 The New York Jets just missed last season with Brett Favre as quarterback after his arm gave out in the last few weeks of the NFL season. The Jets went out and drafted a quarterback and gave him control of the offense. Mark Sanchez has been quite impressive in these first five weeks, leading a Jets team with the aid of a stellar defense to a 3-2 record and a tie for first place in the AFC East with the New England Patriots. The team is in danger of losing the division lead though with two straight losses. The latest loss to the Dolphins brought that lauded defense into question. That is unfortunate since the strength of this team has been the defense. The Jets only average 20.2 points a game despite how well Sanchez has played in his first five professional football games. The defense has held teams to 17.6 points a game. The last couple of games have increased that average dramatically, giving up 55 points in two games after allowing just 33 in the first three games of the season. The team has been susceptible to the run as the Dolphins proved in Week 5. While experts have acknowledged the efforts of the defense that stifled Drew Brees they have been quicker to change subjects and begin talking about rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. Sanchez actually has pretty standard rookie numbers. He has completed just 56 percent of his passes, thrown as many interceptions and touchdowns (5), taken more than sacks than necessary (10) and is averaging 6.84 yards a passing attempt. What gets these experts so excited is the flashes of brilliance. He threw for 272 yards including several beautifully thrown deep balls in Week 1 and has made the tough third and long plays. The addition of wide receiver Braylon Edwards in Week 5 is sure to help Sanchez since it will give him a big play receiver that can go deep and pull in the football with athletic moves. Edwards will also help free Jerricho Cothery up for the deep play. He was supposed to have his break through season last year with the Jets, but was hindered by being the focal point of the secondary's coverage for every opposing team. Like many football teams in the NFL the New York Jets have split tie at running back between Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Jones has gotten a slight majority of the carries, but Washington is the main back in the Jets Wild Cat formation. Still when it comes down to the goal line Jones is the running back of choice, as evident by his five rushing touchdowns. The New York Jets have been struggling of late, but have a couple of easy games against the Bills and Raiders before getting a chance for revenge when the Dolphins come to Giants Stadium.
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