This was another must win for the Gang Green and they delivered again, overcoming an 11-point deficit and rediscovering their running game en route to a 27-21 win against the San Diego Chargers. WR Plaxico Burress also rediscovered his touchdown catching abilities, scoring three times for the second time in his career. RB Shonn Greene finally ran for over 100 yards and the defense finally looked like it should have all season.
After failing to produce a first down for several opening possessions in the previous two games, the Gang Green finally found their offense. RB LaDainian Tomlinson ran for a first down on the first possession, but then Chargers linebacker Donald Butler stripped TE Dustin Keller, returning the fumble for a touchdown. The Chargers unexpectedly took the lead, but the Gang Green calmly got back to moving the ball down the field. The ensuing 8-play drive that went for 64 yards was capped with a 35-yard field goal, cutting San Diego's lead to 7-3. Later in the opening quarter the Jets appeared to have taken the lead when Sanchez found WR Santonio Holmes in the end zone, but the play was called back on a penalty on C Nick Mangold. Two plays later Sanchez threw an interception to start what would end up being a 14-play touchdown drive for the Chargers.
The Jets answered right back, going 77 yards in 8 plays, as Sanchez connected with Burress to cut the lead to 14-10. The Chargers scored another touchdown before the 2nd quarter ended, putting the Jets in an 11-point hole before halftime.
The defense finally stepped up in the second half. They made San Diego punt on 3 of their 6 second half possession and took the ball away on the remaining three (two interceptions and one take over on downs). This finally looked like Rex Ryan's defense we all saw in the previous two seasons. CB Darrelle Revis once again came up with a crucial interception in the fourth quarter, taking it back for 64 yards, which set up the Jets' winning score. Then, on the next Chargers' possession, CB Kyle Wilson made his first career interception, after which the Jets took a 27-21 lead on a 30-yard field goal.
The Jets are 4-3 going into their bye week. Then, they will first travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills and follow with another crucial game against the Pats.
The good:
WR Plaxico Burress - he caught only 4 passes for 25 yards, but 3 of them were touchdowns
RB Shonn Greene - he ran for over 100 yards for the first time since week 4 of last season. 112 yards on 20 carries
LB Aaron Maybin - he registered another sack, his third since the Jets signed him
WR Jeremy Kerley - the rookie impressed again, catching 4 passes for 27 yards, 2 of them on crucial third downs
CB Darrelle Revis - another interception that led to the team's winning score, limited WR Vincent Jackson to just one catch for 15 yards
Offensive line - they looked good blocking for Greene and protecting Sanchez
The bad:
S Eric Smith - he led the team with 10 tackles (8 solo), but his inability to cover once again could have ended up too costly for the Jets
TE Dustin Keller - you just can't let them wrestle the ball away