Cardinals vs. Jets: New York's Biggest Winners and Losers from Week 13

In what was easily the ugliest game of the 2012 NFL season, the Jets managed to do just enough on offense to pull out the 7-6 win over the Cardinals. 

Of course, in typical Jet fashion, they were able to steal all of the Monday morning headlines in the process with the benching of their franchise quarterback. 

The Jets defense played well, but they would have lost this game if they played against any other quarterback than Ryan Lindley. The Cardinals simply did not have a chance with Lindley at the helm. 

Here are the winners and losers from the Jets' Week 13 victory over Arizona. 

Winner: Greg McElroy

Everyone loves the backup quarterback. 

McElroy entered the game in the second half to a standing ovation, and he gave the Jets just enough to give them the win. 

McElroy did not do anything spectacular to put the Jets out in front for the rest of the game, but he certainly gave their offense a much-needed spark. With the defense playing as well as they were, the Jets had to make a change to not waste a spectacular effort. 

What Greg does well is manage games; he knows when to make certain throws and when to throw it away. He also threw a beautiful back-shoulder throw to Jeremy Kerley to seal the game. 

Sanchez may have the bigger paycheck and the better arm, but McElroy fits the Jets offense better as a game manager. 

Loser: Mark Sanchez

Sanchez has had plenty of bad games and losses, but he has never been a bigger "loser" than he is now. 

After stubbornly starting Sanchez through rough performances, Rex Ryan finally pulled the plug on Mark in the third quarter. The Jets' inability to score was not all his fault, but the team was wasting a clinical defensive performance. The Jets offense was simply losing hope the longer Sanchez was in the game. 

Sanchez started off the game with a horrendous interception, and he enjoyed little success from there. When they were finally able to move the ball, he would throw another costly interception. 

This could possibly be the end of the Sanchez era in New York. For now, Mark's bloated contract is his best friend. 

Winner: Rex Ryan

In every phase of coaching, this was an A-plus performance from Ryan. 

First of all, his defensive game plan was flawless. The only points the Cardinals scored were on a fake punt and a fumble, which his defense held to field goals. The Cardinals did not convert a third down for the entire game. 

His benching of Sanchez came at the right time. Not only was Sanchez underperforming, but he could sense that his team was losing energy from hearing a chorus of boos every time they stepped onto the field. McElroy was not Peyton Manning, but he gave the whole team new life. 

He was also masterful in his game management at the end of the game, smartly telling Shonn Greene to take a knee on the 1-yard line to seal the win. 

Loser: Special Teams

Once again, the Jets' special teams nearly cost them another game. 

Nick Folk went for an uncharacteristic 0-of-2 on long attempts. He had been very consistent and was due for a miss. 

However, if he'd made those kicks and the Jets had had a lead in the third quarter, maybe Rex Ryan wouldn't have gambled with the quarterback change. 

Of course, the biggest gaffe came on a fake punt at the end of the first half that led to the Cardinals' only lead of the game. This has been a very forgettable season for Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff, who may retire after the season. 

Winner: Shonn Greene

Greene almost made the "losers" list this week after Bilal Powell got the carries on the first drive, but Greene answered the bell late in the game. 

Greene is at his best in the fourth quarter when the opposing defense is worn down, and he did just that. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry for the game (104 yards on 24 rushes) and even bounced a play outside for a long gain. 

Perhaps the Jets have found a new role for Greene as a closer late in games. 

As an impending free agent, Shonn Greene is playing for a contract, and he knows how important these final few games are for him. 

Loser: Chaz Schilens

With so many injuries to other players, Schilens has been given ample opportunity to make plays, but he continues to come up short every time. 

He dropped two long throws in the second half that could have changed the game (and saved Mark Sanchez's job). He finished the game with two catches for four yards.

Schilens has the physical tools to be a solid receiver, but he never finds a way to make big plays when the opportunity is there for him.  

Winner: The Entire Defense

Sure, they played against perhaps the worst offense in the NFL, but this was one of the most dominant defensive performances in the Rex Ryan era. 

They held the Cardinals to a measly 137 yards. All of their six points came from special teams gaffes and turnovers, where they were able to hold for a field goal. The Cardinals went 0-of-15 on third downs. 

Most importantly, they were stout against the run, allowing just 41 yards on the ground (the Cardinals did add another 40 rushing yards on their fake punt). 

Just about every player not named Kyle Wilson had a strong game in every phase of the game. Just imagine how dominant they would have been with a healthy Darrelle Revis in the contest...

Loser: Kyle Wilson

If the Jets were playing against at least an average NFL quarterback, Kyle Wilson would have been a huge goat of this game.

He started the game with a defensive holding call on what could have been a long touchdown to Michael Floyd. He also added another penalty on special teams with a block in the back. 

Wilson is an impending free agent, and he has blown an opportunity to show the football world that he can be a starting corner in the NFL. It would be a huge surprise if the Jets retained him after the season. 

Winner: Offensive Line

This unit has not gotten nearly enough credit over the past few weeks for their dominant performances. Against what is a good Cardinals defense, they were excellent in all phases. 

They gave both quarterbacks great protection and opened up gaping holes in the run game. They did allow a few free rushers on blitzes, but most of the sacks Sanchez took were a result of him holding the ball for too long. 

D'Brickashaw Ferguson has rebounded well from last season, and Nick Mangold handled Darnell Dockett when he matched up against him. Even Vladimir Ducasse threw a few nice blocks on outside runs. 

Offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo may not have the most colorful personality, but he has his unit playing at a high level.  

Loser: Tim Tebow

Is Tebow just unlucky that he was inactive for the only game Sanchez was benched—or was Rex Ryan only willing to bench Sanchez because he knew he wouldn't have to deal with Tebowmania for a week?

In either case, Tebow has essentially been demoted to the third string if Greg McElroy is the starter. If McElroy starts next week and gets hurt or benched, Rex Ryan will undoubtedly turn to Sanchez. 

Without even taking a snap, Tebow may have lost his second-string quarterback job. How this affects his status with the team after the season remains to be seen.