This was definitely a season opener to remember, as the New York Jets snatched an improbable 27-24 win against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night after trailing by 14 points in the final quarter. First, WR Plaxico Burress, who had zero catches in the first half, caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from QB Mark Sanchez, cutting Dallas' lead to 7. Then, RB Joe McKnight blocked a punt that was taken back for a touchdown by СB Isaiah Trufant, tying the game. Finally, PK Nick Folk, a former Cowboy, booted a 50-yard field goal to win the game for New York on such an emotional day that marked the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.
The start of the game looked plain scary as the Cowboys easily marched down the field on the opening possession to take a 7-0 lead when CB Antonio Cromartie, who later gave up another touchdown, was beaten by Dez Bryant in the end zone. This drive prompted Rex Ryan to put CB Darrelle Revis on Bryant for the rest of the game. The move surely paid off, as Revis pretty much shut Bryant down for the rest of the game and made an interception that put the team in position to kick the game-winning field goal.
Stars of the game:
WR Plaxico Burress - in his first regular season game in almost 3 years Plaxico caught 4 passes for 72 yards, 1 TD.
WR Santonio Holmes - Holmes was targeted 10 times, he caught 6 passes for 70 yards.
RB LaDainian Tomlinson - he wasn't involved much in the running game, but caught 6 passes for 73 yards, making a couple of crucial first downs in the process.
CB Darrelle Revis - shut down Dez Bryant and came up with the crucial interception late in the game.
TE Dustin Keller - as soon as the Jets got him involved, they began consistently moving the ball down the field. He caught 5 passes for 61 yards, 1 TD.
Mike Westhoff - his special teams came up big once again.
Duds of the game:
CB Antonio Cromartie - after saying that he was going to redeem himself this season, he allowed two touchdowns in the season opener.
RB Shonn Greene - 26 yards on 10 carries. This is supposed to finally be Greene's year as the feature back, but the way he played yesterday... the Jets might need to draft a RB next year if he keeps this up.
OT Wayne Hunter - started at RT and looked horrendous, giving up an early sack to Ware and then struggling most of the game.
Unsung heroes:
S Jim Leonhard - tackled Witten on the 3-yard line, saving a sure touchdown. The Jets forced a fumble 3 plays later, making the Cowboys go scoreless after getting a 1st and goal on the Jets' 3-yard line.
LB Bryan Thomas - he was a beast against the run.