Weekly Jets Blog: Week 1

The New York Jets started the regular season against the Houston Texans this weekend. The Texans were predicted by many to have a breakout year and reach the playoffs this season. They are led by last season’s number 1 receiver in the NFL, Andre Johnson, as well as the number 2 running back in the AFC, Steve Slaton. QB Matt Schaub has shown signs of a great quarterback, but is injured every season and misses significant time. A sign of his success was 6 game winning streak at home coming into this home opener with the Jets. The main story was Jets’ QB Mark Sanchez, who made his rookie debut as the Jets QB. The big question was whether or not Sanchez could show good poise, presence, and swagger in his first NFL game.
Sanchez certainly did that and more, showing his confidence while leading the Jets to a 24-7 win over favored Houston on the road. Sanchez overcame his first game jitters as Jets coach Rex Ryan won his debut as a member of Gang Green. Sanchez finished his fine debut performance by going 18-31, while throwing 272 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception. Thomas Jones bounced back after a rough first half, only 1 rushing yard, to finish with 107 on the night, highlighted by 2 touchdowns. The Jets receiving corps had a grand day, headed by tight end Dustin Keller (94 receiving yards) and Jerricho Cotchery (90 receiving yards). The factor that won the game for the Jets, however, was their merciless defense. Lito Sheppard had a huge interception to seal the victory in the 4th quarter and David Harris ended a monster day with 11 tackles and a sack. Kris Jenkins applied lots of pressure on Schaub and the Jets forced Slaton to fumble the ball after the Texans had been driving well. Jamaal Westerman also had a sack on a night when the Texans couldn’t sack Sanchez. Gang Green was constantly putting pressure on Schaub and the defense didn’t give up a single point to the Texans’ offense. New York shut down the explosive Slaton and Johnson, holding Slaton to 17 rushing yards and Johnson to 35 receiving yards. The one time the Texans did score was on a very bizarre play. John Busing had picked off a pass from Sanchez and was being brought down after a small return when the Jets stripped the ball away from him. However, instead of the Jets picking up the ball, Dominique Barber recovered for Houston and ran the ball into the end zone for a touchdown.
One of the keys to the success of Sanchez was his ability to execute on 3rd down. The Jets were 10-18 on third down conversions compared to the 3-10 mark for Houston. Sanchez and the Jets also converted on 4th down, going 2 for 2 on 4th down conversions. Sanchez’ day was highlighted by his first TD pass, a 30-yard strike to Chansi Stuckey in the 2nd quarter. After taking a knee to run out the rest of the clock in the 4th quarter, Sanchez jumped around, happier than a little kid after his first win in peewee football. Mark Sanchez got to keep the game ball, which he obviously deserved. Sanchez not showed that he could have poise and presence in a tough game on the road, he showed that he had the swagger and confidence of a winning quarterback. Many Jets fans probably remember another young Jets QB with swagger and confidence. That confident young QB won the Jets only Super Bowl title. We don’t know if Mark Sanchez can ever become anything near Joe Namath, but we do know this. Sanchez is here to win. The days of the Jets being a laughing are well over. This team is re-shaped with some new great talent along with a lot of experience from veterans. Sanchez may not win the Super bowl in his forst year, but with the teammates he’s got around him, a spot in the playoffs is certainly not out of the question. J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!!!