Ryan also went out of his way to praise the leadership demonstrated by his rookie quarterback. He related how Sanchez embraced the pressure of playing on a big stage (in New York on national TV) in a crucial game (with their season on the line) and wanted the responsibility of making plays for his team.

Sanchez still has a lot to learn in terms of playing the quarterback position but you have to be impressed with the confidence and resolve this kid has shown despite a tough season for him personally.


<> During NBC’s telecast Cris Collinsworth gushed over Brandon Moore and the game he was having. Moore consistently stuck his blocks and paved the way for the Jets’ dominant rushing attack.

The Jets love to run to their right. It allows them to take advantage of Moore’s ability to get to the second level while also capitalizing on Alan Faneca’s strength, which is pulling on traps.

The Jets lead the league in runs to the right and accumulated the most first downs to that side (63) and the most runs of 10 yards or more (68).


<> The Bengals are one of the most penalized teams in the NFL. Their offense in particular has been mistake prone and finished the season ranked sixth worst with 114 penalties.

During one third quarter series their carelessness was on full display. After a 53-yard kick off return by Bernard Scott set them up at the Jets’ 42, they proceeded to self-destruct.

First J.T. O’Sullivan committed a delay of game penalty. Then they were whistled for an illegal formation. Then came a false start. To cap things off, it was O’Sullivan again, this time with an intentional grounding call.

When the drive was over they had committed 30-yards in penalties which was only three less than they had actually gained. What started out as their best scoring chance of the evening ended in a Kevin Huber punt.


Other Random Thoughts

This was a tough game for Bengals’ linebacker Keith Rivers who was blown up twice by Tony Richardson and once by Alan Faneca on lead blocks. All three plays led to big gains for the Jets…It was also a tough night for rookie safety Tom Nelson. He was targeted in the Jets’ passing game and took a bad angle on Brad Smith’s big 57-yard run. Nelson also got buried at the end of a Shonn Greene run. The Jet’s rookie lowered his shoulder into the safety’s chest and put him on his back to finish off an impressive 14-yard run…The Bengals’ lone first down in the first half came on a Jets’ penalty… Chris Collinsworth made an interesting observation about Thomas Jones. He tends to run into his blockers a lot. This occurred a couple of times Sunday night and prevented Jones from exploiting big holes opened up by his blockers…The Jets’ offense received some great downfield blocking from their wide receivers. Jerricho Cotchery’s 8-yard TD was a perfect example. Both Braylon Edwards and Wallace Wright held their blocks and allowed Cotchery to get into the end zone…Edwards also made a nice play to break up a sure interception by the Bengals. Sanchez made a poor read and forced the ball into tight coverage. Edwards saved Sanchez from his 21st pick…Jim Leonhard made a great play on his sack and strip of J.T. O’Sullivan. The QB initially ducked under his tackle but Leonhard stayed after him and quickly jumped him from behind and caused the turnover… Rex Ryan is the first coach in NFL history whose team allowed the fewest points and fewest yards in his first season… The Jets went to the playoffs five times this decade. Each time their berth was not decided until the final game of the season.