Washington Post (blog) - Anyone but New York

New York City

You're not going to believe this. For the second year in a row, my job requires me to travel on Super Bowl Sunday. Super Bowl Friggin' Sunday. Last year, I had to fly from L.A. to Dallas for a meeting first thing the next morning. This year, I have to fly to New York for the same reason. (And, no, I can't fly Monday morning because of flight times. And, yes, I could fly out on Saturday, but I'd rather spend the day with my lovely wife and increasingly silly daughter, who are the only people who can stand being in the same room with me these days.) Now, there is a great benefit to flying on Super Bowl Sunday: because so few people are flying that day, there's a decent chance that you can get an entire row of airline seats to yourself or, even better, an upgrade. (Note to anyone reading who works for Delta: an upgrade would be greatly appreciated.) Also, the flight attendants tend to be a little more generous with the pretzels when there are only four passengers. The downside, of course, is that you can miss the game depending on your flight times or delays, or you can end up watching it by yourself in a hotel room -- which is what I will likely end up doing. Yes, I may be in New York City on Super Bowl Sunday, watching the local team of which I happen to be a fan, the Jets, play in the Super Bowl for the first time in 40 years. Sounds pretty exciting, doesn't it? Well, it would be except for this fact: I don't want the Jets to make it to the Super Bowl, only to get slaughtered by the Saints or the Vikings, and you shouldn't either. Getting trounced in the Super Bowl is worse for a fan than not making the Super Bowl at all. I could spend a few paragraphs discussing the psychology of this phenomenon, but I won't; you know it's true, so I won't say more. (And if you don't believe me, please feel free to ask the nearest Bills fan.) No one wants to see a bad Super Bowl anyway, with the possible exception of the fans of the team doing the trouncing. As much as I hope to be wrong, I suspect that is precisely what I believe would happen if the Jets make the Super Bowl. They would get trounced, it will be an ugly game, and no one will enjoy themselves except for the fans of the Vikings or the Saints. I understand why the NFL would love to see the Jets in the Super Bowl. It's a great story -- first time in a Super Bowl since the 1960s. There's a rookie coach with a big mouth, a rookie quarterback with occasional jitters, a rookie running back with an oddly spelled first name, a troubled wideout with occasional butter fingers and the best defense in the league -- Revis. Plus, you get the one-two punch of a New York team that also happens to be an underdog. Match the Jets up against the Vikings, and you have another story: the Brett Favre saga. Unfortunately for Jets fans, the story ends like this: Vikings 24, Jets 3. Match the Jets up against the Saints, and the story ends the same way: Saints 24, Jets 3. (And please, Jets fans, don't feel the need to write in to tell me what an idiot I am. If you are a real Jets fan, you know that this is precisely how we must think in order to remain sane.) No, if you want to have a great game, a great matchup, a nailbiter like last year's Super Bowl -- which I watched in a movie theater in Dallas while eating cold nachos and chicken fingers -- you need the Colts. You need Manning against Favre, or Manning against Brees. Either would be a great game. But, simply because of what the city of New Orleans has endured the past few years, and what it would mean to the city and its team to win a Super Bowl, the best match up is Colts-Saints. Which is what I believe we're going to get. But if the Jets sneak in, I'm happy to be wrong. And if they happen to knock off the Saints or Vikings, I'll be even happier to be wrong. And I'll be in the perfect place to celebrate, New York City. In my hotel room. Eating all the pretzels I can talk the Delta flight attendants into giving me.

Reuters New York Jets upset Chargers with comeback win

New York

SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - The New York Jets pulled off a surprise 17-14 win over the San Diego Chargers Sunday to earn an AFC Championship showdown with the Indianapolis Colts.

Sports

The Jets trailed 7-3 going into the fourth quarter but snatched the lead with a touchdown when rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez threw a short pass on the run to Dustin Keller.

Another Jets rookie, running back Shonn Greene, then gave the Jets a 17-7 lead with an explosive 53-yard touchdown run.

San Diego's Nate Kaeding missed his third field goal of the day as the Chargers tried to respond. It was a nightmare game for kicker Kaeding, who had converted his previous 20 kicks going into the game.

Quarterback Philip Rivers ran through the middle from a yard out to bring the Chargers within three points, but it was too late for a team that had gone 13-3 in the regular season.

The Jets scrambled into the postseason with a 9-7 record and are now one more upset win away from a place in the Super Bowl.

But first year coach Rex Ryan said he did not consider the win, which takes his team to their first AFC Championship game since 1998, to be a shock.

"Not really -- we have believed the whole time, the whole year," said Ryan.

"It (the win) probably wasn't the popular choice but its been old fashioned 'ground-and-pound' football and here we are."

The first half was a grueling, unattractive battle with San Diego getting in front in the second quarter on Rivers' 13-yard pass to full-back Kris Wilson in the end-zone.

A 46-yard field goal from Jay Feely put three points on the board for the Jets in the third before the two quarterbacks exchanged interceptions.

WEATHER THE STORM

The fourth quarter belonged to the Jets, with Sanchez delivering the key plays.

"In games like this you have to weather the storm," said the quarterback, who was drafted from the University of Southern California.

The Jets now face a Colts team who effectively eased New York's path into the playoffs by resting key players and losing to them in the penultimate round of the regular season.

Chargers coach Norv Turner was at a loss to explain the defeat.

"You'd like to be playing your best games in January, in games like this. Certainly for whatever reason, we did not do that today," he added. "We didn't play our best game and it's disappointing."

The Chargers had scored at least 20 points in their past 22 games, a run that ended with a bump.

"There's no one thing you can point at," defensive end Luis Castillo said. "There's no one thing where you can point the blame. We made a lot of mental mistakes in terms of penalties and personal fouls."

(Reporting by Simon Evans in Miami; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Sundays crazyness: New York Jets Inactive List vs San Diego Chargers: Clowney Out

New York

David Clowney

The New York Jets will be without the services of wide receiver David Clowney Sunday afternoon against the San Diego Chargers.

Clowney, who lost his third receiver position to Brad Smith, was among the Jets players that landed on their inactive list.

Joining him on the sideline of the final NFL playoff game of the weekend are quarterback Erik Ainge, running back Chauncey Washington, linebacker Kenwin Cummings, guard Matt Slauson, defensive end Ropati Pitoitua and linebacker Marques Murrell.

The Jets have designated Kevin O’Connell has their third quarterback.

The winner of the game will face the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game next Sunday.

View the San Diego Chargers inactive list.

Stop everything: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers: AFC Divisional Playoff Preview

New York

Make no mistake about it, the Jets are confident heading into Sunday’s AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Chargers. Coach Rex Ryan even went as far as to give his team a schedule that ends with a Super Bowl victory parade in downtown Manhattan. But first thing’s first, and that’s a matchup against the hottest team in the AFC—the San Diego Chargers. Here are three story lines heading into this weekend’s game:

Ground and Pound

The Jets have the No. 1 rushing attack in the league and will look to continue their dominance up front in San Diego. Gang Green has developed an identity and it is one of a physical unit (on both sides of the ball) that will stay committed to the run at all costs because they are built for it.

It doesn’t hurt that the Chargers were ranked 20th against the run during the regular season and 16th in overall defense. The two-headed monster consisting of Thomas Jones and rookie Shonn Greene combined for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the Wild Card victory over Cincinnati.

With that said, the most intriguing part of this will be how effective the Jets will be given the fact that the Chargers know Jets will (and must) run the ball to have success on offense.

Strength on Strength

Philip Rivers leads a Chargers’ offense that was the fifth best passing team in the NFL during the regular season (271.1 YPG). Darrelle Revis leads a Jets’ defense that was ranked first overall and first against the pass. Something has got to give, right?

The challenge for the Jets will be dealing with San Diego’s vast arsenal of weapons. WR Vincent Jackson and TE Antonio Gates each had over 1,000 yards receiving in 2009 and six players caught at least 20 passes. Oh yeah, they still have LaDainian Tomlinson in the backfield. And although he’s not the player he once was, he’s still very dangerous and has the ability to score on any given play.

You have to figure that Revis will get matched up on Jackson and S Kerry Rhodes will take on Gates. But what about Malcolm Floyd and Legedu Naanee? There’s also Darren Sproles who caught 45 passes coming out of the backfield and FB Mike Tobert who caught 25. See what I mean?

If there’s any week where the Jets dress as many defensive backs as possible, it’s this week. Rex Ryan is a defensive mastermind and will surely come up with something that the Chargers have yet to see on film. It should be interesting to watch when these two units are on the field.

Steady Sanchez

Last week Mark Sanchez had the highest quarterback rating (139.4) for any rookie in a playoff game—ever! And while it’s unlikely that he will replicate that performance, the Jets are going to need to him to continue to play smart, turnover-free football if they’re going to have a chance to beat the Chargers.

As I pointed out before last week’s game, there will come multiple points in the game where the Jets will face 3rd-and-long and Sanchez will have to make a throw in a big spot, under pressure. The outcomes of those plays will ultimately determine the Jets’ chances in this game.

Last week he passed the test. Jets’ fans are hoping he passes his second exam this week.

Puzzling New York news: Super calendar! Rex Ryan maps out New York Jets' next month, from San Diego to ...

New York

BY Rich Cimini

dAILY NEWS SPORtS WRITER

Monday, January 11th 2010, 4:00 AM

Jets set for San Diego

Will the Jets beat the Chargers in the AFC divisional round?

The Jets' charter flight home from Cincinnati was decorated with green and white balloons, streamers and congratulatory poster boards. A nice touch, for sure, but nothing compared to what Rex Ryan has in mind for Feb. 9.

A Super Bowl victory parade up the Canyon of Heroes.

Ryan distributed a postseason calendar last week to the team, marked with the dates of everything from the wild-card game to the Super Bowl to the parade. He took that presumptuous step because he wants the players to visualize the journey, from the first game to the ticker tape.

"If you're not man enough or have enough faith in your team to put it on the schedule, you wouldn't," Ryan said Sunday. "But we do. We feel we have an outstanding chance. We feel we have an excellent football team. We're not ashamed of the fact that I believe it can happen."

The Jets' 24-14 victory over the Bengals was "a giant step forward," according to Ryan, but the road to the confetti blizzard is about to get a lot tougher. They're heading to San Diego for a Sunday afternoon showdown against the Chargers (13-3) in the AFC divisional playoffs.

The Jets avoided a rematch with the top-seeded Colts, thanks to the Ravens' upset of the Patriots, but they hardly consider it a lucky break. The Chargers are the hottest team in the league, having won 11 straight, and they haven't been held under 20 points in any game. Their last loss was Oct. 19 to the Broncos, 34-23.

Ryan's top-ranked defense will face a big-play offense led by Philip Rivers, who has passed for 4,254 yards, 28 touchdowns and only nine interceptions.

If you think Ryan is intimidated, you haven't been paying attention for the past 12 months.

"The reality is, if we win three games, we're the world champions," Ryan said. "It's so close you can almost taste it."

If the fifth-seeded Jets stun the Chargers, which would be one of the biggest upsets in team history, they would face the Colts-Ravens winner in the AFC Championship Game. It will be at the Meadowlands if Ryan's former team, the Ravens (the No. 6 seed), knocks off the Colts in the other divisional game.

And you thought the old stadium was history. Maybe not yet.

If it's the Colts, the Jets will get a chance to prove their upset two weeks ago wasn't a Curtis Painter-induced fluke.

But first the Jets have to figure out a way to stop the Chargers, who have three targets with at least 776 receiving yards - Vincent Jackson (1,167), tight end Antonio Gates (1,157) and Malcolm Floyd (776). They're coming off a bye week, so they will be well-rested.

The Jets won't be, but they do have plenty of their own momentum, having won six of seven. They also have a maturing Mark Sanchez to complement their league-leading ground attack. Sanchez, growing up before our eyes, has gone three straight games without a turnover.

"When our quarterback plays well," safety Jim Leonhard, "we feel like we have a great chance to beat anybody."

Ryan mapped out the postseason plan after the season-ending win over the Bengals. In Mangini World, it was always one week at a time. Maybe that's why, when they made the playoffs in 2006, it "was miserable," according to one player. "I know this sounds crazy, but some guys just wanted it to be over."

Ryan dares to dream big.

"Sometimes when you get in the playoffs, you think, ‘Okay, we're in the playoffs, but is it really reality to think we can win a Super Bowl?'" Ryan said. "When you lay it out in front of them, I think they can visualize it and realize, ‘Hey, man, we just take care of our business ... we can get this done.'"

New York Daily News: New York Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez proves he's worthy of Broadway stage

New York

Mike Lupica

Sunday, January 10th 2010, 4:00 AM

Jets' wild-card win

Who was the MVP of the Jets' win over the Bengals in the AFC wild-card game?

CINCINNATI - They got the kid to play like this, in games like this. The Jets got him to be a star, for them and their fans in Jersey and for New York. They worked the kid out in Southern California when they were deciding whether to trade up and draft him and Rex Ryan, a coach you may have heard of, said the kid didn't miss a throw. The Jets really got Mark Sanchez to win them their first Super Bowl since Joe Namath, the last star kid they had at quarterback. And Saturday, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, first pro playoff game of his life, Mark Sanchez made you believe he will do just that, beat everybody some day the way he beat the Bengals.

"One of these days, (Sanchez) is going to be the biggest guy we've got on this team," Rex Ryan said when it was over, 24-14 Jets. "The best. And maybe that day is coming sooner rather than later."

Then the big coach who backed it all up for another week, said this about his rookie quarterback: "We know this guy is gonna be a big-time guy."

And when Sanchez followed his coach to the podium, somebody asked him what he was thinking after Cedric Benson ran away from the coach's defense and made it 21-14 in the fourth quarter. Made it look like a game even though it wasn't.

"Let's go," Sanchez said. "Let's play. Let's go score some points."

And before you knew it he was rolling to his left and finding Dustin Keller wide open down the field and doing what he had done all day, which means throwing the ball exactly where he aimed it. And then the Jets were kicking the field goal that made it 24-14. Sanchez would end up 12-for-15 on the day and 182 yards and if Braylon Edwards doesn't drop a sure touchdown from Sanchez, 41 yards away, first quarter, the numbers are even gaudier than that.

Rookie head coach for the Jets Saturday, rookie quarterback. And rookie running back, too. Shonn Greene, a third-round pick out of Iowa, another guy the Jets traded up to draft, was a big-time guy himself Saturday, running for 135 yards on 21 carries, running 39 yards around left end for the Jets' first touchdown when it was 7-0, Bengals. The last time the Jets won a playoff game in Cincinnati, 26 years ago exactly, Freeman McNeil ran for 211 yards. Greene didn't get to 200 Saturday because Thomas Jones got some carries, too, scored a touchdown himself. But Greene got enough. All day.

And made a prophet out of the big coach.

"You ask him," Ryan said. "I told him before the game, 'Son, I think you can get 150 yards today.'"

But in all the important ways, this was Sanchez's coming-out party, Sanchez helping win the game all day long instead of just trying not to lose it. This is what Mike Tannenbaum, the general manager, saw in him. When it was 7-7, Sanchez rolled to his right and waited for Keller to come open across the field, threw him a perfect ball, watched Keller tightrope his way into the end zone from 10 yards out to put the Jets up a touchdown.

New York is being watched closely - AFC Wildcard Preview of New York Jets-Cincinnati Bengals

New York

With the opening round of the NFL playoffs just a few hours away, it's time to see which teams will persevere and which ones will make an early exit.

The first game on the docket pits the No. 5-seeded New York Jets (9-7) against the No. 4-ranked Cincinnati Bengals (10-6). Kickoff begins at 4:30 p.m. and the game will air on NBC.

Less than a week ago, the Bengals suffered a 37-0 thumping by the Jets at Giants Stadium in a must-win game to earn a postseason birth. While it was an ugly display put on by the Bengals, they had little to play for with one exception being for a chance to be the No. 3 seed if the New England Patriots lost against the Houston Texans.

Despite the Patriots dropping a close one to Houston, Cincinnati was unable to bolster much of an offensive attack against the Jets, and, as a result, the defense lingered on the field all night and couldn't stop running back Thomas Jones and company from putting points on the board.

Meanwhile, history was made based on the Jets winning that game as first-year quarterback Mark Sanchez and head coach Rex Ryan became the first rookie tandem to ever make it into the playoffs in their first season in their respective roles.

If the Jets are to advance to the second round, they'll have to do so playing on the road and in enemy territory with the Bengals securing a home game at Paul Brown Stadium after capturing the AFC North title this season. The Bengals are 0-1 lifetime at PB Stadium, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005 thanks, in part, to Steelers Kimo von Oelhoffen knocking quarterback Carson Palmer out of the game when he drilled the former USC stud in the left knee.

But, even with Palmer (3,094 passing yards with 21 TD passes, 13 INTs) healthy, his go-to wideout Chad Ocho Cinco (72 catches, 1047 receiving yards, 9 TDs) may labor through the postseason after he slipped and fell during warmups last weekend, hurting a knee in the process.

The key to victory for the Bengals depends largely on if they can establish a strong running game with feature back Cedric Benson (1251 rushing yards, 6 TDs) against a Jets defensive front that's become susceptible to the run ever since New York lost run-stopper Kris Jenkins earlier in the year to injury.

As for the Jets, a steady dose of Jones (1,402 rushing yards, 14 TDs) against a beat-up Bengals defense will help alleviate the pressure put on Sanchez. If New York finds itself trailing early by a couple touchdowns, relying heavily on Sanchez's arm may spell trouble for the green-and-white.

Much like the stock market, Sanchez (53.8 percent completion rating, 2,444 passing yards) has been up-and-down this season not to mention turnover proven. He has three interceptions over his last three games and 12 touchdown passes versus 20 INTs on the year.

Omitting the flukey season-opening 12-7 loss to the Denver Broncos when receiver Brandon Stokely scored the game-winning TD off a tipped ball by the Bengals's secondary, Cincinnati only lost once at PB Stadium. On Oct. 18, the Texans beat the Bengals 28-17.

With more to play for today, coach Marvin Lewis and the Bengals should put a more competitive product on the field and test the Jets unlike their first match last Sunday. However, Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis and the New York defense are likely to keep the game close barring turnovers by its offensive unit.

Predictions:

If Benson tops 100 rushing yards, Bengals win 23-17.

If Sanchez has a turnover-free game, Jets win 24-23.

I am shocked to hear: New York Jets coach Rex Ryan rips Cincinnati Bengals for making 'excuses' in ...

New York

BY Rich Cimini

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Saturday, January 9th 2010, 4:00 AM

CINCINNATI - It got hot inside the Jets' meeting room Friday night at their Cincinnati hotel, and it wasn't because somebody was fiddling with the thermostat.

On the eve of the playoffs, the Daily News has learned that Rex Ryan delivered a short but fiery speech in which he listed the myriad "excuses" used by the Bengals in the aftermath of their 37-0 loss to the Jets last Sunday, according to people in the room. Among them: A vanilla game plan. Resting starters. Nothing at stake.

"He's pissed," said one person at the team meeting. "He wants respect for this team."

Today, the Jets can shut up the critics - and the whiny Bengals.

After a wild regular season that included two three-game losing streaks, 20 Mark Sanchez interceptions, three fourth-quarter meltdowns, two Ted Ginn daggers, a Maurice Jones-Drew knee to the gut, an uncovered Tony Gonzalez and a Peyton Manning hook, the Jets play a wild-card rematch this afternoon at Paul Brown Stadium.

No more excuses. It's 'go' time. The Jets, the biggest long shot in the 12-team field (sorry, Rex, but Vegas says it's so), intend to stick around for awhile. They're determined to prove they're more than just the product of the Curtis Painter folly in Indianapolis.

"We're in it to win it," said tackle Damien Woody, who won two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. "We're not satisfied with just getting to the tournament and bowing out. We feel like we're going to go all the way. That's just our mind-set."

Said safety Kerry Rhodes: "We really feel like we have a chance to win it all, not just one game."

The fifth-seeded Jets (9-7) are remarkably confident for a team that received tremendous breaks in recent weeks, but there are good reasons for the positive vibe. They're hot (a 5-1 stretch run) and they're physical, boasting the league's top-ranked rushing attack and the No. 1 defense in points and yards allowed. That they smacked around the Bengals last week also didn't hurt their confidence.

"I won't be surprised when we win," Ryan said.

The Jets haven't won a playoff game since Jan. 8, 2005, a wild-card game in San Diego. This matchup features two old-school teams, run-heavy offenses that complement stifling defenses. Considering the similar styles, and the frigid conditions, this figures to be a low-scoring, field-position game.

And that's okay with Ryan, who believes it sets up perfectly for his defense, which has allowed only 47 points over the last six games. The No. 1 scoring defense has reached at least the divisional round every year since 1993, including five that won the Super Bowl.

New York Jets' Losing Clinics Getting Old (Can anyone expect less)

New York

Everything aligned properly for the Jets when the game started.

The Falcons came to town knowing they were eliminated from the playoffs after the Cowboys' impressive performance against the Saints last night.

They had nothing to play for in this cold weather.

Teams tend to fold when they hear news like that.

Plus, the Falcons entered this game with the weather being cold, after a snowstorm last night at New Jersey.

The Jets loved their chances.

Then, the game started.

Falcons coach Mike Smith decided to start Matt Ryan in a game he didn't need to, and Ryan executed down the stretch that helped the Falcons earn an ugly 10-7 victory that basically ended the Jets' postseason hopes.

The Jets can only wish Mark Sanchez can grow up and do the things Ryan did out there.

If he does, maybe everyone would stop being cynical and feeling disappointed about the Jets.

It may happen one day or it may not. Time will tell.

Right now, it's tough to watch when a quarterback learns on the job. It leads to disastrous results, and that's what happened this afternoon.

Sanchez started off fine by throwing deep to the red zone in the first quarter, but after that, he struggled all day.

He threw three interceptions including the late interception that set up Ryan throwing the game-winning touchdown.

Talk about defense failing to finish, but it's hard to rip them. They played great all day.

They did their job. It came down to lack of offense and lack of execution by their reliable kicker in Jay Feely.

This sounds familiar, right?

It's just another day at the field where everyone expects bad things to happen when it comes to the Jets.

They saw this three times this year where the ending gets bad after what looked it was going to be a good day.

It's like watching a "Honeymooners" episode where Ralph Kramden thinks he knows what he is doing, yet everything backfires on him in the end.

With the Dolphins, Broncos and the Jaguars losing, this would have inched the Jets that much closer to a playoff spot, so it's inexcusable to see them put on a bad show.

This is nothing new, though.

The Jets pulled these stunts before. Heck, even Bill Parcells could not be immune from that.

The Jets needed to win their game against the mediocre Lions in Parcells' first season with the team.

A win would have put them in the playoffs, but, instead, Parcells decided to be selfish by using Leon Johnson at quarterback at times just to spite Neil O'Donnell.

The Jets eventually did not win the game, so the Jets did not make a playoff appearance in the 1997 season.

In Al Groh's lone season with the team, all the Jets needed to do is beat teams they should beat in the end, but Groh worked the team so hard that they worn down in December.

Pete Carroll never had any success either in his one-and-done season.

After a great start, the Jets fell apart after Dan Marino's spike in 1995.

Bruce Coslet's Jets choked a lot.

All the Jets needed to do was beat the Houston Oilers—that would have sealed a playoff spot. It didn't happen, and Coslet eventually was fired.

For Pete's sake, the Jets could not even win with Brett Favre as their quarterback last year.

One can make a case about how the Jets failed to finish the deal in the AFC Championship game against the Broncos in Parcells' second year, but let's leave that out since the Broncos were not going to be denied of losing at home in that game.

Notice the theme, though.

This team knows how to lose. Other teams expect the Jets to screw up all the time. It's no wonder why teams don't fear or respect the Jets.

It isn't going to change anytime soon.

Ryan talks about swagger and confidence, but it means nothing when they don't back it up.

This cynic wasn't fooled in Ryan's introductory press conference.

He heard it all from all these Jets coaches over the years—things will be different when they are introduced to the media for the first time.

Want to know when things are going to be different?

The day the Jets figure out how to end this type of predictable ending like today.

 

 

Atlanta Falcons Derail New York Jets get ready to feel terrified

New York

NFL News - December 20th, 2009 - Written by Bryan

At kick off the temperature was 29 degrees with a wind chill of 18, but that was not enough to phase the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Ryan's four-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez on fourth down with 1:38 remaining propelled the Falcons over the New York Jets 10-7.

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention following Dallas' win over New Orleans Saturday night, the Falcons came out and played like the season was on the line. To them, there is still something to play for. Never in the history of the organization has the team had back-to-back winning seasons. At 6-7 entering the day, Atlanta must win the remaining games on their schedule. It started today with the Jets, in a game that featured only 17 total points. With the win, the Falcons are now 7-7 and in addition, likely ended the playoff hopes for the Jets.

Coming into the contest, the Falcons were a 5 1/2 point-underdog on the road in the NFL Betting Odds. The over/under was installed prior to kick off at 36 1/2, but with the game's total reaching only 17, it went the under.

Atlanta was glad to get their two offensive leaders back from injury. Ryan and running back Michael Turner had been sidelined the last few weeks with injuries, but were finally activated after an uneventful week of practice. Unfortunately for the Falcons, Turner once again went down with an injury in the game after only having one carry for seven yards. However, Ryan and the rest of the offense were able to compile enough points to defeat the Jets on the road.

Neither offenses could do much all game long until the game-winning drive by Atlanta. On the day, Ryan was held to only 152 yards passing on 16 of 34 attempts and one touchdown.

Atlanta relied on a tandem of running backs once Turner went out with an injury. Jason Snelling led the ground attack for the Falcons carrying the ball 16 times for 59 yards. Complimenting Snelling's power running game was Jerious Norwood, a speedy back who at any time can break for a big play. He had nine carries for 22 yards, but was used more effectively in the passing game. He accounted for two receptions for 47 yards, one of which went for 38.

It was the Atlanta defense however that kept the Falcons in the game, ultimately allowing them to win. They forced three turnovers that stalled Jets' drives. On the season the Falcons' defense has struggled winning the turnover battle, however, they were plus-three for the day.

New York quarterback Mark Sanchez accounted for all three turnovers, throwing three interceptions, and finished the day 18-for-32 for 226 yards one touchdown and the three interceptions.

With New England defeating Buffalo, the Jets have no chance of winning the AFC East. Mathematically, New York is still in playoff contention, but would need a lot to happen to reach post season play. This is made more difficult as the Jets play the only undefeated team in the NFL next week in the Indianapolis Colts.

The Falcons' 2009 playoff campaign has ended, but a chance at making history still has not. A win next week against Buffalo and the following week in the regular 2009 NFL season finale against Tampa Bay and the Falcons will secure the first back-to-back winning seasons in team history.

Find the truth about New York here - Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions

New York

The NY Jets host the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday Dec 20, where game-time forecast is calling for a temperature of 34 degrees with a 60% chance of snow. The Falcons have won three of the last four and own a 5-4 overall series edge. NFL oddsmakers at SPORTSBOOK.com have the Jets as -6 point home favs over the Falcons with the over/under set at 40 points . Be sure to get your Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions in now at SPORTSBOOK.com



The Falcons (6-7) lost to New Orleans 23-26 at home in Week 14 and now sit second in the NFC South. QB Chris Redman made 23 of 34 passes for 303 yards with one TD and an interception. QB Matt Ryan is still listed as RB Jason Snelling had 10 carries for 37 yards with a TD, while WR Michael Jenkins made three catches for 82 yards with a TD. Their defense had no sacks or interceptions. The Falcons won’t be able to pass the ball against the Jets league best pass defense. Their best chance at moving the chains will be their 13th ranked running game against the Jets 12th ranked rush defense. Their top RB Michael Turner has been out since week 10 with an ankle injury and is questionable for Sunday, without him the Falcons are 1-4 SU.  RB Jason Snelling hasn’t been able to fill the missing void of Turner and has only one TD in three games, while RB Jerious Norwood has none. Atlanta has never had consecutive winning seasons and they would have to win its last three games in order to accomplish that feat for the first time. The Falcons have averaged 16.7ppg and allowed 25.7ppg in their last three games. They are 1-5 SU on the road where they average 25.5ppg and give up an average28.3ppg.They are 8-5 ATS and 7-6 over/under.

The Jets (7-6) won in Tampa Bay 26-3 in Week 14 and sit third in the AFC East. QB Kellen Clemens made 12 of 23 passes for 111 yards. RB Thomas Jones had 24 carries for 99 yards with two TD’s, while WR Braylon Edwards made three catches for 37 yards. Their defense had three sacks and three interceptions on the day. QB Mark Sanchez returns to action against the Falcons, the rookie quarterback says he is ready to brave what will likely be the coldest conditions he has ever played in. The coldest game Sanchez has played in thus far was the 16-13 overtime loss to the Bills at home on Oct. 18, where he threw five interceptions. CB Darrelle Revis has established himself as one of the best, if not the best, cover corners in the league with six interceptions. He has shut down receivers like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, and now he gets to try his hand at stopping Falcons Pro Bowl wideout Roddy White. The Jets defense is ranked best in the league at stopping the pass and they allow the least amount of points per-game in the league (16.2ppg). The Jets have been maddeningly inconsistent this season, but RB Thomas Jones remains consistent. Veteran RB Thomas Jones leads the best ground game in the league and he just continues to go about his business and put up big numbers . He is fourth in the NFL with 1,167 rushing yards and tied for third with 11 rushing touchdowns. The Jets have averaged 20.7ppg and allowed 7.3ppg in their last three games. They are 3-3 SU at home where they average 19.5ppg and allow 17ppg. They are 7-6 ATS and 5-7 over/under.



Recent Trends to Consider:

• Jets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 15.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.


• Falcons are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games following a S.U. loss.


• Falcons are 0-7-2 ATS in their last 9 games in Week 15.


• Falcons are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.


• Under is 3-0-1 in Jets last 4 games overall.

Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets

When:  Sun, Dec 20, 2009 1:00 PM ET      

Line: SPORTSBOOK.com

Pick: Jets -6

Point-Spreads.com Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions



The Bottom Line: The Jets defense is too strong. Be sure to get your Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions in now at SPORTSBOOK.com  and Get a 50% Deposit Bonus and $25 Free Be t at Sportsbook.com, simply use promo code WIN100 and start winning today!

Read much more on the tricky subject of New York here - It's 'Just don't lose, baby' time for New York Jets' rookie QB Mark Sanchez

New York

Gary Myers

Saturday, December 19th 2009, 6:27 PM

Rex Ryan has worked the Jets back into the division and wild-card races by playing stone-age football: Run the ball, play defense, throw only when it's an emergency.

Simply it should be this:

Don't Blow It, Kid.

Don't Do Anything Stupid.

Don't Throw Away The Season.

Sanchez has taken the Jets for such a wild ride through the first 13 games that Ryan probably needs motion sickness pills to keep his lunch down. But after giving him too much flexibility early in the season, Ryan has put the training wheels back on his bicycle and hopes the young man can steer it straight without flying over the handlebars, especially with thechance that it will be snowing during the game.

His job is pretty simple today in what could be messy conditions. The Jets don't need him to win the game; they just don't want him to lose it.

Ryan needs nothing fancy from Sanchez. The Jets have the NFL's No. 1 ranked defense and No. 1 running game. That is a formula that usually results in a record far better than 7-6, except when you have a rookie quarterback who leads the AFC with 17 INTs and sideline hotdogs consumed. It's a formula that should not fail in December, when cold weather is always a factor and now snow could be, too.

The Jets just need Sanchez to be the game manager Sunday. "This is huge, each week," Sanchez said.

Sanchez has a lot of growing up to do. He learned a painful lesson about listening to Ryan two weeks ago. Just 48 hours after Girardi taught him the finer points of the feet-first slide, Sanchez went flying head first for a first down in Toronto and landed hard on his right knee. He sprained his posterior cruciate ligament and was fortunate it only kept him out one game.

Maybe it's a good thing Sanchez now has a brace on his right knee to go along with the one he was already wearing on his left. It might make him less mobile and less inclined to take off like an 8-year-old chasing an ice cream truck.

This late in the year, Sanchez should have transitioned into a more prominent role in the offense. But everybody develops at their own pace. The experience he's gaining now will benefit the Jets next year. He has shown enough flashes in his 12 starts to see that he is going to be a very good player.