Jets Back Their Way Into The Postseason

Today was a case of "good news, bad news" for the New York Jets and their fans. The bad news was that the team suffered a heartbreaking 38-34 loss at the Chicago Bears. The good news - despite their loss, the Jets still clinched a Wild Card spot in the playoffs with the Jaguars losing at home to Sinkoff's beloved Redskins.

The Jets' offense carried last week's momentum with them from Pittsburgh to Chicago, gaining nearly 400 yards of total offense and finding a nice balance between the run and the pass. However, the Jets pass D was atrocious, as Bears QB Jay Cutler went off for 3 touchdowns in the 3rd quarter to rally Chicago back from 24-17 halftime deficit.

The sense of "good news, bad news" was seen during Rex Ryan's postgame press conference, when the Jets players went crazy in the locker room halfway through his time with the media. Ryan knew what the cheering meant, and immediately changed his tone from depressed loser to joyous victor.

The Jets' early playoff berth is extra good news for Mark Sanchez, who Rex Ryan said will receive a well-deserved week off next week against Buffalo, which will allow Sanchez to rest his sore throwing shoulder that was injured last week in Pittsburgh, Veteran back-up Mark Brunell is expected to make the start next week at the New Meadowlands.