The New York Jets seemed resigned to being a national punchline for most of the first half Sunday.
There was a blocked field goal. An embarrassing blown coverage. Pass-protection breakdowns. A failed fake punt play ... on more Tim Tebow foolishness.
Then -- almost out of thin air -- things began to click for Rex Ryan's struggling team. The Jets' defense pressured the St. Louis Rams into mistakes, the running game came alive, and Mark Sanchez avoided the killer mistake. The Jets took control by the end of the second quarter and rolled to a 27-13 win.
At 4-6, the Jets' faint playoff hopes remain alive, with a virtual must-win game on tap against the New England Patriots on Thanksgiving night.
It was another chaotic week in Florham Park, but the Jets were able to set that aside in St. Louis. Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano won the battle against the man he replaced, Brian Schottenheimer, who you know wanted this game in the worst way.
Sanchez has been savaged by critics this season, and with good reason. He got it done Sunday, however, excusing Ryan from answering those postgame questions he has come to loathe. Sanchez finished 15-of-20 passing for 178 yards and one touchdown. This was just the second time all season the Jets didn't turn over the ball in a game.
The Jets should watch this game tape and scrap the Tebow experiment once and for all. While Sanchez thrived, Tebow finished with negative-6 yards on five offensive plays.
Pull the plug. Give Sanchez his team back and see how it plays out.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
