The Jets made a statement in upstate New York on Sunday, taking the upstart Bills apart in a 27-11 victory that created a three-way tie for first place in the AFC East.
Here’s a look at the Jets’ winners and losers in the game:
WINNERS
REX RYAN – The Jets head coach deserves kudos for turning his team around over the past month. Admitting he made a mistake by employing a pass-happy offense was a great step. The Jets offense has gotten better in recent weeks, and their defense belongs among the elite in the NFL. Ryan had his team focused on work after the bye week and increased the intensity in practice. It paid off Sunday with his team coming out fast.
SIONE POUHA – The big man in the middle of the Jets defense does not get a lot of publicity, but he deserves it after Sunday. Pouha led the team with seven tackles and forced Fred Jackson to fumble in the second half. Playing without Mike DeVito, the Jets defense shut down Jackson until late in the game. Pouha led the way.
ANTONIO CROMARTIE – You did not hear his name Sunday, and that was a good thing. The good Cromartie showed up and shut down Donald Jones, holding the Bills receiver to one catch for 6 yards. When Cromartie is playing his best, the Jets defense is a bear for opposing offenses. Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick kept searching for somewhere to throw the ball, but the Jets secondary did a great job getting physical with the Bills receivers.
LOSERS
DUSTIN KELLER — The fourth-year tight end has to be smarter than to try to jump over players on the sideline. As Mark Sanchez said, Keller should be barreling people over. He’s lucky he came away from his leap and fall without a concussion. Sanchez relies on Keller, and if he had to miss time, the Jets offense would suffer.
MATTHEW MULLIGAN – With Keller out of the game, Mulligan had to play more. He did not fare well, picking up two penalties. Mulligan has shown he is a good blocker, but the Jets cannot keep him on the field if he continues to commit penalties.
THE SKEPTICS – The Jets quieted the doubters, myself included, with this victory. After they suffered three straight losses, it was fair to wonder how good this team is. They have rebounded in a major way. Sunday’s win was a dominating performance against a division foe. The Jets announced they are back in the division race, and they just might be the best team in the AFC East.
