This past Sunday, the New York Jets proved just how deadly their defense really is by upsetting the San Diego Chargers and keeping them under 20 points for the first time this season. Prior to the loss, San Diego was riding an 11-game winning streak. But after a BYE week the previous week, it looks like the time off hurt them a lot more than it helped. With a quiet rushing game from San Diego's backs, the Chargers had to depend highly on Philip Rivers and the air attack. Although Rivers threw for a touchdown and neared the 300 yard mark, coming 2 yards shy, his 2 interceptions would be costly. Jets QB Mark Sanchez didn't have a great day offensively either, but with a stellar run game backing him up, he didn't need one.
Rookie RB Shonn Greene played exceptionally well by finishing with yet another 100-yard performance. On 23 rushes, Greene ran for 128-yards and a touchdown, including a 53-yard run. The run also happens to be the longest postseason run in Jets franchise history. Although the Jets defense played a major role in the win, they couldn't have done it without Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding's help. Kaeding, the kicker for this year's Pro-Bowl, missed 3 field goals, despite entering the game with a streak of 20 kicks without a miss and a streak of 69 field goals made from 40 yards or less, which included playoffs. However, with the game on the line and a possible chance to help send his team to Indy, Kaeding chokes and the Chargers are sent packing yet again.
When it comes to kicking field goals, the Jets have had some sort of fortune on their side as opposing teams have had a hard time making field goals against them. This post season, their opponents have missed a total of 5 field goals (2 by the Bengals & 3 by the Chargers). Call it luck but at the end of the day, the Jets are the team moving on. As the Jets prepare to play in their first AFC Championship since 1998, they'll have to face this year's league MVP -- Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Although the Colts are one of the favorites to not only make it to the Superbowl but win the whole thing, you know Rex Ryan thinks otherwise. The team that put an end to the Colts perfect season in week 16 to keep their playoff hopes alive will once again be in the building of Lucan Oil Stadium, and once again playing for their playoff lives. This time, they can be almost certain that Peyton Manning will be playing the entire game, instead of just the first half in which he played during the team's previous meeting.
& Just like that, the team that almost everyone said had no chance in the playoffs, has easily changed a lot of minds and proved those who doubted them wrong. I'll admit, I'm one of those who have became a believer and wont be surprised if Gang Green comes out on top this week. As for the Chargers, before you begin to blame head coach Norv Turner, blame management for bringing the guy back for another few years as the Chargers front-office dishes Turner a surprising extension. Extensions are meant to be given weeks and maybe months after a playoff loss. Giving one days after your team fails to make the AFC Championship is like saying he did the right thing. Something else worth bringing up, is Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson who has fallen off the radar in terms of the league's most lethal backs. Many are questioning whether or not LT should call it quits and with Darren Sproles behind him to rely on, I've gotta agree. What do you think?
