Sports News
‘Same Old Jets’ No More, Burress Leads Rally
I have spent a lot of time around Jets fans over the last few years. I feel very confident in my ability to gauge the collective mindset of Jet Nation, through its highs and its lows. At halftime of the Jets-Chargers game Sunday, I can only imagine the conversations taking place around MetLife Stadium and in living rooms all across New York.
Yet, time and time again, Rex Ryan's squad proves that it is not the "same old Jets." And a 27-21 victory over San Diego may have proved it was the "same old Chargers," rather than the game reflecting on the state of the Jets.
Two performances in the victory should excite fans of the 4-3 Jets, who have now won two straight. The headlines will all go to WR Plaxico Burress, and deservedly so. Burress finally showed the Jets why they were wise to take a chance on the formerly incarcerated wideout, catching all three of the team's touchdowns. When the Jets got inside the five yard-line, QB Mark Sanchez found his tall wide receiver, as the Jets scored 17 unanswered points to rally past San Diego.
Jets fans have also been waiting for the running game to take off, and Sunday's game was a significant step in the right direction. Despite all of the attention paid to Ladanian Tomlinson this week, playing his first game against the Chargers, it was RB Shonn Greene who paced the Jets offense. Greene rushed for 112 yards on 20 carries, good for 5.6 yards/carry, and looked every bit the bell cow that Jets fans have hoped he would be.
Mark Sanchez managed the game well, completing 18 of his 33 attempts for 173 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
As well as Burress and Green played Sunday, the Chargers really only have themselves to blame for the loss. A mind-blowing 13 penalties plagued the Chargers throughout the game and limited San Diego's attempts to blow open the game in the first half.
Then, late in the game when things became close, two interceptions completed the implosion. As the Chargers drove for a potential score to seal the win, Phillip Rivers' pass to Vincent Jackson tipped off the receiver's hands and right into the arms of Darrelle Revis (who else?), who then returned the pick 64 yards to the Chargers 19.
The Jets would score, and the Chargers were unable to answer. Kyle Wilson picked off Rivers for his first career interception, allowing the Jets to tack on a field goal, which proved unnecessary, as the Chargers did not threaten again.
The Jets now head into the bye week riding high off a win, just as the Giants did a week ago.
Fortunately for us, the Jets will undoubtedly find a way to stay in the news before the team returns to action in two weeks at Buffalo.
Photo Credits: New York Jets
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