Bills vs. Jets: 5 Things We Learned from the Jets' 28-24 Win

The New York Jets needed this one.

In a game both teams had to have to stay alive in the AFC playoff race, the Jets seemed to want it more today. They executed better and played tougher defense down the stretch. Kudos to the Jets for doing what it takes to beat their division rivals and overcome their recent losing streak.

The Jets' struggles prior to this game have been thoroughly disappointing. With their playmakers coming up small and turnovers dogging them all season, good efforts from their defense have been wasted. The Jets need to do some soul searching if they fail to make to make the playoffs.

Some of their recent problems start at the top with blustery head coach Rex Ryan, but Mark Sanchez and his spotty offensive line also deserve scrutiny. The Jets did get back to their strengths today, though. They ran the ball well to open up the passing game and came up big defensively late in the game.

Let's take a look at five things that we learned about the Jets from this matchup. 

Feeding Shonn Greene Will Bear Fruit

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer called a much better game this week. Shonn Greene got plenty of carries, and Joe McKnight proved to be a good change-of-pace back. Their success on the ground made their passing game more efficient and productive.

They also used the short passing game to their advantage and got tight end Dustin Keller involved early and often.

I also liked how they mixed in a few reverses and fakes to get positive yards on the ground. In the second quarter, a big run by Santonio Holmes off of a reverse led to a nice drive that resulted in a Dustin Keller touchdown.

To continue their offensive success, they need to continue to give the rock to Greene. He is the key to their offense.

The Jets Run Defense Is Still Stout in a Pinch

Sione Pouha and Bart Scott played well in the middle of the line for the Jets on defense. They clogged up lanes and stymied Tashard Choice and C.J. Spiller on interior run attempts.

I thought that when the Jets played straight-ahead defense with three or four guys on the line, the Bills had more problems on offense than when the Jets called exotic blitzes.

Last week, the Denver Broncos were able to get room on the ground (notably with Tim Tebow's touchdown scamper for the victory) when the Jets called overload blitzes. Perhaps Rex Ryan should scale those calls back in the coming weeks.

While the Bills were able to get positive yards through the air, they couldn't get much done on the ground. The Jets have some concerns about their defense after this game, but those concerns don't extend to their run defense.  

Darelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie Aren't Infallible

The Bills were able to make hay through the air all day today. Stevie Johnson got good yardage all day when covered by Revis and former Jet Brad Smith picked on Cromartie.

Even good players have bad days occasionally, and Revis and Cromartie will bounce back from their down day to continue to shut down opposing teams' receivers like they have most of the year.

The Bills slot receiver, David Nelson, was also able to get separation from Kyle Wilson. Wilson has improved this season, but is still one of the weaker players in the Jets secondary.

Despite not playing up to their normal excellence, they still made enough good plays on the Bills' last drive to secure the victory.

Plaxico Burress Can Be a Great Weapon for the Jets

Mark Sanchez doesn't have to be incredibly accurate when he has a big target like Plaxico Burress to throw to.

Burress kept their late game-winning fourth quarter drive alive with some amazingly clutch third-down receptions. His size and strength is exceedingly tough for shorter cornerbacks to contend with.

If the Jets can continue to find him, they'll have better success in the passing game.

Santonio Holmes is a good number one receiver, but having a great threat like Burress will open up their offense down the field.

Late-Game Drives Have Doomed the Jets This Season

In two consecutive weeks, the Jets have given up a big late-game drive. Last week, it was Tim Tebow marching downfield, and this week, it was Ryan Fitzpatrick fitting in key passes.

The Jets have to be better late in games to be a good playoff team. While they were able to hold against the Bills, a better offensive team could make them hurt if they give up huge chunks of yards.

At 6-5, the Jets are still very much in the playoff hunt. They made enough plays today to keep the feisty Bills at bay. Mark Sanchez made some strides to silencing some of his critics, but he still needs to improve his accuracy and decision making for the Jets to become a playoff-ready team.