Jets v. Chargers Postgame

Jets- 17
Chargers- 14

Jets advance to AFC Championship against the Colts.

The Jets have arrived and the doubters have to start believing as the New York Jets went into San Diego and took down the red hot San Diego Chargers.  The Jets used their usual formula of great defense and a relentless running attack to take down a team that many believed was headed for the Super Bowl.  The Jets defense stepped up and played great against the Chargers tall and athletic receivers and a few big interceptions by Darelle Revis and Jim Leonhard really gave the Jets a chance to pull off this win and continue this miracle run.  The Cinderella story continues next week as the Jets are faced with a new challenge, beating Peyton Manning. 

Thumbs Up:

• Jim Leonhard and Kerry Rhodes both deserve a thumbs up for their play from the safety spots.  Leonhard flies to the ball whether it's in the hands of a receiver or the quarterback.  He came up with the crucial interception deep in Chargers territory as well as a forced fumble and recovery (which was wrongly overturned).  Rhodes looked a little like his former self coming in on the blitzes and he also made a great play to go up and get the ball on the onside kick.

• Shonn Greene once again tore it up as he rushed for 128 yards and a crucial 53 yard touchdown run to give the Jets a double digit lead.  Greene has run great in these playoffs.

• David Harris played a great game like he always does and he was followed closely by the rest of the defense.  Sione Pouha once again stepped up and played huge also. I can't imagine where this team would be without the losses of Kris Jenkins and Leon Washington.

Thumbs Down:

• The officiating on the non-fumble was absolutely atrocious.  Vincent Jackson brought the ball in and landed on the ground before being hit by Leonhard.  That was a fumble for everyone except for the ref making the decision.

• Brad Smith and the kickoff return game was disappointing tonight.  They need to set up the offense in better field position.
  

Game Overview:

 Overall, that was the best win I have ever experienced as a Jets fan.  It has been absolutely incredible to watch the transformation of this team throughout this season.  Just taking a look back at my previous blog posts you can see the early triumphs, agonizing defeats, and the recent successes somehow blending together to make this a very special season.  As big as that win was, the Jets have to travel to Indy next week to play a red-hot Peyton Manning.  We all know what the Jets are going to do, now we have to see if the Colts can beat it.