In their typical fashion the New York Jets made the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons. If two years ago the Gang Green needed a miraculous New England win over the Dolphins to make the playoffs, this time all the Jets had to do was beat the Saint Louis Rams. Instead, the Jets suffered their third loss in the last four games and had to rely on the Pittsburgh Steelers to beat the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers did their part, propelling the Jets into the playoffs and their second meeting with the San Diego Chargers next Saturday.
Despite having the ball for almost 12 minutes and totally dominating the first quarter, the Jets managed to score only three points, as Paul Hackett's conservative playcalling and poor pass protection once again revealed numerous weaknesses on the Jets' offense. On their first second quarter possession the Jets yet again drove inside the Rams territory and into field goal range only to allow two sacks and come out empty. This time, however, the Rams offense came to life and just three plays later QB Matt Bulger connected with WR Isaac Bruce for a 27-yard touchdown. It was time for the Jets offense to finally wake up and they did. The ensuing 6-play drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from QB Chad Pennington to TE Chris Baker put the Jets back on top, 10-7. Then, it was time for the Jets defense to step up and show why they were ranked #6 in the league. S Erik Coleman intercepted Matt Bulger on the goal line with less than two minutes left in the first half, and it sure looked like the Jets would keep their 3-point lead going into halftime. Just one first down, against one of the worst defensive units in the league, would have ended the half but such tasks are not as easy as they seem to be when the offensive coordinator's name is Paul Hackett. Hackett once again decided to play it safe, electing to go with three straight running plays. The Jets failed to get a first down, leaving the Rams' offense with over a minute on the game clock, and paid for their "not to lose" mentality. Bulger connected with WR Tory Holt on the very first play and the half ended, 14-10 not in favor of the New York Jets.
The start of the second half was even more gruesome. This time it took the Rams just four plays to extend the lead to 21-10, as RB Steven Jackson scored on a 20-yard touchdown run. The Jets instantly responded, as rookie WR Jerricho Cotchery returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown, making the score 21-17. The momentum started to shift to the Jets' side and two plays later CB Donnie Abraham recovered a fumble inside the Rams' territory. The Jets scored another field goal, cutting the lead to just 21-20. Then, with less than two minutes left in the third quarter, the Jets' defense made another big play as rookie MLB Jonathan Vilma intercepted Bulger and returned the ball for a score, 26-21.
In the fourth quarter the Rams took over the lead when Bulger found Holt in the end zone for the second time, 29-26. The Jets responded with a 13-play drive that allowed them to tie the score right before the second half ended, 29-29.
In overtime, the Rams won the coin toss but failed to capitalize, as the Jets' defense once again came up big, stopping Saint Louis on their own 44-yard line. The Jets took over only to come out empty and punt again just seven plays later. The defense, however, continued playing on a high level, as DE Shaun Ellis registered his third sack of the game and Saint Louis was forced to punt again. This time the Jets drove inside the Rams' territory only to miss a 53-yard field goal. The Rams took over on their own 43-yard line and just six plays later PK Jeff Wilkins won the game by converting a 31-yard FG attempt.
Despite this tough loss, the New York Jets still made the playoffs and will face the San Diego Chargers next Saturday in San Diego. The team has lost 3 of their last 4 games and 4 of their last 8 games, quite the opposite of the San Diego Chargers who have lost just 1 of their last 8 games. The two teams already met in week 2 when the Jets prevailed, 34-28. But those were the Jets that started the season 5-0 and the Chargers that won only 3 of their first 6 games. Both teams have quite changed since then and while the Chargers resurrected with a 9-1 finish, the Jets took a nosedive that almost cost them a playoff berth.
RB Curtis Martin gained 153 yards on 28 carries that allowed him to clinch the NFL Rushing Title and pass Jerome Bettis and Eric Dickerson on the all-time rushing list. Martin is currently #4 all-time, trailing only to Barry Sanders, Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith. QB Chad Pennington had yet another unspectacular game - 21 for 36, 181 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. WR Justin McCareins led the team with 6 receptions for 62 yards.
LB Eric Barton made the team high 11 tackles (9 solo). Rookie MLB Jonathan Vilma recorded 5 tackles in addition to his TD interception return. DE Shaun Ellis made season-high 3.0 sacks, finishing the season with 10.
The Jets will face the Chargers next Saturday in the Wild Card Playoff round. The kickoff time is at 8:00 PM EST.