http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/fee...ts-sanchez-comes-of-age-as-clutch-quarterback Despite some recent turbulence, the 8-2 Jets keep flying high. As if surviving overtime games against the Lions and Browns wasn't heart-pounding enough, they put together a miracle touchdown drive to sink the Texans in the waning seconds on Sunday. In each game, Mark Sanchez rebounded from some early struggles to get into a late groove. In this holiday season, the Jets should be most thankful for Sanchez coming of age as a clutch quarterback. When he was a rookie last season, they often won in spite of him. Now they're winning because of him. "This is a different guy," Jets coach Rex Ryan said. "He prepares like a pro. Now he’s reaping the benefits. Our whole football team and our fan base (are) reaping the benefits." 1. New York Jets (1). To flip it a bit, LaDainian Tomlinson should be thankful this team is giving him his best shot to win a Super Bowl. 2. New England Patriots (2). They should be thankful for two unsung backs, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead, and an underrated running game. 3. Green Bay Packers (3). Packers fans should be thankful for G.M. Ted Thompson, who knew Aaron Rodgers was the best way for his team to go. 4. Pittsburgh Steelers (4). It's the gift that keeps on giving—the 3-4 savvy of defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. 5. Baltimore Ravens (5). They should give many thanks that after all these years, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed remain elite playmakers. 6. Philadelphia Eagles (6). Michael Vick just needed one opportunity to revive his career, and thanks go to Andy Reid for providing the perfect one. 7. Atlanta Falcons (8). They should continue to be thankful that Matt Ryan has developed into the franchise savior. 8. Indianapolis Colts (7). Peyton Manning can't get enough thanks for what's has done. Without him, the Colts would be sub.-.500. 9. New Orleans Saints (10). Props go to their defense for keeping things together until Drew Brees and friends started rolling. 10. New York Giants (9). Thanksgiving is around the time they fade, so they’d be thankful to avoid another late-season collapse. 11. San Diego Chargers (11). We should all be thankful to watch the exciting chemistry between Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates. 12. Chicago Bears (16). Lovie Smith should be thankful that his defense and special teams still provide a formula for success. 13. Kansas City Chiefs (15). The thanks go to veteran back Thomas Jones. Wherever he goes, his team wins. 14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (17). Just like with Sanchez and the Jets, as Josh Freeman goes, the Bucs go. 15. Jacksonville Jaguars (18). They can thank themselves for not being too quick to replace Jack Del Rio and David Garrard. 16. Tennessee Titans (12). In a league where coaches are always on the firing line, let's hope they're thankful for having Jeff Fisher. 17. Miami Dolphins (13). They should be thankful of the effort Cameron Wake gives their defense every week. 18. Oakland Raiders (14). Al Davis should be thankful that his team seems to be in good hands with Tom Cable. 19. Washington Redskins (21). They're giving their best regards to the NFL's overtime gods. 20. Dallas Cowboys (23). The Cowboys should be thankful for having such a solid backup QB in Jon Kitna—and a determined starter in Tony Romo. 21. Houston Texans (20). Considering their passing slump and atrocious defense, they're lucky to have Arian Foster. 22. Minnesota Vikings (19). Most of the players are thankful for having a new coach. Now, they need to show it on the field. 23. Cleveland Browns (24). Peyton Hillis runs like he's thankful he's playing football and not doing anything else. 24. St. Louis Rams (25). They'll be saying thanks for many years after landing Sam Bradford. 25. San Francisco 49ers (22). They should be thankful for having Frank Gore and Patrick Willis—or they wouldn't have any wins. 26. Denver Broncos (27). Brandon Lloyd should be thankful that he finally landed in an offense that caters to his great talent. 27. Seattle Seahawks (26). Matt Hasselbeck has taken many lumps over his Seahawks years. Thanks to him, they've won a lot of games. 28. Detroit Lions (28). They should be thankful their annual Thanksgiving game isn't on the road. 29. Cincinnati Bengals (29). Just like in the early ’90s, Cincy can be thankful it still has the Reds. 30. Arizona Cardinals (30). You can bet they are a little more thankful for all that Kurt Warner did for them. 31. Buffalo Bills (31). Just when the Bills seemed to have no hope, they can be thankful for the emergence of Ryan Fitzpatrick. 32. Carolina Panthers (32). They will be very grateful to have the No. 1 draft pick.
A bit ridiculous. If we stomped the Steelers and beat the Colts in back to back weeks I'd sure as hell think we should be #1 even if we lost to the Pats in Week 2.
I get why they put us at one. Our losses are to teams that will make the playoffs, and they were close. The Jets have not had their trap game per say, they've avoided it 3 times in a row by being beyond resilient in the final seconds.
I would have the pats as the #1 team. I think we will beat them however. But they are 8-2 and have had some impressive wins recently. The Jets are 8-2 but have been less impressive in their wins. I don't really care who is #1 in wk 12 but if I had to make a pick I would go w/the pats even tho bill is a despicable human being.
Wondered this myself. I mean the packers do have 2 huge blowouts and a shutout (vs us) in their last 3 games. But the Falcons have beaten Tampa and baltimore in 2 of their last 3
How quickly everyone forgets the Pats got beat down 3 weeks ago. Then they beat two teams riddled with injuries. Man, I was really hoping Peyton would win that game at the end. OoOo the Pats are soooo goood. Stop blowing them, you guys make me sick.
I would definitely have the Pats ranked ahead of us @ this point in time, we've won but we've been far from impressive.
The only thing that's changed is their offense since Moss is gone. The Jets still matchup well with them, if the TEs can be covered. Wilson has shown he can cover TEs, let him.
