After overcoming a 3 game losing streak, a lack of offensive points, and a week of turmoil, the Jets found a way to beat the St. Louis Rams 27-13 on Sunday. The 4-6 Jets kept their playoff hopes alive with a win this weekend with both offensive and defensive play finally coming together.
Several offensive changes were made in Sporano’s game plan. His play calling allowed Sanchez to complete passes to 9 different receivers. Sanchez finished with 178 passing yards and a touchdown to Chaz Schilens that gave the Jets an early 10-7 lead. A spark was found in red zone territory after Bilal Powell scored 2 touchdowns, his first in his NFL career. Powell was also successful in third and long situations and is earning a bigger role in the backfield next to starting RB Shonn Greene. Sporano finally made some good calls in scoring territory, going back to the ground and pound option instead of putting Sanchez in a shotgun situation.
The Jets defense started the game out rough after they allowed an 86-yard drive led by QB Sam Bradford that resulted in an early 7-0 lead for the Rams. But a spark was found in the defense and in the team as a whole after DE Muhammad Wilkerson stripped the ball out of Bradford’s hands, resulting in a fumble that allowed Bart Scott to get down to the 28 yard line. The Jets defense held the Rams to 281 total yards and forced three turnovers.
The one poor aspect of the game for the Jets, that has been a trend this season, is special teams play. The Jets allowed a blocked field goal for the second time in three games, and were stopped on a fake punt attempt at midfield. However, kicker Nick Folk has been solid for the Jets all season and kicked a pair of 51 yard field goals to give the Jets some points.
While this win came up big for the Jets and shut the critics up for a few days, all in all they beat a losing team. This game put the Rams at 3-6-1 for the season. Fortunately for the Jets, they only have one more game this season against a team with a winning record. They will host the New England Patriots in the turkey bowl at home on Thanksgiving night. The Jets must find a way to capitalize on a Gronk-less Patriots team and turn on consistent offensive and defensive play in their next six games to keep their playoff hopes alive.
