New York Jets 28, New England Patriots 21

The New York Jets are heading to the AFC Championship game for a second year in a row.  This afternoon, they did what so many experts said they couldn’t do; beat the Patriots in New England.

We know you watched the game, so here is the complete game recap courtesy of NFL.com.   We will have detailed analysis, the Jets Report Card, road trip information and more this week.  Here are some initial thoughts after the win:

• Tom Brady is 0 for his last 3 in big games (two playoff losses in a row, one Super Bowl loss)
• Immediately after the 45 – 3 regular season loss to the Patriots, Bart Scott said they watched the film on the Patriots and they know what they did wrong.  Looks like he was telling the truth.
• Wayne Hunter did an excellent job filling in for Damien Woody at Right Tackle.
• Mark Sanchez is now 4 and 1 in the playoffs.  Not bad for a 2nd year QB who is setting the standard for winning playoff games on the road.

Something that is worth mentioning is how the Jets “talked” before the game.  A lot was made of it, deservedly so, but what isn’t discussed as much is how calculated Rex Ryan is with his actions.  Wes Welker was benched to start the game for his foot jokes.  The Patriots with a personal foul, Deoin Branch seemed to get caught up in it and even called the Jets postgame victory celebration, “classless”.

Bart Scott summed it up best when he said, we can talk and play.  That’s our game.  Today, the Patriots tried to play the Jets game and lost.

Next up, the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.