By Michael Ventura
DNAinfo Senior Editor
MANHATTAN — The New York Jets bounced back from their dismal season opening loss with a 28-14 win over the hated New England Patriots, lead by three touchdowns from quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Gang Green had been hyped as a Super Bowl contender, mostly by themselves, during the preseason before their Monday night disaster against the Baltimore Ravens where they failed to score a touchdown in the 10-9 loss.
After enduring a week of scorn and ridicule, the Jets got their season back on track looking crisp on offense and keeping Patriots quarterback, and known Jet-hater, Tom Brady in check.
"We’re back to being who we think we are," Jets coach Rex Ryan said after the game, according to the New York Post.
Sanchez completed 21 out of 30 passes and three touchdowns, both career highs. He threw for 220 yards.
"This is just the beginning for us," said Sanchez, the Daily News reported. "It’s tough when you lose that first game. It feels like you’re 0-10. This game couldn’t come soon enough for us."
Just before the first half, Pats receiver Randy Moss made a spectacular 34-yard, one-handed touchdown grab to put the Jets in a 14-7 hole. On the play, Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis pulled up with an aggravated hamstring and left the game. He was expected to have an MRI on Monday.
Moss was held to just one catch after the Jets moved their other cornerback Antonio Cromartie over to cover him.
Sanchez threw his first touchdown pass of the season to wide receiver Braylon Edwards in the first half. In the second half, he found tight end Dustin Keller and receiver Jericho Cotchery in the end zone.
The running game, which was anemic in before halftime, got going in the second half as both running backs LaDanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene rushed for more than 100 yards.
