Jets 35, Colts 9
The Jets are home again facing a much easier opponent in the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts, however, should not be overlooked. Despite losing head coach Chuck Pagano, they upset the Green Bay Packers last week.
The Jets began with a three and out, and then the Colts drove down the field but had only a field goal to speak for it. The following drive was probably the most impressive drive I’ve seen out of the Jets since week one against the Bills. The Jets were opening running lanes so easily for Greene and Powell, it looked like they were blocking high school students. Luck then threw a pick to Cromartie following the Jets touchdown.
The Jets, again behind the running game, ran Shonn Greene for a touchdown. A few mistakes made by the Jets D led to another field goal by the Colts. Another touchdown before the half ended gave the Jets a 21-point second quarter. Neither team would score again until Shonn Greene scored again with less then two minutes left in the third. Greene would score again late in the fourth quarter to end the day with three total touchdowns. The only other time he has done that in his career was last season against the Redskins.
With New England coming up next week, the Jets will have to continue this level of play. If Sanchez and Greene can repeat this performance next week, they can truly send a message to the NFL that they should not be overlooked.
Giants 26, 49ers 3
The Giants are coming off a big win against the Browns last week and travel to the west coast to take on the San Francisco 49ers. Last season, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith had his best season. He had only five interceptions last year and a mere one coming into Sunday afternoon’s game. He would exit the game with four on the season, however, as the Giants picked him off three times. Prince Amukamara, making his second career start, looked good again and had one interception. Antrel Rolle had two on the game.
The big reason for the success in the pass defense was the pass rush. The Giants totaled six sacks, two coming from Jason Pierre-Paul. On the offensive side of the ball, Bradshaw was very impressive again. Bradshaw rushed for 116 yards and scored a touchdown. The last time the 49ers allowed a rusher to gain over 100 yards was against the Titans and Chris Johnson back in 2009. The Giants played their best game all season, and with the rest of the schedule featuring either division opponents or playoff teams, they need to continue to play at this level to make the postseason.
Patriots 23, Seahawks 24
No replacement refs this time for Seattle. A rookie QB taken in the third round of the NFL draft outdid Brady and the NFL’s number one offense. The biggest issue for the Patriots was their pass defense.
They allowed three passing touchdowns and almost 300 passing yards. They did a good job shutting down the running game, but a passing attack as strong as Seattle’s was needed for a run game. Amazingly, nobody on the Seahawks had over three catches. Six players had two or more receptions. You have to be impressed with Russell Wilson’s ability to spread the ball around rather than force it to his favorite target. New England had some trouble on offense too with Brady throwing two interceptions.
Patriots fans, don’t look now but the AFC East is in a four-way tie between the Jets, Dolphins, Bills and Patriots, all at 3-3. Next week, the Patriots host the Jets in what could be a very pivotal game in the face for the top of the Division.
