AFC Divisional Weekend: Jets 17 Chargers 14 Final

[TKF]

I think what people overlook, is that the jets as a team were willing to stick with sanchez and theyknew they would sacrafice some regular season wins, but if they could get in the playoffs, theycould do some damage with a great defense, running game and a QB who has a regular season under his belt.. Honestly, i watched every jet game this year..easily this was a 11 win maybe 12..

whenyou have a team that is #1 in rushing, #1 defense and #1 scoring defense, you have to take them real serious and ignore their 9-7 record... Cincy and the chargers found out..

[Jose7]

Swagging.

And props to Kerry Rhodes with his best game in over 2 seasons today. Dude made some big tackles and had that great strips sack.

[TKF]

Our defense does not beat itself with stupid penalties. That is very important. Plus, the Chargers were so impatient. They never want to aim for short yardage on 3rd down. It made them quite predictable.

something that is SOOO FUNNY TO ME is that this team lost Kris Jenkins and Leon Washington can you imagine how amazing our defense would be with that steady big man at nose tackle and a slasher type to compliment a Shonn Greenne etc... not only am i so amped about this year in the playoffs but our future is finally looking up im so excited about it and hope during the draft we pick up a couple more weapons and a guy Kris Jenkins can teach and help our d line...LETS GO JETS

Yeah I thought we were done when we lost them. We could have won 11 games and hosted the 5th seed. Things happen for a reason - for us we need a pass rusher and big time receiver. For now I am happy with Rex as our coach and the game Marty called the second half.

I agree.. we lost two pro bowl players and managed to pick up the pieces. imagine having jenkins.. the guy is a beast in the middle. love the way we are hanging in there..

[Manhattan Project]

[BelieveTheDream]

eh devito is more so a D-end ive always liked him and Pouha has been decent but nowhere near what jenkins can do or done for us, i think we need to draft d-line next year people who can rush the passer besides Pace cause we in my eyes, our D-line and MAYBE a percy harvin type wide out someone with blazing speed is really all we need on this team also a punter but that doesn't come till obviously late rounds but yea...love this team's direction and i love what Rex has done with this team i really do

+1 on everything...and you are spot on about the punter. He gave field position twice in the first half. Luckily on the second one, the kicker missed.

ive never realized how important it was to have a punter who can give you good field position EVERYTIME i mean the chargers punter pinned us back a bunch and i think its the raiders punter who literally pinned us at the 4 yard line like 3-4 times in one game it makes a HUGE difference from starting there or the 30-40 and i really dont like weatherford so we do need that 100%.... our core players

Sanchez-22
Greene-24
Keller-25
Revis-24
Lowery-22
David Harris-26
Braylon-26
Cotch-27
Mangold-26
D-BRICK-26
Rhodes-27
Leonhard-27
i mean we have the pieces in place and i think after this draft if we make the right choices during this draft i really believe we could have something special moving forward

[Marty McFly]

I'm not a jet fan, but they deserve credit.i think they got a great shot at the colts.i'd like to see them treat the saints like ragdolls.

[StutterStep]

i mean we have the pieces in place and i think after this draft if we make the right choices during this draft i really believe we could have something special moving forward

We are a young team but I give a lot of credit to coaching just like I take away a lot from them when it comes to the Knicks.

I've liked both of the Jets' recent head coaches but I like Rex more because he doesn't play scared. True, he has his father's philosophy that defense and running the ball is more important than passing. I can live with that even though I like a top passer much more.

Rex is a man's coach. That call at the end to go for it on 4th and 1? Mangini would have kicked the FG and given the Chargers a chance to score a TD to beat us by 1.

[StutterStep]

I'm not a jet fan, but they deserve credit.i think they got a great shot at the colts.i'd like to see them treat the saints like ragdolls.

The Colts, Saints and Vikings are a bit different from the Chargers. They put up points on any type of defense. The Chargers had an impressive streak but they beat a lot of teams that could not score a whole lot of points. The difference was that our defense could stop them and hold them under 21.

[Marty McFly]

I'm not a jet fan, but they deserve credit.i think they got a great shot at the colts.i'd like to see them treat the saints like ragdolls.

The Colts, Saints and Vikings are a bit different from the Chargers. They put up points on any type of defense. The Chargers had an impressive streak but they beat a lot of teams that could not score a whole lot of points. The difference was that our defense could stop them and hold them under 21.

i know.i saw two of those teams wipe there asses with the g-men.

[BelieveTheDream]

Swagging.

And props to Kerry Rhodes with his best game in over 2 seasons today. Dude made some big tackles and had that great strips sack.

Rhdoes looked like the player he did when he should of been a pro bowler...WE NEED TO HAVE HIM RUSH THE QB MORE didn't he have almost 7 sacks in a year i mean hes a playmaker and i would love to let him loose a bit more like we did today

[TdoubleE]

I'm not a jet fan, but they deserve credit.i think they got a great shot at the colts.i'd like to see them treat the saints like ragdolls.

The Colts, Saints and Vikings are a bit different from the Chargers. They put up points on any type of defense. The Chargers had an impressive streak but they beat a lot of teams that could not score a whole lot of points. The difference was that our defense could stop them and hold them under 21.

Great point. All week I thought to myself that this team beat up on the likes of KC, Oakland and Denver (who was way over-rated IMO), with teams like Cleveland and Washington sprinkled in. I just wasn't sold on this powerhouse offense, although they do have weapons. Rex and the Jets D played great.

Indy's offense will be better than the Chargers but no team scares me anymore, not with this D.

[I am Ra]

Great win guys, but now you pretty much have no shot. The Colts are an elite team with the best QB in the game, Its going to be hard to rattle him.

[Mecca]

Swagging.

And props to Kerry Rhodes with his best game in over 2 seasons today. Dude made some big tackles and had that great strips sack.

Rhdoes looked like the player he did when he should of been a pro bowler...WE NEED TO HAVE HIM RUSH THE QB MORE didn't he have almost 7 sacks in a year i mean hes a playmaker and i would love to let him loose a bit more like we did today

Thanks Jose, I was looking for that gif for my avatar on JI.

[Mecca]

Swagging.

And props to Kerry Rhodes with his best game in over 2 seasons today. Dude made some big tackles and had that great strips sack.

Can anyone resize that for me? Please, and thanks.

[HarthorneWingo]

Great win guys, but now you pretty much have no shot. The Colts are an elite team with the best QB in the game, Its going to be hard to rattle him.

The Ravens might have had a chance if they didn't play such a sloppy game. So... ?

[Flaming Mo]

I posted this over on JetsInsider.Net, hope you enjoy the read...

I try to give some thoughts and comments on every Jets player from yesterday's tremendous upset of the Chargers. All I can say is that it is a great time to be a Jets fan.

OFFENSE

Mark Sanchez: In the first quarter the game looked to big for him but he settled down nicely. He really threw strikes out there and mostly made good decisions with the ball except for his interception. Throughout the entire second half he seemed to be in control of the game and really controlled the offense well. That pass to Keller was a thing of beauty. What I also liked was how he really stood tall in the pocket as the game went on, even when the pressure was coming near him.

Thomas Jones: He looked slow and undecisive for most of the game and rightfully got lesser carries than Shonn Greene. His knee seems to really bother him but as a true warrior he kept going and made the game winning first down for us. His workmanlike approach helps us to really change our offensive force with the quicker, speedier Greene in the game.

Shonn Greene: What a performance by the rookie. He was easily the best running back on the field, if not the best offensive player. He got tough yards, he got to the edge and he basically put the game away late in the fourth, just running over a Chargers safety. Great acceleration and quick decisions in the hole. He also caught a pass and had a few good blitz pickups, for example on the Keller touchdown.

Danny Woodhead: Not targeted except once on the first drive. Did a solid job picking up blitzes.

Dustin Keller: Much like Sanchez he looked a little overwhelmed in the beginning and didn't seem to up to the speed of the game. Got handled on blocks and didn't run crisp routes. His three catches for 19 yards don't seem like much but all of them were huge plays. He did a great job working himself open on his touchdown catch, even though the coverage was good initially.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson: He was absolutely dominant in pass protection and basically never got beat by any of the Chargers pass rushers. Sanchez really can feel good about his blindside and this is a huge plus for our team. Ferguson also did very well blocking to the outside and giving the runners cutback lanes inside. You never heard his name from the announcers and for a LT that is a great sign.

Alan Faneca: Once again, he did a great job in the run game. Early on he didn't get a great push but as the game went he got to the second level play after play and really punished some linebackers down the field. His nasty attitude really seems like a motto for the offensive line and he leads by example. Didn't pull a lot which he usually does very well.

Nick Mangold: Much like Faneca he struggled early against a well rested and speedy Chargers defense that was geared to stop the inside run. But he never panicked, held his ground and got the better of his opponents in the second half. He also helps Sanchez a ton with blitz pickups and really is a rock inside.

Brandon Moore: I loved his attitude today as he was really firing off the ball and he constantly showed fire even after the play was over. Had a few troubles with stunts and blitzes on his side but again was doing a good job for the ground attack. The Jets love to run behind him and Damien Woody as these two both are really going after it.

Damien Woody: The Chargers mainly attack his side in passing situations and even though the Jets messed up a few protections it was rarely Woody's fault. He stood his ground and sealed the edge many times for the running back to back inside behind him. Along with Hartsock he really moves people backwards on the right.

Braylon Edwards: He had a very quiet game judging by the numbers but his impact was definitely felt. He commanded numerous double teams, kept the Chargers honest on deep routes and caught everything that he could catch. I liked how he didn't go down easy and really fought hard for extra yards on both his receptions.

Jerricho Cotchery: Much like Edwards you can't judge him by the numbers. He did a great job getting open on third downs and presented Sanchez with a great security blanket. For a ball control offense his presence is huge. He had one good punt return but other than that he really messed up a few plays and misjudged a couple of kicks.

Brad Smith: He really wasn't a factor at all as the Jets rarely went to the wildcat and the one option play was a desaster against the speedy Chargers defense. He also didn't do much on returns and he looked slow overall.

Wallace Wright: Strong effort on special teams as he excelled in his role as a gunner. Also downed that big punt from Weatherford inside the Chargers five yard line. Got open on a go route but Sanchez didn't have time to get anything behind his throw.

DEFENSE

Shaun Ellis: He got injured on one of the first plays of the game and he missed considerable time because of a hand injury. When he returned he had a big cast around it which definitely limited him, mostly on a near sack of Rivers where he couldn't wrap him up. Fought hard though and led by example, something you expect from a guy like him who leads the franchise in playoff games now if I'm right.

Sione Pouha: He did everything that was asked of him and controlled the inside nicely. The weak Chargers run blocking didn't get anything going against him and he really held the point of attack well. Pouha is one of the unsung heroes of this team as he just goes out there and does what is asked of him, just like yesterday.

Marques Douglas: Similar to Pouha, didn't have any impact plays but overall just did his job. Held up against the run but also was on the bench quite a bit due to the Chargers passing a ton. Overall solid effort.

Calvin Pace: Most of the game he was matched up with Marcus McNeill and you can't say he did win this battle a lot of times. He had trouble generating pressure and only forced Rivers to step up in the pocket a few times. Was often getting in on the plays a step late.

David Harris: With the Chargers often attacking the underneath and the middle of the field, this game was a huge challenge for him. He met it though with full force. Tough as usual against the run, he delivered a bunch of big hits and got solid push on his blitzes. His coverage was good, especially considering it is not his strongsuit.

Bart Scott: He had the weakest game on the defense in my opinion. He mistimed a lot of his blitzes and he took a lot of bad angles. Numerous times he just got stonewalled and had nowhere to go after the snap. Lost a lot of battle at the line of scrimmage. He also likely blew the coverage on the Wilson touchdown. Not a good game for Scott.

Bryan Thomas: He got a little more pressure than Pace but he did a lot more to help the team. He collapsed a lot of times against the run and stopped it inside. Did a nice job of holding the edge and as usual was our best LB in pass coverage. Had a gigantic hit on Mike Tolbert in the fourth, showing everyone what this defense is about.

Darrelle Revis: What's left to say about him, he is the best cornerback in the NFL and once again showed it yesterday. Rex had him line up all over the field against everyone and the Chargers rarely attacked him. When they did, Revis would have none of it and didn't allow any completions. Call his interception a lucky bounce but he is the guy who causes the incompletion and it takes a lot of smarts and recognition to come up with that ball. A superstar performance by our defensive superstar.

Jim Leonhard: He had a monster performance and if you wanna know what Rex means with playing like a Jet, just look at this guy. He was flying all over the field and looked to operate at a different speed at times. His toughness is breathtaking as we could see on that caused fumble bs call. Leonhard delivers big hits and is also a very smart player. He snuck out a screen to Sproles early, really making Rivers uncomfortable. He did everything from blitzing, covering, hitting and setting up a score with his INT.

Kerry Rhodes: Early on he showed the same problems we complained about all year. Didn't really get into it with the offensive players and looked timid. But in the end he was one of the MVPs of the game. He sacked Rivers and caused a fumble, showing nice speed off the edge. Then he recovered the onside kick which proved to be a deciding play. Inconsistent effort but made the plays that counted.

Lito Sheppard: When the Chargers completed passes in his direction, it's either was an almost perfect pass or one interference call. Did very well in his assignments. Very quiet game but much needed against a talented offense. Had some trouble communicating.

Mike DeVito: Even with the other strong performances, he might have been the best Jets defender out there. He stepped in when Ellis was injured and was just tremendous. There wasn't one snap where he got moved back and didn't get a good push. He constantly bullrushed his man back into the face of Rivers, causing the QB to get nervous and throw the ball away. Got a sack late which put the icing on the cake of his performance. Showed a great motor and really worked the right side of the Chargers OLine (Vasquez and Dombrowski).

Eric Smith: He drew basically the toughest assignment, matching up with Antonio Gates on a lot of snaps. Now he did everything he could, played hard but in the end Gates still got his as he is an all pro tight end for a reason.

Dwight Lowery: Didn't get burned but as usual allowed a couple of completions because of bigger cushions. Now what I like about him is that he is a sure tackler and did a good job allowing no yards after the catch yesterday.

James Ihedigbo: Big game for him. Gets a lot more snaps on defense recently and makes the most of it. Good blitzer and he can hit some people. Caused a fumble on special teams just destroying Cromartie on a runback.

Howard Green: Limited number of snaps but when he was in there he controlled the inside and didn't allow any big runs or movement up front.

Drew Coleman: Just as Green, not that much action but solid when he was in there. Had a good coverage on Sproles on the first drive of the game, basically forcing him to slip out of bounds.

Donald Strickland: Finally looked healthy and made a great play on a pass to Malcolm Floyd where he broke up the pass basically right in between the receivers hands. Is very important to us to cover the underneath.

Steve Weatherford: He was up and down but made one of the big plays of the entire game when he downed the ball inside the Chargers five yard line, setting up the Leonhard interception. Looked a little rusty and timid kicking the ball.

Jay Feely: Mostly directional kicked on kickoffs which were some questionable decisions by Westhoff. Made his only field goal and reminded us again how nice it is to have a reliable, tough minded kicker.

[treiz]

^Agreed. But I would give Strickland a bit more props as he had a great game yesterday. Rivers tried targeting him the whole day and he did a great job overall.

[TKF]

nice work mo. I will say this. Dustin keller has really stepped up, and props to our kicker Feely, who is making his FG's and how he stepped in last week to take over punting duties... guy is comming through big time..

I am also suprised by the work being done in the middle by pouha and devito has been solid.. those guys are getting a nice push with a 3 man rush at times... and they are really stuffing the run..

[BowlingChick]

I'm really proud and excited that we won yesterday. It was a great game that was just dominated by our defense and running game. This Sunday is definitely gonna be interesting as I'm already catching a lot flack from the Colts fans up here. There are so many now. lol When we win this Sunday, it's gonna be real quiet.