When the red hot San Diego Chargers, whom many predict to be Super Bowl bound, take the field Sunday to face the surging NY Jets, the 13-3 AFC West champs will look to unleash a high octane air attack as good as any in the NFL. To earn a berth in the AFC Championship game, the Bolts will have to do it against the Jets, who own leagues top defense and running attack. A contrast in styles will be clear from the onset as Gang Green looks to create their own tempo by pounding the ball on the ground with the running back combo of Thomas Jones and star on the rise rookie Shonn Greene. The Chargers will  air it out. Owners of the league’s 31st rushing attack, the Bolts are the league’s best screen pass team, using it instead of run plays which make their bottom feeder running ranking deceiving. Something has to give when these two clash

in the AFC Divisional playoffs this weekend. The one left standing will be just sixty minutes from the Super Bowl.

The Jets, winners of 6 of their last 7, bring a new found swagger on Defense that comes when you  realize that you own the leagues’ top cover cornerback in Darrelle Revis. Forget the fact that voters chose Green Bay’s Charles Woodson as NFL defensive player of the year.  Revis has shut down every top wideout the Jets have faced. He has single handedly helped to shut down one side of the field for a defense that leads the league in pass yards given up with a mere 153.0 yards per game. Now the Chargers, who are number one in receptions for 20 plus yards, love to throw it downfield. If WR Vincent Jackson, QB Phillip Rivers’ top deep threat, falls victim to Revis Island and a pass rush that is gaining steam with the help of coach Rex Ryan’s blitz schemes, the Chargers will be forced to matriculate the ball downfield with other quality big sized receivers such as Malcolm Floyd and Legedu Naanee. This will give the Jets  chance to settle into the game.

Besides Jackson , the Bolts other major weapon in the passing game is star TE Antonio Gates. Gates,  the former 6′5 division one basketball standout poses a mismatch for every opponent because of his size, ability to get open, run after the catch, and hold onto the ball. He’s the best in the business at the position.. Gates will be guarded at times by FS Kerry Rhodes, who held Atlanta’s Tony Gonzalez down in week 15 for much of a game that many mistakenly felt, after the 10-7 Jet loss, had ended the Jets season. Gates is  not only a safety valve, he’s a tight end who can stretch the field. His eight TD’s were second among tight end’s only to the Colts Dallas Clark.

The Jet front four combined with Ryan’s blitz packages have to pressure Rivers into rushing those seven step drops that with the proper pass protection, turn into big gains more often than any other team has enjoyed in football. 67 completions have gone for twenty plus yards for the Chargers in 2009. The Chargers are fifth in the NFL in pass plays that have covered more than forty yards.

As for a running attack that averages under four yards a carry, the Bolts RB tandem of Ladanian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles still present unique threats to the Jets. “LT” was the NFL’s premier back before a series of turf toe injuries began to slow him down a few years back. That ability to get to the second level of a defense and break it for big yardage, ala the Titans Chris Johnson,  is not there anymore. This season he’s rushed for just 730 yards at 3.3 yards per carry Not LT type numbers. However, he’s still a shifty red zone threat, having scored 12 TDs on the year. Darren Sproles is a Leon Washington type, who hides well behind his blockers before bursting for big gains. Sproles, like the injured WAshington, is a threat to score anytime he touches it.

If the Jets can prevent long plays on first and second down, and force Sproles and LT into modest gains, the Chargers will be left in third and long spots where some pressure combined with a press coverage that defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said that Jet cornerbacks were comfortable implementing (hint hint), could keep the Chargers from lighting up the scoreboard. The Jets have given up 20 plus points only four times in 2009 .The Chargers have scored 20 plus in EVERY game this year. Keeping the Chargers from running may be key in giving the Jets the ability to apply the heat on Rivers.

The Jets come into the contest now at 18-1 odds to win the Super Bowl. This down from the 50-1 odds they rolled into Cincinnati with. The spike in confidence coming out of Vegas is still light years away from coach Rex Ryan’s comment last week that the Jets ought to be favorites to win the whole thing. Whether Ryan’s boasts were to divert attention from his players, motivate them, or came out of a core belief that handing out an itinerary ending in a ticker tape parade could make it happen, one thing is for certain. These are not the “Same Old Jets”. Or the Jets many saw slump after starting out 3-0.

This Jets club NOW, is one where ball security , the primary reason for the club’s mid season struggles, is on the rise.  QB Mark Sanchez who threw 20 picks in 2009, has 0 int’s in the past 3 games.  RB Shonne Greene has as of late, eliminated fumbling issues that plagued him just as he was set to really take off weeks after Washington’s season ending injury out in Oakland.

Sanchez was flawless in Cincy throwing for a TD and coming up big on some key third down throws.  More importantly, the rookie provided much needed leadership in orchestrating the offense by maximizing it’s efficiency with a 12-15 day throwing. Greene rushed for 135 yards, fifteen yards short of Ryan’s predicition for him. This week Ryan has set his crystal ball sights on struggling WR Braylon Edwards. Edwards dropped his third long touchdown in the past five games last week. If the former Cleveland wideout can get back on track however, and turns into the big play killer that the Jets brought him here to be in October, the Jets may have an X factor who could change the story of Sunday’s battle.

The last time these two old AFL rivals met in the postseason back in 2005, Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s dad Marty,  was head coach of the Bolts. Rookie K Nate Kaeding’s last second 40 yard FG went wide right. This gave Jets K Doug Brien the chance to hit the 28 yard game winner with 5 seconds left in the first OT and allow the Jets a 20-17 win. For the Chargers, the gut wrenching first round loss after their 9-7 2005 campaign was followed by a 14-2 2006 season, earning them home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Then Bill Belichick and Tom Brady came to town, as the Pats upset the Bolts 24-21.

This quick playoff exit for the elder Schottenheimer, the ninth of the snake bitten coach’s career, the second on three years in San Diego, paved the way for current coach Norv Turner. Turner seeks to do what Schottenheimer couldn’t do, and that’s return the Chargers to a second Super Bowl appearance. The first one coming in 1994,  which resulted in a 49-26 loss to the 49ers.

Rex Ryan became the Jets head coach off the heels of a 2008 collapse that saw Gang Green fall from 8-3 to 9-7. QB Brett Favre ended up in Minnesota, a place he wanted to land in from the start, after the Packers decided that Aaron Rodgers was their signal caller for the future and the present. Coach Eric Mangini was canned as well, not just because of the  club’s December slide but as a result of a secretive, uncharasmatic demeanor that owner Woody Johnson felt did not represent the personnel. Ryan certainly has been the polar opposite. Quotable, bombastic, even bordering at times on ridiculous, the son of former Super Bowl III Jets assistant and creator of Chicago’s 46 Defense in the mid 80’s Buddy Ryan, Rex has made the Jets believers in themselves. Trying to rid a franchise of it’s habits of self wallowing, and a penchant for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory is a big job. One man can’t do it alone. Ryan has had help. However the rookie head coach and former Ravens defensive coordinator has created a culture of confidence and resiliency.

The Jets have had their share of struggles in 2009. Sanchez lost his way during the October swoon. The Atlanta loss  that prevented the Jets from being in the Wildcard drivers seat in week 15, was the third in which the number one defense in football couldn’t stop the opponent’s final drive. Nonetheless, the Jets perseverance coupled with a few late season breaks, have allowed the Jets to be where they are today. Headed to San Diego with a chance to get to the AFC championship for only the third time since the AFL NFL merger in 1970. For the first time since the Jets held a 10-0 lead in Denver back in 1999 before John Elway completed his own career ending quest for Super Bowl glory.

The Jets head into Sunday as eight point underdogs. Yet somehow you gotta know that Ryan is thriving in the role of  motivator  with a team that is listening to his “us against the world” locker room rants. The Jets themselves appear to be

relishing the role of proving the doubters wrong. Sunday in San Diego the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS get that chance once again. The stakes around here haven’t been higher in over a decade.

THREE KEYS TO THE CHARGERS:

Make SD’s offense one dimensional: We’ll steal a page out of Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s press conference on Thursday. To make the Chargers one dimensional would do wonders for a defense that is already locked in on the Air attack.

The Chargers CAN run despite what the stats will tell you. Yet if the Jets can keep LT and Sproles pinned down, the front seven can pin their ears back on third and long situations and look to create some plays of their own.

Braylon, Come on!! This week Rex Ryan predicted or was wishfully thinking out loud for a breakout day from the big play guy who can’t seem to catch the deep ball. He said sooner or later Edwards would put up three TD’s in a game. He then added “let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later.” There’s no time for feeling sorry for yourself if you’re Edwards right now. Sanchez’s confidence is growing. Schotty is calling deep shots that have had potential to work. It’s up to Edwards to get over his slump and get going. How about a few early short throws to him for some confidence? If Edwards can relax like his rookie QB has learned to do this month, we may have the X factor of the game right here in #17.

Withstand the early onslaught. What the Jets cant afford is a few big plays and mistakes hitting them hard early. They came back from a 7-0 deficit last week vs the Bengals and certainly could do the same out West. A 21-0 deficit caused by quick Rivers strikes and  a special teams gaffe, well that would create a hole to big to crawl out of. The ground and pound has room for growth from Sanchez and Edwards should he get going. A big early Chargers lead HAS to be avoided at all costs. Stay in the game. Let it develop. With each passing moment, a close game will become a winnable one for the Jets.

There are still those who think the NY Jets don’t belong with the elite that the NFL has to offer despite their Wildcard road win. Now the Jets will have their chance to prove those who felt the Jets were given a free pass into the playoffs.  Coach Rex Ryan, who has stated on more than one occassion that he doesn’t care how his team got in,  gave his players an itinerary whose culmination would take place at a ticker tape parade down the Canyon of Heroes. The rookie head coach was simply presenting the complete vision for a team that showed by their focused play in Cincy, that just making the playoffs is not the goal.

The Jets got down early on Saturday thanks to a big kick return by the Bengals Bernard Scott to start the game. The play left the Bengals on the Jet 35 where after a change of possesion that again gave them the ball to start inside the Jet 50. Former Jet Laverneus Coles later caught an 11 yard pass from Palmer to give the Bengals the early 7-0 lead.

The Jets would answer back thanks to a nifty play call by offensive coordintor Brian Schottenheimer. Schotty called for a conuter toss, a fake handoff right to FB Tony Richardson. The play instead was a pitch left to the big play Greene who found daylight behind 6 foot 7 310 pound 3rd year D’BRickshaw Ferguson.Ferguson sealed the edge as Greeene busted through to the second level of defenders. There were no defenders there however. Many of them bit on the run action to Richardson. Greene raced, then waltzed in for the tying score 7-7.

As the half wore on, it became clear that the Jet secondary was in complete control. Laverneus Coles, the former Jet, was the primary target for veteran QB Carson Palmer. With Chad Ochocinco being smothered on Revis Island, the Bengal pass attack was from the onset, containable. The former pass happy Bengal offense was now a run first offense. The club that lost Chris Henry to injury then to tragedy, had gone into the year having lost TJ Houshmanzadeh to free agency. Then Cincy’s two top  tight ends were lost for the season due to injury way back in the fall. Palmer’s accuracy was off all day. Throws were high, wobbly.Benson  had 169 yards on the day,  thanks to kicking some busted inside traps to the outside. As the gam ewore on could not do it alone.

This allowed the Jets to settle in after a shaky start made shakier due to Ryan finding out minutes before the coin flip that Punter Steve Weatherford would not be avaliable because of an irregular heartbeat. K Jay Feely took over and did a trmendous job filling in.

Sanchez then gave the Jets the lead, a lead they’d never relinquish. The TD came on a roll right. TE Dustin Keller (3-99yds 1 TD) dragged to the right afterlining up on the left side before the sanp. As Sanchez rolled, the QB’s first target underneath the linebackers was covered. Then Keller raised his hand, on the run, behind the linebackers, and away from a secondary that hadn’t seen him sneak free. Sanchez found Keller who caught the throw and raced towards the pilon. The second year TE fought off some would be Bengal defenders desperate to push him out of bounds, for the score and 14-7 Jet lead. Sanchez was sharp  with his limited chances all day. “He had the eye of the tiger today and he was ready to get out there and throw it around,” coach Rex Ryan said. “I see him getting better and better each day on the practice field. What a job he’s done. I think he’s tired of hearing he’s the weak link on this football team.”

The Jets had a chance in third to “break it open” with a twn point lead but two Jay Feely field goals were called back in a row, due to false starts. This forced the Jets out of field goal range as the furious Feely motioned to the sidelines for a punt.  The Jets got it back though and then went on an eight play 75 yard drive. The drive was capped off  by a  homas Jones (15-35 1TD) TD run from the 7 yard line to give the Jets a commanding 21-7 lead, late in the third quarter.

The Bengals would not exit without a fight. When Benson broke free for a long TD, it made the score 21-14 with over 11:00 remaining. Cedric Benson rushed for  169 yards on the day. He sat out the 37-0 Jet win the week before. Early on, Benson’s success had to have many wondering whether the strong start  was proof that the Bengals would be a different team in round two. Now however, with the Jets up seven, it was time to show the ability to close out a playoff game out on the road. As Ryan said during the week, one of his many brash quotes, this team was built for the playoffs. Well the Jets proved him right as the team marched down the field to tack on a huge Feely FG to make it 24-14. With 7:00 left the Jets got it back but played it safe. Real safe. Three runs and a short  punt gave the Bengals the ball close to the 50 with time to get a quick score and hope for the best.

Cincy drove into FG range but Shayne Graham, the dependable kicker that the Bengals even slapped a franchise tag on heading into 2009, missed his second chip shot of the day. Marivn Lewis later said that the missed FGs, especially the second, were crushing. The second, a 28 yarder, would have made it a one score game with 3:49 left. The Bengals had the two minute warning and all three timeouts still remaining. Instead the Jets again got it back and again chose to play it safe. Run, kill more clock, and punt. The Bengals got it back once more but by then it was hopeless. When Palmer was  finally sacked on fourth down by 10  year Jet veteran Sean Ellis, who has lived through his share of “Same Old Jets” disappointments, the celebration was on. The Jets, a team that few, including their coach, thought would even be here were moving on.

It was only a month ago that a horrifying 10-7 loss to Atlanta had seemingly closed the door on 2009. A loss that dropped the streaking Jets to 7-7 and left the dumbfounded  Ryan to mistakenly proclaim at the time “we’re out of the playoffs.” Well now the storyline has changed. Winners of six out of seven, the Jets are a red hot club whose confidence is growing behind the leadership of the outspoken Ryan, who continues to put positive world championship thoughts into the minds of his players. “This was a great team effort,” said Ryan, “We’re a good football team. If people don’t believe that, they soon will.”

Yes Network’s Mike Francesa had spoken earlier on Sunday about how fitting a rematch between the Jets and Colts would be in the following round. After all, it was the Colts who many feel rolled out the red carpet for the Jets to enter through into January. In week 16, the then undefeated Colts took out future hall of famer Peyton Manning and other key starters up just 15-10 late in the third quarter. The move was ordered by Colts brass to insure the safety of its stars for the postseason rather than chase the first perfect season since Miami did it in 1972. The move left many Colts fans and fans of other clubs in the AFC playoff hunt, disgusted afterwards. When Calvin Pace stripped backup QB Curtis Painter of the ball shortly after Manning exited, the road to the playoffs became a wide open possibility for the Jets. Miles away from the start of that day which had Jets playoff hopes sitting at a mathematical improbablility.

After the Baltimore Ravens layed it on the Pats on Sunday, in the second AFC Wildcard battle of the weekend (perhaps putting an end to New England’s decade long AFC East reign,) the Jets knew a date with the Colts and Peyton Manning would have to be put on ice, for now. The number two seeded Chargers and Phillip Rivers await the Jets instead. The AFC West champs can seemingly score at will, and now stand between the Jets and a date with the AFC Championship.

What a wild ride it’s been for the NY Jets in 2009. From 3-0 to 4-6 to 7-6 to needing to have prayers answered. Now the ride may be heating up  even more. This thanks to the Jets add more pieces to the puzzle on offense during this latest surge. Two weeks ago it was Brad Smith and the Wildcat in the big blowout win that sent the Jets into the playoffs.. This week it was Sanchez’s calm demeanor, coupled with Greene and Keller both busting out. Ryan boasted that the Jets will be a tough out for anyone right now. If the rookie QB out of USC can continue to grow his confidence and play mistake free while players like Greene become a bigger part of the equation, the Jets may truly be the tough out Rex was talking about.

WFAN”s Joe Beningo, a diehard Jet fan, says the Jets are now playing with “house money.” Even a loss couldn’t erase the fact that this year has been a successful step forward for a team led by many rookies including the coach. Beningo may be right but the Jets know that these chances don’t come often. In January it’s about seizing the moment. As hot as San Diego has been, and they’ve ebeen on fire, the Jets now find themselves hot as well. With the stakes higher than they’ve been for the Jets since 2005 when the Herm Edwards Jets beat the Chargers in OT in the Wildcard round ( only to fall dramatically to the Steelers in OT the following week). Once again, few will give the Jets a chance.  Others want more proof than just beating a sliding Bengals club, that the Jets truly belong in a class with the top teams in the league. One of those who believes the Jets CAN get it done now is Palmer. “They might have a chance to make a move, Their defense is that good.”

follow TJ Rosenthal on twitter @ thejetreport

A LOOK BACK ON THE THREE KEYS TO THE BENGALS:

EMOTIONS: The Jets had them. The Bengals were flat in the passing game so that had to take some wind out of their sails. Gang Green was not just happy to be there. They are thinking big and playing mistake free with fire. Like they have places to go, things to see.

STEP NOW ROOKIE , IT’S YOUR TIME TO SHINE: We said last week : “the Jets may in fact move it on the ground yet also need Sanchez to deliver some key third down throws…Here’s to hoping that Sanchez plays with that confidence he exuded  most notably Monday night in Miami, leading the Jets back twice in the second half. ” Mission accomplished. Sanchez porved to the Jet rport that he is a big game guy who can lead the Jets into the future. Limited throws yes, but playing cool, being in control, being a leader, count more than numbers. Nice job rookie.

X FACTORS:  We guessed wrong about Brad Smith and Kerry Rhodes. instead the X factors were the young trio of Sanchez, Greene and Keller. How about Feely stepping in and punting in a playoff game? A game ball goes to the kicker.

That win will mean nothing if Gang Green can’t continue a much needed win streak

that includes  tough AFC East battle with the Buffalo Bills in Toronto tonight. It’s Thursday night football. A short week to prepare followed by either a happy long layoff before week 14, or the realization that postseason dreams will be all but

over.

For the Jets , RB Thomas Jones will be a key factor tonight. The Newark Star Ledger reported this week that Jones is second only to the Chargers Ladanian Tomlinson in yardage gained since 2005. An impressive stat for a humble guy.

For the Jets to go to 6-6, he’ll need to add to that tonight against Buffalo, a team that owns the league worst  32nd ranked rushing defense. Can QB Mark Sanchez’s color coded bracelet minimize the interceptions for a second straight week? It better. Sanchez threw five interceptions in the Jets previous meeting with the Bills.

A sickening  week six OT loss that also saw NG run killer Kris Jenkins injure his knee and thus become lost for the season.

The 4-7 Bills are a different team since the last time the Jets faced them. Head coach Dick Jauron is gone, fired weeks ago in favor of interim Perry Fewell. Fewell got his first NFL coaching win last week at home against Miami. This thanks to the resurgence of WR Terrell Owens, who credits his recent hot play to the new starter QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Owens said this week that the relationship between himself and former starter Trent Edwards simply was not there. RBFred Jackson has supplanted Marshawn Lynch as the starter as well. Lynch who started the year serving a three game league suspension, has yet to find a rythym in 2009.

With Tampa Bay on the schedule next before a tought finish against Atlanta, undefeated Indy, and the first place Bengals, the Jets are in position to make the stretch drive interesting. This is as big of a game as a 5-6 team can have. Let’s call

it a playoff game because in essence it is. Win, or go home.

Three keys to the Buffalo Game:

Darrelle Revis vs Terrell Owens: Owens is on fire the past two weeks. Revis has shut down top wideout all year starting on opening day in Houston against Andre Johnson. Randy Moss twice. you get the idea. Tonight must be the same.

Thomas Jones vs Bill Run defense: Jones has to go for close to 100 yds and a TD

against the 32nd ranked D. If not, that would mean the onus would’ve been on Sanchez. Bracelet or not, the Sanchise is being asked to manage things and keep the chains moving, not take 2009 into his own hands.

Can we get an unsung hero tonight?: moments like these call for the unsung hero. The guy who wasn’t a threat on paper, in game films. Let’s look for a Brad Smith, Danny Woodhead, or perhaps a Jet interior defender like Sione Pouha tonight. The Jets need a big contribution from one perimeter guy tonight to help push things over the edge. If the QB isn’t allowed to, or can’t light it up, it will take, oh god am I actually saying this? 52 flashlights. This of course to quote ex Jet head coach and now ex UVA head coach Al Groh who used this reference in 2000 after the Jets beat Tampa with former Jet Keyshawn Johnson who mocked WR Wayne Chrebet that week before the game.

Follow TJ Rosenthal on twitter@ thejetreport

The first drive for Miami was a sign of things to come. Seven minutes, led by an assortment of runs off of direct snaps to RB Ronnie Brown led the Fish up the field. A Brown TD capped the drive and a 7-0 Dolphin lead. The Jets answered back. QB Mark Sanchez, looking to rebound from his 3-interception performance in New Orleans, led the Jets downfield and finished it with a 3-yard TD pass to Edwards to tie it up 7-7.

Edwards who only logged three days of practice time with the Green and White since coming over from the Browns last week, could become the first true tall deep ball and red zone threat the Jets have had at WR in a long time.  Keyshawn Johnson  and 1980’s Jet star WR Al Toon  come to mind, though Edwards possesses a special athleticism that allows him to grab the tough throws. Catching consistently will be the key for Edwards success  as a Jet. He leads the league in targeted drops over the past season.

In the second quarter, a fake punt snap to all purpose player Brad Smith , the Jets second successful fake punt of the game, led to a Jay Feely FG and a 10-10 tie. Feely added another at the end of the half after Sanchez administered a solid two minute drill. The drill coming on a drive capped by a heady tough run out of bounds by the “San-chize”, stopping the clock to allow time for the kick. The Jets led 13-10 at the half and considering how things started, had to feel good on the road in a divisional game having regained the lead.

The Dolphins however continued to stuff the Wildcat down the Jets throat. A Chad Henne to TE Anthony Fasano TD made it 17-13 Fish. Henne, making his 2nd NFL start threw for 241 yards and two TDs , shocking the Jet coaches with his efficiency in the passing game all night. The Jets had no sacks in the game “We made that guy look like Dan Marino,” Ryan said begrudgingly during the post game press conference.

Down 17-13, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer then unleashed the Manchez. The rookie’s bomb to speedy WR David Clowney put the Jets in the Miami red zone in a flash. The Jets have lacked a quick strike ability for years.  Santana Moss maybe? With slot WR Chansi Stuckey now with Eric Mangini in Cleveland as part of the Edwards deal, Clowney  (4 catches 72 yds) will find time in the slot and give the Jets more chances to score fast.. After the Clowney catch, on third and long, Sanchez threw a great ball down the sidelines that Edwards, heavily covered made a terrific play on before diving for the pilon. The catch was ruled a TD but a Miami challenge took the TD away from Edwards. It left the ball on the one where Thomas Jones punched it in for a 20-17 Jet lead. Another Jet Miami classic was brewing.

The Dolphins then went on another time consuming drive to end the third and on the 1st play of the fourth regained the lead on a Ronnie Brown TD dive. 24-20 Miami. Brown was impossible to stop all night out of the Wildcat faking reverses to Ricky Williams, running off tackle , running sweeps. The Jets defense never got comfortable,  and were unable to throw the Dolphin backs for any big drive ending losses on first or second down. Instead the Fish were grinding 4 yards, 5 yards at a clip all night.

The Jets and Sanchez answered the bell again midway through the fourth. A bomb to Edwards well covered by former Giant Will Allen was called pass interference on the Miami 1-yard line. The Replay showed good coverage, but the Jets capitalized on the call with a Thomas Jones TD plunge and a 27-24 lead. The problem  for the Jets was that there was over five minutes left: too much time left for a tired confused Gang Green defense that to that point had allowed over 320 total yards (Miami finished with 413 total yards). Unable to get to Henne, and lacking the ability to slow down the Wildcat, the Jets needed to induce a Dolphin mistake.

Instead , the Fish mixed up their play calling on the final drive to perfection. Henne first hit WR Greg Camarillo for a 9nineyard gain. Short three step drops sprinkled around a devastating run attack allowed Henne the time that no other QB has had against the Rex Ryan Jet defense all season. Speedy rookie QB Pat White was even brought in with three minutes left, to run the Wildcat and gained a big first down on a quarterback draw as the Dolphins marched toward the red zone. A key thrid and long was converted with 1:20 left as Henne hit Camarillo with a bullet, setting up a first and goal inside the Jet 10-yard line. Refusing to expend timeouts, sure his defense wouldn’t give up 6, Rex Ryan left it up to his defense.  A big Kerry Rhodes tackle of Brown, shedding a fullback block on a sweep,  left Miami with a third down; one time out and ten seconds left. A stop would’ve forced Miami to tie it  on 4th down, with a FG forcing OT. Instead Brown powered through the wilting Jet interior and it’s exhausted run killer NG Kris Jenkins, for the 31-27 win. Five lead changes took place in the fourth, the final one leaving NY no time on the clock to respond.

Next up for the Jets is a home date with a Buffalo Bills team  that is 1-4 and in disarray. The pitiful Oakland Raiders then follow the Bills. 5-2 is within the Jets grasp. A re-match with Miami follows these two extremely winnable games. Before the Jets get their chance for payback with the Fish in Week 8, they’ll have to take care of business by doing what all good teams do. They have to smother struggling teams and lesser teams from the get go. After losses to the high powered Saints and the top running team in the NFL in the Dolphins, it’s time to regroup and regain that confidence and swagger that at 3-0, had many including the Jets as one of the top teams in football.

Week 4

CONTENDERS:

#1  NEW ORLEANS SAINTS                   4-0              Wk 3:  #1                  Wk 4: Beat NY Jets, 24-10

The Saints remain at #1 for the third straight week, and they’re starting to become more of a complete team each week. We knew they could pass, but they’ve shown a strong running game and a great defense, too.

#2  NEW YORK GIANTS              4-0               Wk 3:  #2               Wk 4: Won at Kansas City, 27-16

Steve Smith has emerged as the go-to receiver the Giants were seeking. Hakeem Nicks showed why the Giants used a 2009 number one pick on him, burning the Chiefs for his first career touchdown on Sunday. And, the D has been strong.

#3  INDIANAPOLIS COLTS           4-0               Wk 3:  #5               Wk 4: Beat Seattle, 34-17

Like a fine wine, Peyton Manning is getting better with age. Four 300-yards games in four games, all Colts’ wins, 9 TD’s and only 3 picks. Very impressive, even by Manning’s standards. Indy can all but end the Titans’ season on Sunday.

#4  MINNESOTA VIKINGS            4-0               Wk 3:  #7               Wk 4: Beat Green Bay, 30-23

Speaking of getting better with age, in his final game in his 30’s, Brett Favre had a terrific game against the franchise that he’ll represent in the Hall Of Fame. As expected, Jared Allen has been a force with 18 tackles and 6½ sacks.

#5  DENVER BRONCOS               4-0               Wk 3:  #6               Wk 4: Beat Dallas, 17-10

Dallas may end up a .500 team this year, but by beating them, the Broncos eased some questions about the legitimacy of their staying power in the AFC, at least for now. And, their defense has allowed a league-low 26 points (6.5 ppg).

#6  NEW YORK JETS                  3-1               Wk 3:  #4               Wk 4: Lost at New Orleans, 24-10

After three impressive weeks, Mark Sanchez and the Jets were dealt a huge case of reality down in the Bayou, but they only fall two spots after losing to #1 on the road, and because the defense for the most part, remains solid.

#7  NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS     3-1               Wk 3:  #16             Wk 4: Beat Baltimore, 27-21

A big jump of 10 spots after beating last week’s #3 team. New England has righted the ship with a pair of solid home wins over Atlanta and Baltimore after raising a lot of early questions with poor showings against the Bills and Jets.

#8  BALTIMORE RAVENS            3-1               Wk 3:  #3               Wk 4: Lost at New England, 27-21

The Ravens have still been pretty good overall, and thus, they’re still in the top 8, but losing a competitive game at New England, Baltimore falls from one of the elite teams down to one notch below the Patriots, for now.

#9  SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS                  3-1               Wk 3:  #8               Wk 4: Beat  St. Louis

The Niners are still that one late Favre-to-Lewis Week 3 Minnesota Miracle pass from being a perfect 4-0. With everyone else in the NFC West under .500, San Francisco clearly looks like the best out west in the NFC.

#10  CHICAGO BEARS                            3-1               Wk 3:  #15             Wk 4: Beat Detroit, 48-24

The Bears have shown some mettle, rebounding from a tough season-opening loss in Green Bay, to win three straight. With 11 fewer first downs, 122 fewer yards, and 13 fewer minutes holding the ball, the Bears beat Detroit 48-24 (?!).

#11  ATLANTA FALCONS             2-1               Wk 3:  #12             Wk 4: Bye

Matt Ryan looked sharp in a couple of home wins against poor competition (Miami and Carolina) but a trip to New England exposed some Falcon flaws. Coming off a bye, Atlanta will be tested again going to San Francisco next.

#12 CINCINNATI BENGALS            3-1               Wk 3:  #10             Wk 4: Beat Cleveland, 23-20 (OT)

The Bengals are one of the league’s biggest enigmas thus far. The blow a game to Denver at home and struggle to beat the lowly Browns, yet they win at Green Bay and beat Pittsburgh. It all adds up to a good 3-1 start at the quarter mark.

#13  PITTSBURGH STEELERS                  2-2               Wk 3:  #17             Wk 4: Beat San Diego, 38-28

If the Steelers could maintain their focus for a full 60 minutes each week, they’d rank in the top five. But, that problem let two road games Pittsburgh should have won get away, and instead of a perfect 4-0, their only at .500

#14  PHILADELPHIA EAGLES                  2-1               Wk 3:  #13             Wk 4: Bye

The Eagles’ bye bought Donovan McNabb the final week of time he needed to recuperate and return to the lineup on Sunday. Games against three bad teams (Tampa Bay, Oakland, and Washington) ease McNabb back into things.

MIRED IN MEDIOCRITY:

#15  DALLAS COWBOYS               2-2               Wk 3:  #9               Wk 4: Lost at Denver, 17-10

At 2-2, Dallas looks to be on the path to 8-8. What they do well one week, they may not do the next, particularly with an inconsistent Tony Romo missing Terrell Owens. Dallas gets an easy one in Kansas City next, before the bye comes.  

#16  JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS      2-2               Wk 3:  #20             Wk 4: Beat Tennessee, 37-17

From 0-2 to 2-2. Is Jacksonville better than expected or did Tennessee already quit on the season after three tough losses? Maybe both. David Garrard has played well enough for the Jags to open it up more with the passing game.

#17  SAN DIEGO CHARGERS                   2-2               Wk 3:  #11             Wk 4: Lost at Indianapolis, 34-17

The Chargers reach the bye and will remain in this area of the rankings until they can raise their game to match that of better opponents. So far, wins over the bad Raiders and Dolphins, but missed chances against Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

#18  GREEN BAY PACKERS           2-2               Wk 3:  #14             Wk 4: Lost at Minnesota, 30-23

Sure, Favre won the big showdown, but bigger picture, Jarred Allen has 4½ sacks, and Cincinnati’s Antwan Odom had five sacks in Green Bay’s other loss. Until they can fix their offensive line woes, the Pack won’t challenge in the NFC.

#19  HOUSTON TEXANS               2-2               Wk 3:  #21             Wk 4: Beat Oakland, 29-6

The Texans have been inconsistent week to week, as shown by the L, W, L, W result. The Raiders at home were the perfect medicine for what was a very shaky defense that allowed a bunch of yardage over the first three weeks.

#20  ARIZONA CARDINALS            1-2              Wk 3:  #19             Wk 4: Bye

The Cards would have been wise to use the bye week to work on their defense after Peyton Manning torched them in the desert. Warner and Arizona were great in Jacksonville but they’ve yet to play well at home in two losses.

LOOKING TOWARD THE 2010 DRAFT:

#21 WASHINGTON REDSKINS                  2-2              Wk 3:  #25             Wk 4: Beat Tampa Bay, 16-13

With Redskin-of-the-teeth wins over awful St. Louis and Tampa Bay, and a loss in Detroit, Washington is about as unimpressive a 2-2 as a team can be. The defense has been okay, but the Skins are still waiting on Jason Campbell.

#22  MIAMI DOLPHINS                  1-3               Wk 3:  #27             Wk 4: Beat Buffalo, 38-10

Starting 0-3, looking pretty bad, and losing their starting quarterback to his latest season-ending injury, the Dolphins seemed to be going nowhere. Then, a 38-10 thrashing of Buffalo. That’s the unpredictability of the NFL at its best.

#23  BUFFALO BILLS                             1-3               Wk 3:  #18             Wk 4: Lost at Miami, 38-10

Now the flip side of that unpredictability. The Bills play well enough to win in New England, lose to the #1 Saints (understandable), and beat Tampa Bay easily. So, 0-3 Miami without Chad Pennington? Naturally, a 38-10 loss. Huh?!

#24  SEATTLE SEAHAWKS            1-3               Wk 3:  #22             Wk 4: Lost at Indianapolis, 34-17

Now that we’ve got the NFL’s unpredictability down, here lesson 2: how quickly fortunes can change. After crushing St. Louis, the Seahawks lose three straight and go from #3 on this list all the way down to #24.

#25  DETROIT LIONS                             1-3               Wk 3:  #24             Wk 4: Lost at Chicago, 48-24

Could it be? Two wins in a row after 19 straight losses? Trading touchdowns in a 21-21 half in Chicago, the Lions made that thought possible. But, then that pesky 27-3 second half came and Detroit became the Lions we’re used to seeing.

#26  TENNESSEE TITANS             0-4               Wk 3:  #23             Wk 4: Lost at Jacksonville, 37-17

What is going on down in Tennessee? From the only 13-3 team and a number one see a year ago, to an 0-4 start this season. So, no more Haynesworth, but way too much talent on the field and on the coaching staff to be winless.

#27  CAROLINA PANTHERS           0-3               Wk 3:  #29             Wk 4: Bye

Good news for Panthers fans! Jake Delhomme didn’t turn it over last week. Oh right, Carolina was off. Ever since last year’s regular season ended, Delhomme has not been the same quarterback. At 0-3, he’d better find it again soon.

#28  OAKLAND RAIDERS              1-3               Wk 3:  #26             Wk 4: Lost at Houston, 29-6

Jamarcus Russell has completed a shade under 40 percent of his passes and there’s talk of head coach Tom Cable being arrested for breaking the jaw of one of his assistants. The Raiders are a mess right now, but at least they have a win…

#29  TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS     0-4               Wk 3:  #31             Wk 4: Lost at Washington, 16-13

Which bring us to the winless bottom four, and we start with the Bucs, who early on, couldn’t stop anyone while moving the ball some. Now that the defense has improved a little, the offense has disappeared. Long season in Tampa.

#30  CLEVELAND BROWNS           0-4               Wk 3:  #32             Wk 4: Lost to Cincinnati, 23-20 OT

The Browns nearly got a… well, not a win, but almost a tie. Hey, gotta set you sights somewhere before you get better.

Cleveland did play Cincinnati tough after three bad games, so maybe there’s a some hope for a little improvement.

#31  KANSAS CITY CHIEFS            0-4               Wk 3:  #30             Wk 4: Lost to NY Giants, 27-16

All you need to know about the Chiefs so far this season, besides losing to three good teams each by double digits, is that when they statistically dominated the bad Raiders at home, they still managed to lose that one as well.

#32  ST.LOUS RAMS                    0-4               Wk 3:  #28             Wk 4: Lost at San Francisco, 35-0

And, bringing up the rear this week, falling four spots to get here after a horrid performance in Frisco, are the Rams. Two shutouts already? Just 24 points in four games? St. Louis is the NFL’s version of minor-league football right now.

Two years ago if you were one of the co-founders of this joint venture and you would have polled veteran sports media types, weather traditional print, or electronic/new media, someone might have said ” it might work for a year or two, but it will go the way of the USFL and XFL.” Six Months ago I might have said to you “If the economy were different….”

With many in the business world saying that the worst of the financial down turn could be over before the end of the coming holiday season, it just might be the perfect time to launch a new pro football league. So today, myself and a small but experienced group of football journalists, along with several executives involved with the UFL came together for their first New York based press conference at the Cornell Club in Midtown Manhattan. Commissioner Michael Huyghue opened the media meet and greet with about 6 or so minutes of information commentary, after which he turned it over to the New York franchise’ head coach, Ted Cottrell.

Don’t let Cotrell’s calm business like demeanor fool you. This man is excited to finally have a shot as a head coach, something it looked like he would never get in the NFL, even with 24 years of experience as a position coach and defensive coordinator. To say that he got a raw deal in his last two stops (with San Deigo & the NY Jets) would be an understatement. He warmed up the crowd almost instantly with, “Only in NY would a head coach get a round of applause before he’s coached a game.” He stated that he was truly honored to be in this position.

“If you ask me what kind of team we will have in NY, it will be the kind of team that gives you it’s all on the field today.”

“I expect to see players playing hard from start to finish, that’s what I expect”

Later he told a smaller group of us. ” We are trying ti watch the age of the Veteran players we bring in, with the concern that players get worn down”

On Being in NY: ” Aside from this being the team I was assigned, I love it here. I was here for three years with the Jets, and as an assistant with Rutgers for nine years, plus I worked in the NFL offices for a year.”

On Being a 3-4 Defensive Guru and innovator: “Well, this year we will run the 4-3  based on the fact that we want to change things up a bit.”

On his assistants: “I had to find a group of guys I could trust, guys I knew well. with the exception of one coach, everyone on this staff has worked with me before.”

On His Offensive coordinator: “Wes Chandler” (That’s good enough for me!)

Chandler played 11 seasons in the NFL, and was a big part in the 1981 “Epic in Miami” playoff game (6-106-1TD  on a 56 yd. punt return). His coaching career includes stops in NFL Europe, and in the NFL with Dallas, and most recently with Cleveland.

We also heard from the NY franchise owner Bill Mayer, the Founder of Park Avenue Equity. Probably the most interesting thing Mr. Mayer let drop is that he was a former NY Jets season ticket holder, and that after a few years of traveling to New Jersey for games, he was just plain fed up. “This team will play somewhere east of the east river,” said Mayer. Hmmmm…do the math. The New Facility at Citi Field would be perfect, but it’s playing surface is just not set up for football. That leaves…Hmmm…That college in Hempstead, NY when the Jets used to hold their training camp and practices. We think Hofstra would be a great place, but we will have to wait for a formal announcement.

Final Notes: Every good sports endeavor needs a good P.R. person, and the  UFL has a very good one In Rachel Gary. She was fantastic today, and so far in every contact this reporter has had with her.

Thoughts on the other AFC teams:

Bills: 8 Picks. LB Aaron Maybin (rd1) and CB Jairus Byrd are good solid choices, But OC Eric Wood wasn’t even among the top 2 Centers, and the other Offensive Lineman Andy Levitre was only an after thought on many Draft expert’s charts, including mine. Grade: C to C-

Dolphins: 10 Picks.  I’d like to give big poppa Parcells the benefit of the doubt here(and so would at least one of my associates who knows him personally and spend a year following him as research on his book) regarding Vontae Davis, But ego runs in the family (see big brother Vernon). I love Pat White as a QB, but they need to add more speed at receiver for the wildcat to work well. Sean Smith is the biggest CB i have ever seen. no addition of a Stout DL would worry the Phins faithful. Grade: C+ unless White gets the help he needs.

Patriots: 12 Picks. S Pat Chung could play anywhere in the defensive backfield, and Butler is a shutdown CB. Got Depth and scored 2 picks next year by smart trades, but no true “impact” players here. Grade: B

Ravens: 6 Picks: Just on Mike Oher alone Ozzie Newsome and his personnel crew get the “A”, but i have to take away a half a grade because CB Lardarius Webb could pass for a 15 year old H.S. player in his pads at 177lbs. soaking wet. Rb Cedric Peerman could develop into a good reserve/role player. Grade: A-

Bengals: 11Picks. If Andre Smith doesn’t flake out from the stress, he could someday be in that Building in Canton. Rey Maualuga is the Troy Polumalu of inside linebackers, and TE Chase Coffman has the NFL pedigree through his dad. Add OC Jon Luigs and P Kevin Huber(if he continues to improve his hang time numbers). The issue as always in Cincy is will these guys act their age or their shoe size. Grade: B-

Browns: 8 Picks. Alex Mack is the best Center in this class. Add the two receivers, Robiskie & Massaquoi and LB Kaluka Maiava (who we all know is the nephew of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and you have added enough depth at  key positions. Kudos to the Mangeinus for doing the deal with his old team, but there aren’t any Real great players here. Grade: C

Steelers: 9 Picks. While i like DT Ziggy Hood, OL Kraig Urbik and OC A.Q. Shipley are back-ups at best for now. CB Joe Burnett is a decent CB for where he was picked. The rest are just back-ups if they make it at all. Grade: C+

Texans: 8 Picks. Houston got one of the steals of round one with Brian Cushing, and Connor Barwin will combine with Mario Williams to greatly improve the Texans D. The only problem here is that no receiver or running back was chosen to help with depth. Grade B+

Colts: 8 Picks. Are you surprised that Donald Brown came of the board before Ohio State’s Chris Wells? You shouldn’t be, because Brown is more adaptable to more offensive sets. DT Fili Moala, WR Austin Collie, and QB Curtis Painter will help with depth, but they still need another DL from somewhere. P Pat McAfee could get teh job on his toughness alone. Grade: B

Jaguars: 9 Picks. Great use of draft slots to get the best players to fill needs. OT’s Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton will help Maurice Jones Drew have a “career” year in 2009, plus adding three receivers (Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard, and Tiquan Underwood will add bench depth, but they are still missing an instant starter at the position to help veteran FA signing Torry Holt. Liberty;s  Rashad Jennings is an undiscovered talent at RB. Grade: B+

Titans: 11 Picks. I’d grade them higher if i could but they didn’t get someone who could even develop into Al Hanesworth’s replacement. Sen’Derrick Marks is good but not good enough yet to do it alone. WR Kenny Britt and TE Jared Cook will add some zest to the passing game, and smallish RB Javon Ringer was a Michigan State stand out and quality person all around, who could be the next Dave Meggett talent wise. Grade: B

Broncos: 10 Picks. Although Ex-Georgia Bulldog Knowshon Moreno was the best RB in the Draft in my mind, Denver did little else to help other need areas, like the defensive line. Also didn’t address the offensive line until late in the draft. Grade: D-

Chiefs: 8 Picks. Nice job of starting to rebuild the defense. RB Javarris Williams from Tenn. State in the Ohio Valley Conference was one of our “small school prospect unknown” and another steal at his position in round 7.Still need more help for QB Matt Cassel. Grade: B+

Raiders: 7 Picks. If Al Davis would only retire or at least let someone else handle the personnel side of things, maybe the raiders can move forward. While Darrius Heyward-Bey is a quality receiver he wasn’t the 7th pick overall, and who the heck is Michael Mitchell? Grade: D+ if Heyward-Bey develops faster then expected, otherwise they get the big “F” again.

Chargers: 8 Picks. While I really like LB Larry English as a defensive player, there is no way he should have been a 1st round pick no matter how much you are worried about Shawne Merriman not being able to come all the way back. Explain to me why you also pick 2 OG’s in a weak class for Guards? LSU’s Demetrius Byrd is a  better receiver then his slot would indicate. Seems to me like they had a Brain Cluster after Denver picked Moreno ahead of them. Grade: B-

Next: The Giants and  the  NFC

General manager Jerry Reese has not yet made a major attempt at signing a receiver in free agency, but will certainly address that in the draft. The Giants had college prospect Percy Harvin in for a workout last week. But there have to be other names on the radar. One such name should be Cal-Poly’s Ramses Barden before the Super Bowl no one even knew who he was except for a handful of scouts. Barden is the only receiver in this draft at 6′5″ or above (6′5-1/2″-229lbs) and while he is still a bit raw, he has the potential to go a long way in the pros. We wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. Barden heard his name called mid to late on day two of this year’s draft. The other is Rutgers’ WR Kenny Britt. I’m not so totally sold on Mr. Britt.  Although he is 6′4″, he only weighs about 212 pounds, hardly someone who can out muscle larger defensive backs over the middle. He can jump, but would need to learn the mechanics of the “Jump Ball” game in the end zone. Another option is Browns WR Braylon Edwards.

The NY Jets never seem to be happy with what they already have. If they feel that Kellen Clemens will never run the Jets Offense on a regular basis, try trading him for the extra draft pick. Then people will take you seriously when you say you need a QB. Until then, people only see the Jets as further behind the Giants in PSL sales.

I’m not so sure they were ever seriously considered a factor in the “Jay Cutler” Saga. The three way deal between the Broncos, Titans, and the Jets was talked about for all of five minutes and then dismissed at least on NY sports talk radio.

Up In Buffalo, Terrell Owens has already missed a “voluntary” off season work out with his new team of choice. So I ask you, is this the way to start off on the right foot with your new team and coaching staff? I would thing you’d want to do everything you can to show the people of upstate NY that you’re happy to be there. Sure the workouts are “voluntary”, but it is also “strongly suggested” that players attend.

Down I-95, the Eagles’ QB Donovan McNabb isn’t too happy that so many veteran players are leaving. One media vet tells us that it’s been building up to this for years due to poor management on the part of the Eagles front office. You have to feel bad for Donovan because he puts his heart and soul into trying to make the Eagles a winner. It’s shameful that the front office won’t give them the tools to do so.

Some of the area college programs have already released their schedules for 2009. The Liberty Cup match-up between Fordham University (Patriot) and Columbia University (Ivy) is sure to be hotly contested as always. Columbia’s Head Coach Norries Wilson is one of the hardest working coaches to grace New York City’s college football scene in some time. He also gives a great post game press conference no matter what the outcome of the game, and always has a high quality of Insight into all phases of the game. As a college player, Coach Wilson played in two bowl games at the University of Minnesota as an offensive lineman. Fordham’s head man Tom Massella has been around winning football for years, and while the Rams had a tough 2008, they were the 2007 patriot league champs. Both teams also work hard on the recruitment front each year. Circle your calendars for September 19th at 6pm at Fordham’s Jack Coffey field.

The NFLPA elected a new executive director 3 weeks ago named DeMaurice Smith. Mr. Smith is a talented litigator, but has no other football related experience other than being a rabid Redskins fan. So maybe there is some truth to the story that the election may have been “jerrymanded” by player association lawyers Kessler and Berthlesen. At least one retired player who is part of the suit against the NFLPA to recognize the lack of health care benefits to retired players believes it is true, and has gone on record to anyone who will listen. There is even another story that the 28.1 million dollar settlement will be reduced by 50% to the players.

As comedy man Yakov Smirnoff says, “What a country this America is.”

Visit Dr. Bill on his site or listen to his radio show.