The Jets beat Cincinnati for the second week in a row, this time the score was 24-14. Many Jets fans are programmed to expect the worst. Other Jets fans don’t worry about history and expect the best. Regardless of where you fall I don’t know any Jets fan that expected this stat line from Mark Sanchez:
12/15 passing for 182 yards and 1 touchdown (no interceptions).
Were it not for a dropped pass by Braylon Edwards on a sure touchdown pass, the line for Sanchez would have been even better. He ended the day with a passer rating of 139.4. You just can’t say enough for what Sanchez did today as a rookie QB starting his first playoff game ever.
The Jets running game remains dominant but today it was rookie Shonne Greene making most of the noise. Greene ran for 135 yards and had a touchdown to go with his 6.4 yard per carry average. Dustin Keller and Jerricho Cotchery had big games as the passing game seemed to mature as the game progressed.
Rex’s defense continued to do what they do best. That is play tough, aggressive football. Cedric Benson gave them fits as he ran all of them for 169 yards. They limited the Bengals to 14 points and Darrelle Revis shut down Ocho Cinco once again. Carson Palmer was held in check and was under pressure all day long. The Jets sacked Palmer three times (Thomas, Ellis, Leonhard).
There were some negatives but the positives far outnumbered them. The Jets advance to the next round and will face either the Colts on Saturday (if the Patriots win) or the Chargers on Sunday (if the Ravens win).
We hope you feel good Jet Nation. This team made us proud today. Rex Ryan set the bar high with his Super Bowl talk and today they took the first step on that journey. Regardless of where they end up, they have made good progess. Winning a playoff game with a rookie QB is an accomplishment and this organization seems to be headed in the right direction.
Stay tuned for a new Jets podcast, Jets Report card and more New York Jets talk.