Cole Tessler ’11
Staff Writer

Raiders learned Sunday that reality is harsh as they got pummeled by the Jets 38-0

Before Sunday, the Raiders came up with a big upset beating the Eagles and some players were even talking post season. Raiders Defensive Lineman Richard Seymour said:  “You can mark it down, The Raiders will be in the playoffs in 2009.”

But when the scoreboard said 38-0 and Mark Sanchez was enjoying a hot dog on the sidelines, Richard Seymour probably wanted to take that statement back.

The Jets ended their three game losing streak and Mark Sanchez showed he can comeback from adversity well after throwing five interceptions last week against the Bills. Sanchez not only avoided interceptions, but also threw for a touchdown and even ran into the end zone.

Sanchez didn’t win the game for the Jets but he managed it by not throwing any interceptions or turning the ball over.

The Jets spectacular run game who rushed for 300 yards for the second week in a row, the first team to do that since the 75’ Bills, helped lead the Jets to a victory.

Even though the Jets won, they suffered another huge loss; Leon Washington, running back, one of the Jets main playmakers, was injured and ruled out for the season.

It did not take them long to find a good replacement as rookie Shonn Greene  showed tremendous speed and tackle breaking ability. By the end of the game he had racked up 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Thomas Jones also had a great game rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown.

One of the main reasons the Jets offense had so much success is because of the offensive line.

The o-line needed to step up against a tough Raiders defensive line, that sacked Donovan McNabb six times last week. They only allowed Sanchez to be sacked once, created great pockets and timing for Sanchez, and even opened up holes for the running game.

The defense also deserves credit for a big Jets win.

The Jets defense was a nightmare for Jamarcus Russell (these days who isn’t?) causing one fumble and two interceptions and eventually made Raiders coach, Tom Cable, bench Jamarcus in the middle of the second quarter.

Calvin Pace, Jets linebacker, had a monster game forcing two fumbles, six tackles and three sacks.

 The Jets made a statement in this game saying that they are still an elite team. Too bad it was just against the Raiders. Hopefully the Jets can make an even bigger statement to the Dolphins, at the Meadowlands, next Sunday.