Weekly Jets Blog Week 7

The Jets’ 38-0 beat down of the Oakland Raiders in Oakland not only halted their western struggles, but also provided a positive outlook for the future of the franchise. Rookie running back Shonn Greene ran for 144 yards and 2 TDs in his 4th career game, helping the Jets get the huge victory in California, something they couldn’t do last season, going 0-4 in the Golden State. Greene might have an even longer chance to prove himself because of a season-ending injury to big time playmaker Leon Washington. One of the veteran leaders on defense for the Jets in Shaun Ellis is also injured and out for the rest of the season, which seriously hurts the Jets defensive line after they lost star nose tackle Kris Jenkins for the season.
Rookie QB Mark Sanchez threw for 143 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions, which is a great showing for him after he threw 5 interceptions the previous week against Buffalo. 3rd -year wide Jets wide receiver David Clowney had 79 receiving yards, his career high, and a touchdown, the first of his career. The success of the younger players on the team wasn’t the only key to the blowout victory. The Jets have set an NFL record over the last two games for rushing yards over a 2-game span with 634. Calvin Pace had a huge game for the Jets defense, leading the team with 7 tackles, 3 sacks, and two forced fumbles. That Jets defense was impressive in recording their first shutout since 2003. The Jets even used some trickery with yet another fake punt, this one successful for a gain of 16 yards.
Gang Green will have to ride the momentum from this win into next week’s rematch against Miami. The Jets can avenge an ugly 31-27 loss to the Dolphins in Miami. Hopefully the Jets can turn things around at home against the only team in the NFL that has had a lead against the undefeated Saints. They could really benefit from a healthy receiving corps after having to deal with injuries to Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards. The Jets cannot afford another loss to a divisional rival if they want to survive in a more competitive division than usual. Hopefully a must-win mentality coupled with the continued success of the younger players on the squad can lead to a much-needed divisional victory before the bye week.