Jets Defense, rookies lead the way.

The New York Jets proved that they do belong, the Bengals proved they didn't. An active and blitzing defense gave Carson Palmer fits and rookies Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene lead the office to 24 points. The Bengals could never get it going, Eightfive didn't catch a ball until the 2nd half, and Darelle Revis had a pick.

I'm not sure if the death of Chris Henry had anything to do with the Bengals finishing the season poorly, but they did not come ready to play on Saturday. You have to wonder if not "playing to win the game" last week hurt them.

You have to be impressed with Mark Sanchez, not of his dirty goatee but how poised he was. Sanchez completed 80% of his passes and threw 2 TDs. More importantly there were no interceptions or turnovers. A roll out pass to Dustin Keller put the Jets up 7-0 and gave me the feeling that the Jets wouldn't need much more offense to keep the Bengals at bay. The Jets extended their lead to 21-7 before holding off for the 24-14 win.

The Jets take their game to either Indy or San Diego, where they will be heavy underdogs. They do have the recipe for success, a stout defense and an effective running game, but if they want to win next week they have to find some stick'em for Braylon Edwards, I mean seriously. How many touchdowns has he dropped in the last 3 years? He needs to step up for the Jets to make a serious move.

I don't see the Jets winning next week, but I will definitely be cheering for them to win. They must score first and extend their possessions, create turnovers and hope for bad games from either Manning or Rivers. I'm almost reminded of last year's Tennessee Titans, but if the Titans formula couldn't do it, surely neither will the Jets.