Jets Open Up Passing Game, Earn First Win of '10

Where did this come from? The New York Jets, who looked like the worst offense in football last week, were one of the best Sunday, lead by a career game from Mark Sanchez.

The Patriots had all sorts of trouble against the Jets defense, especially in the second half, and that was more than enough for the Jets to win.

There is so much to take out of today's game, including what the Jets did to look like a real NFL offense.

Continue reading for a game breakdown, along with analysis and opinion.

Game Recap: Jets 28, Patriots 14

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets runs against the New England Patriots during their game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Im

The Jets really needed to win this game. They couldn't start the season 0-2, and especially in this particular season. They had the Patriots at home and man did they make a statement.

The first quarter looked somewhat like last week's debacle against the Ravens, but from the second quarter on, the Jets displayed some great offense. They trailed by a lot in the second, as the Patriots scored two touchdowns.

A Wes Welker six-yard reception gave New England a 7-0 lead. The Patriots missed a field goal on their first drive of the game, which lasted 7:30 minutes.

After the Patriots scored, the Jets answered right back. Braylon Edwards caught a 10-yard pass from Sanchez in the left side of the end zone to begin Sanchez's career day.

After only attempting 21 passes in Week 1, Sanchez completed 21 passes in this game.

He outplayed Tom Brady, who threw two interceptions, and didn't look totally comfortable. He did throw another touchdown in the second to Randy Moss on a potential key moment in the Jets season.

Not only did Moss beat Darrelle Revis in the end zone with a one-handed catch, but Revis came up lame with a pulled hamstring, probably the reason he couldn't keep pace with Moss on that play.

The Patriots took a 14-7 lead, but they wouldn't score again. Led by Sanchez and a rejuvenated LaDainian Tomlinson, the Jets outscored the Patriots, 18-0, in the second half.

Sanchez threw three touchdowns and didn't commit a turnover, playing to a 124.3 QB rating. The Jets won the game, 28-14, to even their record at 1-1.

Sanchez Proves Jets Need to Pass the Ball More

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Dustin Keller #81 of the New York Jets catches a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during their home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Ge

The Jets can run the football. They have a pretty good tandem in Shonn Greene and a fresh-looking LaDainian Tomlinson. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't throw the ball more.

Mark Sanchez had the best game of his career, throwing three touchdowns while not turning the ball over. He found Dustin Keller for seven catches and 115 yards. Keller had not been getting the job done as much as he should, but had a break out game.

Sanchez, finally shown trust from offensive coordination Brian Schottenheimer, expanded the offense; he actually threw balls downfield instead of little handoffs and short dump passes.

Jerricho Cotchery scored a touchdown and did a decent job as a possession receiver. Braylon Edwards was involved and held on to some tough plays, including catching a touchdown on his finger tips.

It seemed that as Sanchez was allowed to throw, the Jets became an elite offensive team. He showed flashes of the same skills he showcased during last year's postseason run, and made a case for why should throw the ball more.

He also allowed the Jets to gain more rushing yards by confusing the Patriots defense with different looks. If the Jets throw as they did today, they'll have a good season.

LaDainian Tomlinson Becoming Huge Threat

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets is is met by Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots during their game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo

Wasn't LaDainian Tomlinson supposed to be washed up? Well, if the first two weeks are any sign, he's his Hall of Fame self.

Tomlinson had a decent game against the Ravens last week, but today ran right through the Patriots defense. He's playing like he has something to prove, and he certainly does.

He carried the ball 11 times, rushing for 76 yards, and was just fearless. He looked like he had plenty of burst in his legs, as he powered his way past the Patriots' front line.

At one point, when the Jets needed a fourth-and-inches, Tomlinson leaped over a pile of players for a Jets first down.

He may not be the player he was in San Diego, but he's exactly what the Jets need from the backfield. He can handle the plays of the game where a long rush is needed, and opens up the playbook even more.

Time will tell if he stays fresh for a whole season.

Jets Defense is Who We Thought They Were

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Kyle Wilson #20 of the New York Jets misses sacking Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during their game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello

The Jets defense has been great so far this season. They've allowed only 24 points in the first two games and have shown that their secondary isn't too bad.

Without Revis for the entire second half, the Jets shutout Tom Brady and forced a fumble. Jason Taylor sacked Brady with six minutes to go in the fourth quarter to seal the deal, as the Jets led 28-14.

It was the first sack the Patriots allowed so far in two games, and wasn't the only problem for Brady. He threw two interceptions, one coming near the Jets end zone by Antonio Cromartie.

It was Cromartie's second interception in as many games, as he tries to revitalize his career in New York. He'll also have plenty of opportunities with Revis perhaps missing some time due to a strained hamstring.

Brodney Pool caught the other interception while keeping two feet in bounds. The play was originally ruled incomplete, but a challenge clearly showed he had two feet in.

Even rookie Kyle Wilson made some plays in the secondary, and the Jets showed they can play good defense without Revis. The Patriots weren't throwing to the All-Pro corner's side with Brady going to Aaron Hernandez the majority of the time.

As far as the Jets' front line is concerned, they did a better job of pressuring the quarterback, and were more successful on third down. They just had a great defensive game, yet again.

Closing Opinion and What's Next for Jets

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins passes as Antoine Winfield #26 of the Minnesota Vikings defends during the game on September 19, 2010 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie

The Jets are now 1-1 on the season, and are keeping pace with the Patriots. Had they lost this game, everyone would grill Rex Ryan for starting 0-2 after all his offseason talk about being so good this year.

Now, the Jets will have a tough assignment next week, as they have to travel to Miami to take on the 2-0 Dolphins.

The Dolphins pulled off an upset on Sunday, beating Brett Favre and the Vikings in Minnesota. The game will be televised on NBC as the Sunday night game, as the Jets try to even up the first-place Dolphins.

Sanchez should be able to throw the ball effectively in Miami, where it's very humid. It'll be another big game for the Jets to win in the division.

AFC East Standings After Week 2

Miami 2-0

NY Jets 1-1

New England 1-1

Buffalo 0-2