Jets vs Colts Game Balls

After yet another where the "Cardiac Jets" tested the intestinal and cardiovascular fortitude of their fans, its time to hand out some Game Balls:

Braylon Edwards: Edwards looked the Pro Bowl receiver the Jets thought they were getting when they traded for him early in 2009 instead of the stone-handed hot head he was for most of last season. The now sure-handed Edwards may have earned himself a new contract after arguably the most clutch catch in Jets postseason history, when he elevated for a sideline catch at the 15 yard line that set up Nick Folk's game-winning 32 yard field goal.

Eric Smith: Despite not starting at Free Safety, Eric Smith played the game of his life, lining up at both safety and linebacker at times, racking up ten tackles and two passes defensed ,while defending upstart tight end, Jacob Tamme.

Darrelle Revis: It was just another day at the office for "Revis Christ," who shut down Peyton Manning's favorite target, Reggie Wayne limiting him to an eye-popping one catch for one yard.

Shonn Greene/LaDainian Tomlinson: Both backs looked fresh, rushing for a combined 152 yards on 35 carries, while keeping Peyton Manning on the sideline for the majority of the second half. With two fresh backs, the Jets were able to get back to their "Ground and Pound," ball-control offense, which will serve them will with a rematch against Tom Brady and the Patriots looming.

The Jets Offensive Line: I would be remiss if I praised the running attack without mentioning the offensive line. The line was able to man-handle the Colts under-sized defense, creating sizable running lanes for Greene and Tomlinson. It all starts up front in the running game and the big men were able to win at the point of attack and for that, they get the final game ball(s).

Take a Lap!: now that we've rewarded the standouts it is time to address those whose performances were less than stellar in an ode to Eric Mangini and Coach Boone from "Remember the Titans," if you screw up, you take a lap.

Antonio Cromartie: Cromartie's issues in man-to-man coverage continue as he was victimized by Pierre Garcon all night, allowing the Colts only touchdown when he was torched by Garcon on a deep post, allowing Peyton Manning to connect with him for a 57 yard score. Although Cromartie did redeem himself with his 47 yard kickoff return that set up the game winning drive, he needs to step up defensively if the Jets are to stand a chance against the Patriots.

Mark Sanchez: Sanchez looked erratic all game, missing several wide open receivers including Braylon Edwards and Dustin Keller. The second year quarterback capped his lackluster first half by throwing a red zone interception to Justin Tryon. Sanchez missed receivers high all night however; he seemed to calm down in the second half connecting on key passes down the stretch, especially in the game-winning drive. Despite his overall mediocre night, Sanchez did what he has done all season and stepped up when it mattered orchestrating another come from behind victory, while calling and executing the key pass to Braylon Edwards to set up the game-winning field goal. I hate to say it but Mark Sanchez, take a lap.

Santonio Holmes: Overall Holmes played pretty well however; he dropped a key third down pass that could have very well cost the Jets the game. If Holmes makes that catch chances are, the Jets are able to run out the clock without the need for any last minute heroics. If you are an NFL receiver and you drop a ball that hits you in the hands it is simply inexcusable and for that, "Tone" will be taking a lap.