Weekly Jets Blog Week 12

Well, the Jets finally pulled one off. It seems like forever since the last time Gang Green actually outscored an opponent. The defense led the way once again as the Jets beat down Carolina 17-6. The Panthers played more like new-born kittens as they once again suffered from turnovers, penalties, and injuries, falling to 4-7. The huge, much-needed victory for the Jets lifted them to 5-6, keeping them in the wildcard picture for the playoffs. They are now 2 and a half games back of the Patriots in the division and one game back for the second wild card spot. Losses by both Jacksonville and Pittsburgh have kept the card race close, but that also means that the Jets have a lot of competition, and basically need to win out to have a good shot of playing in the post season. Winning their first home game since Week 3 is a step in the right direction.
Rex Ryan had a large part in the success of his defense this week. Kerry Rhodes was benched for the first time in his career for his recent struggles, replaced by Eric Smith. The inspired Rhodes had 2 interceptions of Carolina’s Jake Delhomme, and Smith lead the team with 8 tackles. Star cornerback Darrelle Revis also had 2 picks, one that was returned for a TD, while doing a great job of shutting down Panther’s All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith, who finished with one reception for five yards. The Jets D held Carolina to two field goals, not surrendering a touchdown all game, even though the Panthers got close. A gorgeous TD grab by Steve Smith was ruled incomplete and a late 4th quarter TD catch by Dwayne Jarrett was called off by a penalty. Gang Green also deserves credit for shutting down star running back DeAngelo Williams, who ran for just 40 yards on a dreadful 2.5 yards per carry.
Mark Sanchez didn’t have a great game, but he did what he had to do, and didn’t turn the ball over except for one 4th quarter interception. The thing that has Jet’s fans worried is that Sanchez hurt his knee in the 3rd quarter and missed a few plays. He came back, but wasn’t 100%, and was limited in the team practice on Monday. This news is especially frightening seeing that the Jets have play again on Thursday on short rest in a pivotal divisional matchup with the Bills. He is expected to play, but the Jets’ playoffs hopes could very well be riding on his health. Thomas Jones ran for 75 yards and scored the only offensive touchdown of the game. The one positive note for the Panthers was still tainted. Jon Beason had a monster day defensively, recording a season high 17 tackles, 11 of them being solo, and 2 going for a loss. Beason was arrested Monday on misdemeanor assault charges and will await further discipline from the Panthers and the league.
As good as this win was for the Jets, they have to play a lot better if they want to have a chance of sneaking into the playoffs. The offense was lackluster once again, relying completely on the defense for the victory. Getting guys like receiver Braylon Edwards more involved will be crucial. Even if the Jets win all of their final five matchups, which is very unlikely, they will be 10-6, which is never a guarantee for the postseason. Their remaining schedule includes games against 8-3 Cincinnati and 11-0 Indianapolis. But stranger thing have happened, and even if Gang Green doesn’t win out, they could still make it in at 9-7 or somehow 8-8. Anything is possible in football, seeing that the Patriots missed the playoffs last year with an 11-5 record and the Chargers got in with an 8-8 record. As long as the Jets can start clicking on offense, and do what they’ve been doing all year long on defense, they still have a shot at playoff glory. Whether or not they end up just playing as spoilers or as actual contenders, this wild card race should be one of the most exciting ones ever.