distance with that other USC QB, Matt Leinart

The Jets stopped themselves for two and a half quarters, when they weren’t adding time on the clock for future hall of famer Tom Brady to work two minute drills. They truly executed poorly. Even with that, the offense was set to get the ball back down just 13-9 in the third, before Joe McKnight fumbled.

In prior years, the score by then would have been 23-9, or worse given the efficiency that Tom Brady and co. have exemplified in the past.. Well it wasn’t 23-9 this time. The teams are not THAT far apart. Even it means that a road game in Foxboro in the postseason will be the only way for the Jets to prove that to themselves. Again.

The Jets failed to expose a battered New England secondary on Sunday night. Failed to finally grab hold of the AFC East driver’s seat. Failed to seize the moment. That moment is over now. The players should take Rex’s new bumper sticker catch phrase and stick it on the wall of their own lockers. Move on from the disappointment of not stepping up in the rematch. Learn from it yes, but don’t talk about it anymore.

Concentrate on what lies ahead instead, which is an opportunity to hold serve as far as playoff possibilities go. Refocus and consider what opportunities ARE available.  Before taking on a Denver club that lost running backs last Sunday and had it’s quarterback throw less passes in a game than some local Pop Warner QB’s do. Before needing help from OTHER teams down the stretch.

The Jets entire organization has to turn the page right this minute, regarding their never ending obsession with New England. Or in using the words of Ryan, “STFU” and play football. There is plenty of it left. Seven games in fact. Practically half a season. Beating the Patriots is a sure sign of one’s worth, but it doesn’t award an AFC team the automatic path to the Super Bowl either. Just ask the 2010 Jets that.

As for Mark Sanchez and the never ending debate about his talents, the media can run him out of town too now if they’d like. They might first however, want to keep in mind that many who now applaud the new elite QB Eli Manning, once had him dangling off of a cliff in Chicago years back. Where talk of a benching hit the airwaves from the Fox broadcasters booth in Soldier Field. This prior to a second half comeback, led by Manning that lifted the Giants to a big road win. This on their way to a playoff berth and eventual Super Bowl title.

Sanchez has to date, not shown that he is an elite QB by any stretch. Even with the addition of Plaxico Burress and a familiarity with everyone else in that WR corps. We’re not Sanchez apologists. We see that too. So do most Jets fans.

That doesn’t mean that he can’t lead teams to wins in December and January. Again. For the third straight season. For those who have already forgotten what the last two winters looked like when number 6 took the Jets on the road to send Rivers, Manning, and Mr 14-2 Brady, home.

Nobody in Jets nation is happy with 5-4 and two losses to the first place team in the books. Especially to the hated Pats of all clubs. There’s no crying in football though. No waving white flags either.

The Jets must put it behind them, forget the Pats for now, toughen up, and go get a win. It won’t be easy. The thin Denver altitude always makes things tough on visitors. Especially on short rest. Against ANOTHER QB who like Sanchez, possesses one redeeming stat. The propensity to win, no matter how ugly it can sometimes look.

The Jets have to count their blessings, and not wallow in any disappointment. Four losses and still in the running? Consider yourselves lucky fellas. As for November obituaries, hey, we’ve all been wrong about teams and players before. Ask St Louis Cardinal baseball beat folks about what THEY were writing about last August. Not the World Series we bet.

Yes, Rex inappropriately told some fan to STFU, but that message can apply to more than one drunk idiot who happened to have a great seat to a big primetime game.

For the Jets, it’s time to get ready for Denver. Thursday night is not a trap game now. It’s another crucial one.

The Landscape Has Changed For The New York Jets

The Jets, once 2-3 with no identity and a growing hole to climb out of, have suddenly gained a share of the AFC East lead. Owning a piece of the penthouse that will come as a surprise to detractors, who saw this club as one ready to implode after a brutal early road trip. It shouldn’t. A defense returning ten starters and an offense that has added key pieces, are simply beginning to gel. The Jets are NOT the same team that culminated a three game skid in Foxboro. Gang Green’s crucial Sunday night matchup with the Patriots comes at the right time. As all systems are go.

Hard lessons learned on the road

The Jets learned some hard, but key lessons during each stop of their long losing tour. One sent them reeling and threatened to ruin their season. In Oakland, the club realized their need to tighten the bolts on the edges thanks to the Oakland’s Darren McFadden. Otherwise running backs would roam free down sidelines all year long, like cars in the EZ Pass lane.

In Baltimore, the Jets realized that their chemistry was off. Derrick Mason was then sent packing. In Foxboro the Jets regained their footing on the ground but may have overemphasized the notion of the “Ground and Pound,” after a month of trying to force feed an air attack featuring a third year quarterback and new faces at wide receiver. Balance on offense was needed.

Turmoil subsides and a win streak begins

By the time the Jets returned home at 2-3 for a win or else matchup against hapless Miami, the club faced an uphill climb (the Pats and Bills were 4-1 at the time) back to the top of the standings. The big question at the time however, was not their play on the field, but the team’s unity off of it.

Former Jet hero Joe Namath had started it all back in week three by suggesting on 1050 ESPN that Rex Ryan’s “soft” overconfident approach led to an ambush in Oakland. A Daily News report that the wideouts were unhappy with Schotty then surfaced prior to the Baltimore loss. Suddenly a Jets club that had motivated itself with an “us against the world” mentality under Rex Ryan, appeared to have acquired a cancerous “us against each other” one. The soil was still fertile inside of Florham Park to the outside observer while the offensive line had struggled without Nick Mangold. A three time All Pro who was returning as the Jets headed for Foxboro.

All of those internal dramas however, were symbolically put to rest when Santonio Holmes and Brandon Moore ended their feud by coming out together as captains for the Monday night coin toss against the winless Dolphins. The move was a brilliant ploy by Ryan. What it showed the Jets and the entire nation was that THIS team would not be broken up by weekday quotes and any frustrations borne out of any October troubles. The offense again started slow again that night, but the defense began to ferment, albeit against backup Matt Moore. The result was a 24-6  win. A display that may not have proved the club as Super Bowl worthy, but went a long way towards building the club’s confidence back up again.

Offense and defense rise

Now at 3-3, a key matchup against 4-1 San Diego, helped set the stage for a cementing of the foundation on both sides of the ball. During the losing streak, the defense had been growing, even though the offense was still not in rhythm. Aaron Maybin was resigned in week four, adding speed and pass rushing to the equation. Kyle Wilson provided solid coverage in the nickel and Antonio Cromartie had begun to keep his hands to himself. All while Darrelle Revis was embarking upon what has been up until now, a career year.

The defense looked good against Baltimore. It was the turnovers that killed them THAT night. One week later, despite Ben Jarveus Green Ellis rushing for 136 yards in Foxboro, the defense put pressure on Tom Brady. Miami was dealt with properly as well, despite a long gain outside by Reggie Bush in the first quarter.

Trailing at the half 21-10 against the historically high powered Chargers (who have struggled as of late but were still viewed as a legit first place team at the time) who featured a hot Antonio Gates that day, the defense finally put it all together. They shut out Phillip Rivers, Gates and co. in the second half. This while featuring a spread out passing game and featuring Shonn Greene. Both working effectively in unison for the first time all season. Seventeen unanswered points. 27-21 Jets. A template was now in place for the offense now as well.

Bye week fear is put to rest

Then fears of a bye week layoff reared their ugly head. After all, Rex’s Jets were 0-2 after bye weeks, and looked bad doing it. Trailing both the 5-2 Bills and 5-2 Pats, the Jets flew up to Orchard Park, with a dodgy post bye history and a hot upstart Bills team in their way.

The Jets battled complacency and a fired up Bills home crowd on Sunday by coming out focused, fast, and aggressive. In all phases. Fred Jackson, the Bills go to star, was bottled up all afternoon. The Jet offense itself, was marching up and down the field in the first half. Often times they stopped themselves with too many mistakes, but the club’s ten minute drive on their first possession (resulting in a brutal interception by Mark Sanchez) provided a window into the future as to how the Jets could move the ball against Buffalo. Once they stopped aiming the gun at their own feet, the Jets offense, with the help of a Rex Ryan defense that is now starting to take over games, settled in and hit cruise control for a 27-11 win. Their third straight.

A Giants win moves the Jets into a first place tie

Hours later, QB Eli Manning gave Patriot fans Super Bowl nightmarish flashbacks with a dramatic come from behind win in the final minute. It was a Giants victory that was music to Jets fans ears as it dropped the Pats into the three way tie with the Bills and Jets at 5-3. The AFC East race is once again wide open. With the Jets having made up ground that one month ago, with so much working against them, seemed like a longshot.

TOJ Roundtable Week 9 – Jets/Bills Predictions

Joe Caporoso: Check the 12 Pack

TJ Rosenthal: Jets Win If – They stop Fred Jackson. The Bills offense can be contained in the air for two reasons. First, their WR combo of Stevie Johnson and David Nelson won’t stand a chance to Darrelle Revis should the Jets choose to lock either one of them up. The Bills TE Scott Chandler has 6 TD’s but has been targeted just 18 times all season. The Jets get exposed when TE’s force safeties up in coverage. By shutting down the passing game the Jets can attend to Jackson who has been rushing for 5.5 yards per carry (132-721 yds).

A Roadmap Is Found By The New York Jets

The Jets exited the field of Met Life stadium on Sunday, entering the much needed rest of a bye week as owners of not only a crucial comeback win, but possibly of a roadmap containing an identity and blueprint for the future.

Down 21-10 midway through the third quarter to the 4-1 Chargers was not how Gang Green had drawn up their pre game battle plans against a Bolts offense known for delivering high powered knockout blows. Then again, neither was a 3-3 start to a 2011 season that was racing towards a scenario that would have left the club three games back of first place with half the year already in the books. Then it all came together. On both sides of the ball.

A ten play 55 yard TD drive that started with 7:30 left in the third quarter, was soon followed by a game changing interception by, who else, Darrelle Revis. Just like that, a two score deficit became a one score lead. Along with it, the reemergence of hope for a season that a short while ago, contained Super Bowl goals.

Credit the eternally embattled offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for making a point to get ALL Jets skill position players involved during the first half. This attention to detail not only gave Shonn Greene (20 carries -112 yards) the amount of carries that Rex Ryan often insists will make him a War Machine again, but it helped keep another embattled Jet, Plaxico Burress, attentive long enough to add two more TD catches to his three score day.

Looks to speedy rookie  Jeremy Kerley with carries finally given to Joe McKnight, gave the Jets some unpredictable flavor. This as Sanchez took shots to big play Santonio Holmes (who had an incredible diving TD reception called back due to a holding call) as well.

The offensive line also stepped up again. Credit the recent return of Nick Mangold from injury and the improved play of Wayne Hunter at RT (who helped slow down Miami’s pass rushing star Cameron Wake the week before) for the rise in quality. With the offensive line coming together to help spearhead a balanced attack (Sanchez 173 yds passing. Jets rushing attack combined 162 yds), the Jets were able to surpass their 24.2 points per game average just enough to turn things over to Rex’s defense. A unit that was also doing it’s share of growing.

While Revis was busy taking star WR Vincent Jackson (1-15 yds) out of the equation, the Jets were busy trying to sort out their first half issues of once again dealing with the tight end. This was not your normal one, somehow burning them up and down the field though. It was future hall of famer Antonio Gates. Gates was open early and often during the first half but better coverage by the safeties, linebackers, and emerging second year CB Kyle Wilson on Gates in the second half (Wilson’s first NFL interception late in the 4th to help seal the win) was a big reason that the Jets held the mighty Chargers offense scoreless after halftime.

Scrap heap gem Aaron Maybin, provided his third sack and added some pressures to a defense that exited the game 6th in the NFL with 18 sacks. The notion of pressure from both Calvin Pace and now Maybin, with weekly lockdown coverage from Revis, could now get another boost INSIDE the numbers from players like Wilson.

Should this and Antonio Cromartie’s work towards keeping his hands to himself (as he did for the most part on Sunday) begin to solidify, than THIS Jet defense, during this modest two game win streak, may have found a rocket boost in two places; Pressure and coverage.

Now add Special Teams into the equation. With McKnight and Kerley having safely allowed the Jets to have moved beyond the loss of current Buffalo Bill Brad Smith due to their big plays during the first seven games, the Jets can add the potential for big plays into their new formula. One that abandoned the overload of pass or run for a less obvious mixture.

In September, the Jets tried to feature Mark Sanchez as a fantasy football owner’s dream. In October, they tried to delve into the past with the ultra conservative Ground and Pound. Against the Chargers, in the final game before the Winter months arrive, they blended both. Letting everyone join the party in doing so.

When the air attack would end up in turnovers, Jets coaches would often retreat into treating Mark Sanchez as an adolescent. A teenager not to be trusted alone in the house while the parents were out for the night. During the Chargers win however, Sanchez, despite any recent proof of an ability to lead the club all day with his arm, was imparted with a measurable amount of faith from the Jets sidelines. It payed off, as key pieces provided big time production at the right time.

Burress was BROUGHT HERE to be fed in the Red Zone. Sanchez fed him. TE Dustin Keller, the true safety valve wasn’t forgotten. He was featured. Greene’s engine was made to plow over ground like a tank after the engine was properly heated. Sunday, the third year back was given the ball. Time and again. The Jets overall ability to finally use their weapons collectively, helped the club finally move the chains. In doing so, it allowed the defense the opportunity to stay rested and settle in.

The Jets, at 4-3, have not played well enough against enough quality teams, to simply assume that they are now undoubtedly headed for a third straight playoff appearance under Ryan. They ARE however in position to, for the first time this year, put the search mission to rest. The Jets, if even for a brief two quarter stretch, showed themselves who they are, and who they can be. A team that runs the ball efficiently while using the air to both threaten and damage.

They are a team that will always leave a top receiver stranded while pressure and coverage thanks to the surprising play of Maybin and Wilson, may help tighten the screws even tighter on the opposition.

Buffalo and New England are up next. It won’t be easy. However, a Jets team that may now be firing on all cylinders, will be tough for opponents to beat as well. The Jets can use the second half comeback that saw 17 unanswered points, as a template going forward, provided they can show that all of the miscommunication that went on weeks back inside of the Jets locker room, was like their inconsistent play, a thing of the past.

Those faces are starting to fall in place. Just in the nick of time. November is here and that means that it is time to make the push for the playoffs. The Jets are set up to do that now. To be a team that CAN surge head on into January, and perhaps even beyond. For the first time this season.

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JEFF CAPELLINI TALKING JETS FANS BACK TO REALITY

Sanchez Led The Way Before The Light Began To Fade

Sanchez this, Sanchez that. Say whatever you want about Mark Sanchez. The elite quarterback who had the 21-10 lead with the ball  in the third quarter, lost. The one who is always under fire for not “progressing,” won.

Mark Sanchez, against the elite QBs in the AFC is now: 3-3 against Tom Brady, 2-0 against Phillip Rivers, and 1-1 against Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning.

The third year franchise signal caller has alot of improving to do. With his consistency, his footwork, and his ability to be resourceful earlier in games when the team is struggling to move the ball.

However, he steals wins late in games more than he hands victories over by making dumb mistakes down the stretch. His decision making hardens when the going gets tough. Add four playoff wins during his first two years to the equation as well.

The Jets are now 4-3. It is essential that Sanchez continues to develop. The Jets DON’T need however, to teach Sanchez how to win. While his imperfections have prevented him from being a statistical killer to this point, maybe it is time for the detractors to finally accept what Mark Sanchez in two and a half seasons HAS brought to the Jets. Leadership.

On Sunday down 21-10 in the third quarter, when the season felt like it was once again, hanging in the balance, Sanchez began to show off HIS biggest attribute. With two of his three TD passes to Plaxico Burress coming in the second half, key scrambles, and third down completions, the Jets quarterback found a way to help navigate the Jets out of the darkness and into the second half of a season now filled with promise and hope. Just minutes before much of the light in a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations, began to fade.

New York Jets Fans Want More Joe McKnight

The combination of a struggling offense and some big time plays on special teams from Joe McKnight have helped peak the curiosity around Jets Nation as to what the former USC product could bring to the table, in any sort of extended role.

So far in 2011, McKnight’s accomplishments include blocking a key punt that led to a comeback win, running back the longest kickoff return on Jets history. He’s also caught a few passes downfield after lining up in the slot, and has had a few tries out of the backfield taking pitches outside hoping to break one down the sidelines. So now what?

We polled Jets Nation on Twitter by asking them “What size role do you want to see the Jets give Joe McKnight at this point in the season?”

31 Percent – 5-10 TOUCHES at RB/WR

24 Percent- 10 TOUCHES at RB 24 pct

15 Percent – 10-15 TOUCHES at RB

7.5 Percent – 15 TOUCHES as KR/RB/WR combined

7.5 Percent – Part of an even spread three ways (Greene, LT, McKnight)

7.5 Percent – Split carries 50/50 with Shonn Greene 7.5 pct

7.5 Percent – Continue along in the same role.

92.5 Percent – Role to increase towards a minimum of 5-10 touches per game.

The reasoning behind the increase in activity for McKnight included the following:

• Simply faster than both Shonn Greene, and Ladainian Tomlinson.
• At this point the Jets have nothing to lose.
• McKnight hits the hole faster.
• He’ll be effective in the same role as a Danny Woodhead: RB/WR
• The Offense needs a spark and additional breakaway speed.

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