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Schwartz: Jets Have A Heartbeat, But Let's Not Get Carried Away

By Peter Schwartz
» More Columns

They have a heartbeat!

For, at least, the next four days, the Jets remain relevant after Sunday's 27-13 win over the Rams in St. Louis. It's a huge win for a team that hadn't tasted a victory in over a month, but by no means should Jets Nation feel any better about things than they did a few days ago.

This team still has issues… a lot of them and way too many to ignore after a win over a team worse than they are in the Rams. Let's be honest. This was a game the Jets should have won, so let's not throw them a parade for a win that gets them to 4-6.

While it was a game that they should won and did, I'm surprised that they played so well. As poorly as they've played this season and with all of the distractions, I thought they would pack it in for the rest of the season. With the Patriots coming up on Thanksgiving Night, we could be writing the Jets off as Turkey Day winds down.

But for the moment, they have a pulse and they have to be given that credit until the pulse is gone.

Rex Ryan deserves a lot of that credit.

Since Ryan became head coach in 2009, the Jets have, for the most part, found a way to come together when things have looked bleak. As strange as it may sound, the Jets are still alive. If they can beat the Patriots and get to 5-6, they can hang their hats on a schedule down the stretch that is very favorable.

The final five games are against teams with losing records.

Do I think that the Jets will make the playoffs? No.

Do I think that the Jets will have something to play for in week 17 against the Bills in Orchard Park? No.

Do I think that the Jets will quit on the season? Again, the answer is no.

And that is something that both Ryan and General Manager Mike Tannenbaum are both hoping for. If the team wins some games in the second half, their job security might not be in peril.

While Sunday's win is just a baby step in the right direction, the Jets did accomplish something significant. They have now given their fans and viewers around the country just a bit of a reason to be excited for 8:20pm Thursday night.

JET LINERS

The Jets captains on Sunday were Antonio Cromartie, Tanner Purdum, Bart Scott, Jason Smith, and Austin Howard.

Mark Sanchez finished the game with a 118.3 passer rating. He was 15 of 20 for 178 yards and a touchdown pass to Chaz Schilens. Here's the most important stat….NO TURNOVERS!

Bilal Powell notched his first two NFL touchdown runs. It was his first game back after being sidelined with a concussion.

After being signed earlier this week, running back Kahlil Bell made his Jets debut playing on special teams.

Muhammad Wilkerson notched his 2nd sack of the season and third forced fumble. After a slow start to the season, the 2011 first round pick has really been playing well the last few weeks.

Nick Folk kicked a pair of 51-yard field goals in the game. He becomes just the second kicker in Jets history to nail two 50+ yard field goals in a game. Pat Leahy booted field goals of 53 and 52 yards against the Patriots in 1985.

That's all for now! The Jets will practice Monday and Tuesday as they prepare for Thursday night's Thanksgiving contest against the Patriots. Check back on Wednesday for a Jets/Patriots preview and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Can the Jets do the unthinkable and upset the Patriots on Thanksgiving?  Let us know...

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