It's safe to say that this qualifies as the biggest win of the season for the Jets. Ten days ago, that distinction would've gone to the overtime victory over the Patriots (in New England, no less), but the division leading Jets needed this on-the-road victory over the undefeated Titans to keep their one-game lead in the AFC East (New England defeated Miami today).
Now, New York is 8-3 and fully in control of their destiny. And they did it by playing Tennessee's game: methodically matriculating the ball down the field through short passes and a commitment to the running game, coupled with a stifling defense. It started early for the Jets -- Brett Favre found Thomas Jones for six to culminate a nine-play opening drive and they didn't look back.
It was 13-3 at the half, and New York started the third quarter like they started the game: with a time-consuming drive that ended in points, this time a Jay Feely 30-yard field goal. Favre would find Laveranues Coles in the back of the end zone a series later, and after a Titans 49-yard field goal to cut the lead to 20-6 early in the fourth quarter, Leon Washington promptly ripped off a 61-yarders with 11 minutes to go to seal the deal.
And all those early-season concerns about Brett Favre? Well, he's starting to play like a wily future Hall of Famer who avoids game-changing turnovers and efficiently manages the offense. He finished the day 25-of-32 for 224 yards, two TDs and one pick. Of course, having Jones and Washington in the backfield wreaking havoc, and the defense playing some of its best football of the season, helps, too.
Going forward, the Jets will host the Broncos, Bills and Dolphins, and travel to San Francisco and Seattle. After winning just four times a year ago, victories like this might lead to people actually referring to head coach Eric Mangini as the Mangenius once again.
