RB Shonn Greene's three touchdown runs and QB Mark Sanchez's 4th quarter touchdown pass to WR Santonio Holmes propelled the Jets past the Washington Redskins and one step closer to making the playoffs. It wasn't pretty though as the game was rather even throughout the first three quarters. The Jets took the lead in the final quarter on a 30-yard TD pass from Sanchez to Holmes. Then, three plays later, LB Aaron Maybin sacked the quarterback forcing a fumble that was recovered on Washington's 9-yard line. Two plays later Greene scored his second touchdown of the game, sealing the deal.
Both teams scored touchdowns on their opening possessions in the first quarter and it looked like we would witness a shootout. However, it turned into a defensive struggle after that as both offenses looked rather inept in the second and third quarters. The only early positive sign on offense was the offensive line that performed well against Washington's vaunted pass-rash. They did not give up a sack in the entire game, while the Gang Green's defense sacked Grossman twice and also had five quarterback hits.
Special teams struggled again. PK Nick Folk converted 45 and 51-yard field goal attempts but then missed from 40 when the Jets had a chance to take the lead in the third quarter, following a fumble forced by DT Marcus Dixon. RB Joe McKnight, who led the league in kickoff returns, averaged only 13 yards per return this time and made a mistake in the second quarter when instead of letting the ball go into the end zone he decided to return it and got tackled on the 8-yard line. WR Jeremy Kerley, who came back after missing last game, muffed a fumble. It was the fourth straight game for the Jets with a fumbled kick or punt return.
On defense LB Bart Scott stood out with a couple of tackles for loss after going pretty much invisible in the last few games. Overall, the unit played well, limiting Grossman to just 19 of 46 for 221 yards and a QB rating of 47.5. The run defense looked pretty shaky at first, missing quite a few tackles, but tightened up as the game progressed. Safeties, however, struggled again. Once again the opponent's most potent weapon was the tight end, as the Jets' safeties played poorly in coverage.
Next Sunday the Jets will host the Kansas City Chiefs (5-7) in what's going to be yet another must-win game for the Gang Green. The Jets are 9-point favorites but, as today's game once again showed, seem to struggle against the teams they should easily beat.
The good:
RB Shonn Greene - it was good to see him score 3 touchdowns.
Offensive line - no sacks allowed
LB Aaron Maybin - yet another big sack, increasing his count to six.
LB Bart Scott - 2 tackles for loss, 4 total.
LB David Harris - 5 solo tackles, one for loss, one QB hit, two defended passes
The bad:
Special teams - something has to be done there before they cost us a game
Safeties - Jim Leonhard is ok, the rest will have to be replaced after this season
TE Matt Mulligan - a false start penalty was followed with an outburst on the sidelines. Why is he still on the team?