James Allen News Center

Cincinnati, Ohio --  Mark Sanchez`s college coach openly criticized the quarterback`s decision to enter the NFL draft after his junior year, saying that he was not "fully prepare[d]".  Last night, the rookie QB played a nearly-flawless game, leading the Jets past the Cincinnati, bringing them to the Divisional Round and one step closer to the coveted Super Bowl diamond rings.  Despite the year-old warning from his USC coach and the single-digit temperatures, Sanchez—playing without a glove in the freezing-cold weather—completed 12 out of 15 passes for 182 yards. 

Just three weeks ago, the Jets were not playing like a championship team.  Sanchez himself threw 3 interceptions and they lost to the Falcons.  The Bengals were looking forward to putting the game in the hands of the passer who ranked second in interceptions this season.  What they weren`t counting on was that this boy had something to prove and was ready to repeat last week`s team 257-yard performance.  They also didn`t count on the Jets` impeccable running game.  Rookie Shonn Greene ran for 135 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown—the longest of his career.  Tight end Dustin Keller received a surprise throw and ran the final 15 yards for a touchdown.  Late in the third quarter, the team showed its tenacity with an eight-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Thomas Jones running 9 yards to bring the score to 21-7.  

Cincinnati quarterback, a veteran twice humbled by the Jets in one week, said of the Jets` playoff bid: "They might have a chance to make a move.  Their defense is that good".  With an enviable defense and an offense realizing its full potential, the Jets look forward to playing in the Divisional Round against either the Baltimore Ravens or New England Patriots.  That game takes place at 1pm ET today.  From there it is the AFC Championship and then, with a little luck and the confidence they showed last night, they can reach Super Bowl XLIV.

After their win last night, the team presented the winning ball and dedicated its win to owner Woody Johnson, whose daughter Casey was found dead in her friend`s Los Angeles home earlier this week.  He left the clubhouse with red eyes after briefly visiting with coach Rex Ryan, who said, "There`s only one game ball, and it goes to Woody".  When asked if the playoff win eases the pain of losing his daughter, Johnson said, "No, it doesn`t help".  Prior to the game, a moment of silence was observed in honor of Casey Johnson`s death.

The team soldiers on, hoping to maintain the momentum they`ve built up over the past few weeks.  On February 7, the New York Jets may well be playing in Super Bowl 44, with the ball in the hands of a young man who is able to look at his former coach`s criticism and laugh, freely joking about it.  "I talk to coach a bunch," Sanchez told ESPN of Pete Carroll, "I told him I was going to hammer him about it".  Turns out that the decision to turn pro wasn`t a bad one after all.