OFFENSE
Mark Sanchez (12-19, 106 yards, 78.0 rating) managed the game well, didn’t turn the ball over against one of the most opportunistic defenses in the NFL and made a handful of key completions. The rushing attack (44-for-202 yards) dominated the Colts in the second half with 168 yards on 28 carries. Thomas Jones (23-105, TD) and Shonn Greene (16-95) owned the second half, thanks to some fantastic blocking from the OL. B+
DEFENSE
When Peyton Manning (14-21, 192 yards, 95.7 rating) was lifted, the Jets trailed 15-10, a compliment to their defense. The Jets’ run defense was stout, allowing only 64 yards on 23 carries. LB Calvin Pace had one of the plays of the game with his strip sack of Curtis Painter that led to a Marques Douglas recovery and TD. CB Dwight Lowery had a big INT to seal the game. B+
SPECIAL TEAMS
Brad Smith changed the game with his 106-yard KO return to open the second half. Bryan Thomas blocked the Colts’ first PAT attempt. The Jets were successful on both Jay Feely FG attempts from 35 and 43 yards. They, too, were successful on both two-point conversion attempts. Steve Weatherford had a solid game. B+
COACHING
Rex Ryan had his players stoked, and it showed. The defensive plan he and Mike Pettine used worked as they used a lot of three-safety nickel when Manning was in the game. When Manning was lifted, the Colts had scored only 15 points. Some of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s calls, such as David Clowney’s reverse in the first quarter, fooled no one, but credit him for helping Sanchez manage the game. B+