On Sunday the New York Jets overcame an 11-point second half deficit to beat the San Diego Chargers 27-21. The victory moves the Jets record to 4-3, with all of the wins coming at MetLife Stadium. Lets take a quick look at some of the keys to the game from the Jets perspective.
Plaxico explodes- Check out this stat line for Plaxico Burress: 4 catches, 25 yards, 3 touchdowns. Finally the Jets looked to Burress in the redzone, where Plaxico and his size are a match-up nightmare for defensive backs. Hopefully Gang Green continues to expand Burress’ role in the offense.
Sanchez shines- Quarterback Mark Sanchez (18/33 173 yards 3 tds, 1 int) played well on Sunday spreading the ball around to all of his receivers ( 6 different players with at least one catch). Most importantly Sanchez limited his turnovers, minus the one terrible read on his interception. You have to give Mark credit, he plays very well with the game on the line and has a knack of bringing his team back in the fourth quarter.
Greene returns- The Jets running game returned as Shonn Greeene erupted for 112 yards on 20 carries (Greene’s first 100 yard game of the season). Greene ran with the power and explosiveness that everyone has been waiting for.
Defense pitches second half shutout- The New York Jets defense shut down the Chargers in the second half holding the offense to 0 points. The Jets did an excellent job containing the run, while limiting big plays in the passing game.
Maybin creates “Mayhem”- Once again linebacker Aaron Maybin made an impact in the game registering a sack, along with several pressures in the pass rush. Maybin brings a tremendous of speed to the pass rush and is also contributing on special teams.
Secondary solid- The New York Jets did an excellent job containing Vincent Jackson (1 catch, 15 yards) and Malcolm Floyd (2 catches, 36 yards). The defense did have some issues containing tight ends Randy McMichael and Antonio Gates, but in the end that appeared to be the lesser of all of the evils.
Wilson gets first interception- Second year defensive back Kyle Wilson had a huge interception, the first of his career, late in the fourth quarter of the game. Wilson continues to improve and is playing the nickel back role with a lot of confidence.
Overall
This is a very good win for the Jets, at home, against a conference opponent. The Jets got a big break with the Darrelle Revis deflected interception in the fourth quarter, but that is what happens in the NFL. There are days when the ball bounces in your favor and Sunday was the Jets day finally.
It was great to see Sanchez look to Plaxico in the red zone and I love how Jeremy Kerley is getting involved in the passing game. The return of the power running game was a sight for sore eyes and one can only hope that it is back for the rest of the season.
Next week the Jets get a much needed bye and return in week 9 with a match-up against the Bills in Buffalo.