Sports Saturday Thread #1 For 1/9/10: 2009 NFL Playoffs- Who's Taking Lessons For Who Now?

US Presswire' Kirby Lee

Coming into this game, I thought that Mark Sanchez was the only thing holding back the Jets from really being a force in this postseason.

With how he performed more like the established veteran than the man he used to be a ball boy for in Carson Palmer, Sanchez along with great coaching today propelled the Jets to a terrific road playoff win today.

Additional thoughts.

Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall, despite them being solid corners, can't take out a receiver out of the game the way Darell Revis does (then again, who can right now up to his level). And his impact on the field took the Bengals' hopes of stretching the field away for a second consecutive game.

And that is a shame considering how brilliant Cedric Benson was today. The fact that he only got 21 carries in this entire game and still produced 169 yards, including the 47 yard touchdown run that gave the Bengals hope in the 4th, is a testament to how he has turned it around in his career.

Still, these two games showed that the Bengals don't make up well with the Jets.

Brian Schottenheimer obviously raised his stock as a future coach in this league down the line. His play calling today was nothing short of magnificent. It was able to utilize the strengths of all his players without making their weaknesses vulnerable (unless you are Braylon Edwards and his hands on a deep pass of course).

The Bengals were so focused on stopping Brad Smith today that Schottenheimerr made them pay for neglecting Dustin Keller, who factored in on the three biggest plays of the game (outside of course Shayne Graham's uncharacteristic brutal misses) . His block that help Shonn Green get his 39 yard touchdown along with his touchdown reception and big catch right after Benson's touchdown summed up a great first playoff game for that young tight end as well.

And what can you say about Sanchez?

Every decision in this game from the rookie was pitch perfect. Most if not all of his throws were on the money today, as he clearly outplayed Palmer in every faucet of the game today.

With how the Colts and Chargers are pass first teams, the Jets will not be an easy out at all in the playoffs. And if Sanchez can play like he did today, along with Schottenheimerr calling the plays like he did today, Rex Ryan has every right to feel uber confident in his team.

But it's appropriate to close this out with the Bengals. From the start of the season, where most figured they still weren't as good as the Steelers and Ravens, to all that they have went through with enduring the deaths of Chris Henry and Mike Zimmer's wife, it has been one emotional ride for Marvin Lewis' side. And though their season ends with obvious disappointment today, they have nothing at all to be ashamed about.

Unless your name is Shayne Graham.

AP's David Kohl