Gabe Bernstein

Going into the final two regular season games of the season, Jets Coach Rex Ryan said his team was mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. By defying all odds, the Jets proceeded to knock off the Colts and the Bengals in the last two games, divisional champion teams. Then, with Ryan's bold guidance, a stout defense and a bruising ground game, the Jets pulled off miraculous upsets against the Bengals and the Chargers, the considerably favored teams.

The magical Cinderella run came to an unfortunate close when they lost to the Colts in the AFC Championship Game. The Jets for a moment were even thinking that the Super Bowl was well within reach, as they were leading by a score of 17-6 at one point. However, Peyton Manning then led the Colts to score 24 unanswered points.  

No one expected such a run from a team that was supposed to have a rebuilding year with a rookie head coach and a rookie running back. Even though Mark Sanchez was one of the league leaders in interceptions this year, he showed remarkable poise in the playoffs, tossing just one pick in the first two playoff games.

Many doubted the Jets’ coaching move of making Sanchez the starting quarterback just a couple games into the pre-season. Nonetheless, with his playoff beard shaved after the loss to the Colts, many believe that we will see the same beard in future Januarys as well.

Ryan's leadership and confidence gave the team a winning mentality, one that is needed to succeed in the playoffs. The Jets' unlikely heroics also ignited a fan base that had been longing for the winning team they rightfully deserve. Die-hard fans and casual fans alike embraced the spirited run that hadn't been seen since Joe Namath led the Jets to a Super Bowl win 40 years ago.

The Jets were led all season by a top-ranked rushing attack and the best defense in the league. These units were aided by the breakout seasons of both Darrelle Revis and Shonn Greene.

Revis held many of the leagues top receivers to under 35 yards receiving, and he distinguished himself as the premier lock-down cornerback in the NFL. As cocky receivers (most notably Chad Ochocinco) tried to rattle the humble and collective Revis, he stood his ground and maintained his reputation as “Revis island.”

Greene rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown in each of the Jets playoff wins, and proved to have the necessary fresh legs when Thomas Jones wore out.

While the Jets started the season with a record of 4-6, they were able to go 5-1 in their final six games to clinch a wild card birth. In their last game of the season and the last game at Giant Stadium, they routed the Bengals 37-0. The strong finish gave the Jets momentum in the playoffs, and the upset of the Chargers has been the talk of the league.

While the Jets season did end with disappointment, the future remains bright. The core of the team is young, and it will be back next year as it tries to improve on the strides it made this past year. The culture of the franchise has been altered, and the team will enter its new stadium with a new attitude.