HERO: Former Saints running back Chris Ivory, playing his first season with the Jets, gashed his old team for 139 rushing yards on 18 carries and his first TD as a Jet. Ivory, known more a plodding runner, smacked the Saints defense for runs of 52, 30 and 27 yards. He was the heartbeat of the Jets’ offense.
UNSUNG HERO: Geno Smith. The Jets quarterback had very modest numbers — 8-of-19 for 115 yards — but he did not turn the ball over and managed the game perfectly, running (6-for-18 yards) when he needed to (including a terrific cut-back 3-yard TD run that gave the Jets a 20-14 lead).
ZERO: Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. He hardly looked like the defensive guru he is reputed to be while his defense was being punched in the gut by the Jets running game for 198 yards, two TDs and a 5.5-yard average. Ryan’s inability to make Geno Smith beat his team by throwing the ball was the difference in the game. He was outcoached by his brother again. Rex is now 5-0 against Rob as NFL coaches.
KEY NUMBERS: 8, 116, 2. Those were the statistics for Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (8 catches 116 yards, 2 TDs), but in the end the Jets’ defense survived his early dominance. The Jets used at least seven players to cover Graham at one time or another.
QUOTE: “We’re so versatile on offense right now, teams better watch out.’’ – Jets receiver Josh Cribbs