New York Jets: 5 Positives to Take from Sunday's Loss to the Patriots

The New York Jets suffered arguably their worst regular season loss of the Rex Ryan era Sunday in possibly their most important regular season game.

Both the Jets and New England Patriots came into Sunday night's game with a record of 5-3, tied for the lead in one of the most competitive divisions in all of football. 

With the Bills fading of late, it was apparent before game time that whichever team won this playoff-type showdown would take firm control of the AFC East, and potentially cruise into the playoffs. 

On a dreary Sunday night for Jets fans, it was Tom Brady and the Pats who won this crucial power grab.

However, let us take a look at five positives to take away from a horrible Sunday night for Jets fans.

No. 5: First Half Defense

While the Rex Ryan defense that we know and love is not accustomed to allowing 37 points in one game, it is important to realize that Sunday's game was a clear tale of two halves for this usually-stingy defensive unit.

The results of New England's first five drives were two field goals, two punts and one safety.  This certainly doesn't sound like a half that saw the Patriots' offense dominate the Jets' defense. 

Not only did the Jets' defense thwart the Pats' drives, but they also looked great doing it.

Brady had a crucial intentional grounding penalty in the end zone, and was unable to string passes together in order to continue his drives—except for the two-minute drill. 

In addition, the Ridley and Green-Ellis rushing team combined for less than 20 yards on the ground in the first 30 minutes of football.

No. 4: Rex Ryan Will Be Coaching with a Chip on His Shoulder

Sunday's game may very well go down in history as one of the worst days in Rex Ryan's already illustrious tenure as head coach of the New York Jets. 

When addressing the media yesterday, Ryan was forced to answer questions not only about the worst regular season loss of his career, but also a video showing him cursing at a disgruntled fan, and his harsh words regarding Mark Sanchez's poor end-of-the-half timeout decision, calling it "the stupidest thing in football history." 

However, Jets fans, despite Ryan's need for damage control on all three of these topics, don't get down on him just yet. 

If Ryan has taught us anything during his time as head coach, it's that he's a competitor.  He hates to lose, and especially hates losing to the Patriots. 

So how can we, as Jets fans, get on Ryan for being the competitor that he is when we have only loved him for it in the past? 

It's time that we embrace being part of one of the most hated teams in the NFL, and support the head coach who has put New York's other football team back on the map. 

Don't worry, Jets fans, this tough week will only make Ryan stronger.

No. 3: At Least We Still Have Revis

On a porous night for the Jets defense and secondary, the lone shining star was once again cornerback Darrelle Revis.

For the majority of the night, No. 24 was glued to Wes Welker, allowing him less than 50 yards receiving and no touchdowns, which has only happened to Welker once all year. 

Not to mention that some of Welker's catches came when Revis was matched up against the Patriots' extremely skilled tight end duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. 

It has become clear to Jets fans that Revis is the only consistently reliable part of the team that we cheer for week in and week out, and that he is undoubtedly the best at what he does. 

No. 2: Red Zone Offense

Another positive that Jets fans can take from Sunday night is the improvement and future promise of their red zone offense.

After watching Plaxico Burress' play all season, it has become quite clear that it is virtually impossible to guard him inside the 20-yard line. 

Whether he perfectly times his jump to grab a mediocre Mark Sanchez pass, or simply takes a safety over to his side in order to free up space for another option in the Jets offense, Burress is a huge asset in the red zone. 

Burress' red zone prowess may even force me to take back my previous statement that Revis is the only consistently reliable player that the Jets have to offer. 

Game in and game out, Burress makes a difference when it comes to scoring and setting up critical touchdowns for the Jets. 

No. 1: Rest of Season's Schedule

In the final seven weeks of play, the New York Jets have one of the cushiest schedules the NFL has to offer. 

Five of the last seven games are very winnable games against the Denver Broncos (4-5), the Washington Redskins (4-5), the Kansas City Chiefs (4-5), the Philadelphia Eagles (3-6), and the Miami Dolphins (2-7).

In order for the Jets to make the playoffs, all five of these games are must-wins for Rex Ryan and company.