The football heavens have smiled on the long-suffering fan base of the New York Jets.
No matter how this season turns out for coach Rex Ryan, who can doubt what happened Monday night in a gutsy 30-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons?
New York's edgy defense no longer is a secret, and rookie passer Geno Smith, on a big stage, capably guided the offense against a confused Atlanta D.
"He's a rookie, and we make him look like a 10-year veteran," said Falcons safety William Moore, per The Associated Press.
Smith's performance was impressive because he limited mistakes and showed growth reading coverage against a Mike Nolan defense known for in-game adjustments and disguised looks. It's too early to gush over Geno -- he's been a turnover machine -- but Monday night was a sure sign of progress.
Credit also goes to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who rolled out an attack that went for the throat with multiple looks and a wise use of personnel. The Jets were atypically frisky on offense, a sign that Ryan has gotten the message about the offensive revolution afoot in the NFL.
It's about time.
The "Around The League Podcast" recapped every Week 5 game. Click here to listen and subscribe.
