While Braylon Edwards was doing back flips in Foxborough, Mass. on Sunday afternoon, the people of Hoboken—wearing their Jets gear—filled the streets, chanting, jumping and celebrating the Jets' unlikely 28-21 victory over the Patriots.
Many thought the game was unwinnable, but Rex Ryan proved that his team truly is “the same old Jets." The same old Jets that now make a habit of advancing to the AFC Championship game.
For a brief moment during the opening drives of Sunday’s contest, it looked as if—once again—the Jets would not be able to stop Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Jets started with the ball, but were forced to punt after running only five plays. The Patriots offense took the field and saw immediate success using a fast paced tempo and no-huddle play calling. Tom Brady had no trouble advancing into Jet territory, gaining 56 yards on seven plays, including a drive opening 19 yard pass to former Jet, Danny Woodhead. It was at this point, when it seemed that Patriots coach Bill Belichick had all but deciphered the vaunted Jets defense that the momentum suddenly changed.
On first down from the Jets 28 yard line, Brady stepped back to pass. The Jets brought a heavy blitz, and from a sea of green jerseys, Brady threw an ill-advised pass to running back Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis. This pass was intercepted by Jets’ linebacker David Harris, only Brady’s fifth interception ofthe season.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Harris returned the pick for 58 yards, and despite missing points due to a missed Nick Folkfieldgoal, the play had turned the tides of the AFC East rivalry.
From this moment on, the Jets got back to basics. Their energized defense pressured Brady throughout the game, totalling five sacks and holding the team averaging 32 points per game to only 21. Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson led the Jets’ ground attack rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Second year quarterback Mark Sanchez, whose talents have been called into question throughout the entire 2010 season, managed a near perfect game, throwing three touchdown passes and zero interceptions. The Jets amassed a seven-point lead with under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. And despite two consecutive onside kicks from the Patriots, were able to hold on – scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a Shonn Green run with 1:42 remaining. The final score would read Jets 28, Patriots 21.
It was a formula the Jets have now seen win four playoff games in the last two years: stifling defense,efficient passing, and a vicious running game. The Jets will now attempt to execute this strategy once again as they travel to Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Penn. for the AFC Championship game against the Steelers on Sunday.
Can the Jets pull off another upset?
Will Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards fly around Heinz Field in post-game celebration?
Will Hoboken need to employ riot police?
The answer to these questions seems to be "yes." The Jets cannot be stopped. They weren't by the Patriots and they won't be by the Steelers.
