Just A (Near) Perfect Day
Jim Leonhard's injury hurts, but otherwise everything is going this Gang's way. Rich Cimini
Jets 37, Chiefs 10 Leonhard injures knee » Howard: Mean Green »Photos
Grades »
PASSING OFFENSE
It was dink-and-dunk, as Mark Sanchez didn't complete a pass to a wide receiver longer than 10 yards. Instead of challenging K.C.'s excellent corners, he gashed them with screens and made a great TD pass to Santonio Holmes. They allowed two sacks, ending the no-sack streak at two games.
RUSHING OFFENSE
This was vintage Ground & Pound. The Jets used heavy packages throughout the game, deploying OT Vlad Ducasse as an extra tight end. Shonn Greene rushed for a season-high 129 yards, and the second-best runner was Sanchez, who scored on two short runs. K.C. wilted early in the game.
RUSHING DEFENSE
The Chiefs are actually a decent rushing team, but you couldn't tell. The Jets choked them, with strong games from Sione Pouha, Calvin Pace, David Harris and Marcus Dixon. They held the Chiefs to 65 yards on the ground, including 12 by former Jets RB Thomas Jones.
PASSING DEFENSE
The Jets dominated QB Tyler Palko, but what did you expect? He had only 105 passing yards through three quarters. They used an aggressive game plan, attacking the line of scrimmage. They recorded five sacks and didn't allow a passing first down until the third quarter.
SPECIAL TEAMS
For the first time in five games, the Jets didn't commit a turnover on special teams. Punt returner Jeremy Kerley, benched after last week's muff, did the job after being forced back into the role when Jim Leonhard was hurt. Baby steps.
COACHING
The Jets were well-prepared, mentally and physically. They played faster, tougher and smarter than the Chiefs. For a change, they showed killer instinct. Nice play calling by Brian Schottenheimer, who used screens, Wildcat and misdirection runs to baffle the Chiefs.
EXPERTS' PREDICTIONS
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- Cimini
- 24-12
- O'Connor
- 20-17
- Youngmisuk
- 24-10
- McManus
- 20-17
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- Lundberg
- 20-9
- La Greca
- 10-9
- Stephen A.
- 28-16
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