Jets v Chargers

Written by Marc Jenkins | 22 January 2010

AFC Divisional Playoff Game - New York Jets at San Diego Chargers

Rex Ryan and the New York Jets have maintained a confident air and swagger throughout the entire season and since the playoffs have been underway they have seemed to turn it up a notch or two. Entering the game the San Diego Chargers were also riding a positive stream of momentum as they finished the regular season with an 11-game winning streak; however a combination of rust following their first round bye and not taking the Jets completely serious led to them falling flat on their face.

The Jets used the same formula to win this game that got them here a heavy dose of their running game on offense, wreaking havoc everywhere on the defensive end and a little bit of misfortune for the opponent’s kicker. Rookie running back Shonn Greene became the first New York Jets back to rush for at least 100 yards in consecutive games since Freeman McNeil in 1982 and the Jets also won back-to-back postseason contests for the first time since that year as well. Greene carried the ball 23 times for 123 yards including a game breaking 53-yard touchdown run that stretched the New York lead to 17-7 with 7:17 left in the game.

The relentless New York defense held the power San Diego offense that averaged 28.4 points per game during the regular season in check and to half of their average. Phillip Rivers (27-40 298 yards TD, 2 INT) looked frustrated at times attempting to read the confusing schemes that the Jets were running and that led to his two costly interceptions and the Chargers eventual demise.

The final factor was the uncharacteristic poor performance displayed by Nate Keading as the Pro Bowl kicker missed three field goals (as many as he missed all season) which would have in essence won the game for San Diego. For the second consecutive week the Jets were fortunate enough to watch the opposition’s kicker miss two field goals within 40 yards in distance.

Mark Sanchez (12-23 100 yards TD, INT) had a very pedestrian game but still did just enough to help his team win the game instead of losing it. Darrelle Revis once again shut off half of the field in the secondary as he grabbed another remarkable interception (while lying on his back) and played the San Diego pass as well as anyone has all year.

Inside of the numbers the Chargers should have won this game as they outgained the Jets 344 yards to 262 yards and notched more first downs than them 18-14 however in the end it was Gang Green who wound up victorious.

Up next for the Jets is the Indianapolis Colts who the Jets in essence have to thank for qualifying for the postseason tournament. Remember back in week 16 the Colts pulled their starters in the second half of their meeting which led to the Jets comeback victory and they haven’t lost since. At the end of the contest it will be Poetic justice for one of the two combatants.

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