New York Jets Use Underdog Role To Their Advantage, Defeat Bengals

NFL News - January 9th, 2010 - Written by Jimmy

For the second week in a row, the New York Jets rose up and won crucial games against the Cincinnati Bengals. Last week was to clinch a playoff berth, this week was to advance into the divisional round of the AFC Playoffs.

No one expected this week's playoff game to go the way that the season finale did for the Bengals, and it didn't, but it wasn't enough to beat the pesky New York Jets. Last weeks' loss was a 37 to 0 trouncing, this week the game was much closer, though the Bengals still lost, at a score of 24 to 14.

Things began well for the Bengals, who were favored according to the NFL Playoff Betting Lines. On the opening kickoff, Cincinnati RB Bernard Scott would return the ball to the Jets' 36 yard line. Despite the great field position, Cincinnati would come away with no points after a Laveranues Coles fumble which would have converted a 3rd down.

Initially, the Bengals would not be hurt from this turnover, as the defense had come to play, forcing the Jets' to punt on their first three offensive possessions. During that defensive run, Bengals' QB Carson Palmer would connect with WR Laveranues Coles again, but this time for an 11 yard touchdown pass/reception.

At the end of the first quarter, the Bengals would lead the Jets by a score of 7 to 0, however that would soon change.

After a Jay Feely punt, one that would pin the Bengals deep in their own territory, the Jets' defense would rise up and get the three and out stop they'd been needing. A decent Kevin Huber punt with an 11 yard return from Jerhico Cotchery subtracted would give the Jets offense the ball on the Cincinnati side of the field. After an 8 yard rush by Jets' RB Thomas Jones on first down, Jets' backup RB Shonn Greene would get loose and go for a 39 yard touchdown run.

On the ensuing drive, the Jets' defensive would eventually force an interception. On 3rd and 6 from the NYJ 41, CB Darelle Revis undercut a deep ball throw intended for WR Chad Ochocinco, setting up the Jets' next scoring drive.

From their own 43, the Jets got into trouble, quickly finding themselves in a 3rd and 12 situation. On a quick drop back, Jets' QB Mark Sanchez would connect with Jericho Cotchery on the slant route, giving the Jets 14 yards and a fresh set of downs. Sensing the Cincinnati defense expecting the run on first down, the Jets sent in the naked bootleg play action pass, a play which Sanchez executed perfectly. Rolling out of the pocket to the weak side of the field, Sanchez found TE Dustin Keller running free in the Bengals' secondary. Sanchez would not miss the 26 yard throw and Keller would do the rest completing the 45 yard touchdown pass/reception combo.

Going into the half, the Jets' led by a score of 14 to 7, with the first possession of the second half belonging to them.

Beginning the second half, the Jets' would open with drive consisting of three first downs however it was a drive that would stall at the Bengals' 24 yard line. After two penalties by the Jets' on consecutive Feely field goal conversions (42,52) that were for not, the Jets had squandered a scoring opportunity and were forced to punt.

After the Jets' had shot themselves in the foot with penalties, the Bengals would drive the ball back down to the Jets' side of the field. A missed Shayne Graham field goal brought the drive to a halt, giving the Jets the ball back at their own 25 yard line. Eight plays and 75 yards later, Thomas Jones would find himself going into the end zone from 9 yards out, giving the Jets their two possession lead that had previous eluded them.

Jets lead 21 to 7 after 3 quarters.

Coming into the fourth quarter, both teams had previously traded possessions. After a two quarter plus scoring drought, the Bengals would finally get more points in the form of a 47 yard touchdown romp by RB Cedric Benson. Benson would finish with 169 yards on 21 carries.

In getting the ball back after the ensuing kickoff, the Jets would not be content to sit on the ball and the 7 point lead. On the second play of the drive, Mark Sanchez would connect with TE Dustin Keller again, this time for a 43 yard completion. The Jets' would eventually stall on 4th and 1 on the Bengals' 2 yard line, electing for a Jay Feely field goal rather than going for it. Feely converted the 20 yard attempt bringing the Jets' lead to 10 points.

Down but not out, Cincinnati would move the ball back down the field quickly. From the Jets 11 yard line, QB Carson Palmer threw three consecutive incomplete passes, forcing the Bengals to settle for another Shayne Graham field goal attempt. From just 28 yards away, Graham would miss again wide to the right, stalling any attempt of a comeback.

At this point, it was all but over for the Bengals as they were emotionally deflated after the second Shayne Graham field goal miss. Down 10 points with 3:27 to go, the Bengals would get another chance on offense but would eventually fail on a 4th and 22 after beginning the series from the NYJ 39. Sanchez would kneel on the ball, sealing the 24 to 14 Jets' victory.

Jets' QB Mark Sanchez shined in his first playoff start going 12 of 15 for 182 yards and a touchdown, a much better performance than his counterpart.

After the game, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan commented on his rookie quarterback. "He just kept getting better as the season went along," said Ryan," I told him this was his second season now. His first season is over. This is the playoffs."

When asked about his football team after win, Ryan who is never shy with his comments said, "We're a good football team. If people don't believe that, they soon will."

It seems as though the Jets feel as though they've been slighted, and even if they haven't, that is the approach they're taking. Coming into the Wildcard round of the 2009 NFL Playoffs, the New York Jets were listed as 3 point underdogs against the Cincinnati Bengals. (Odds Courtesy of Bodog Sportsbook)

The Jets will now have to sit back and watch how the Ravens and Patriots game plays out in the other AFC Wildcard game before they know where they're travelling next week. Should New England win, the Jets would travel to play the Indianapolis Colts, should the Ravens win, the Jets will be headed for a matchup with the San Diego Chargers.