Just two weekends ago, both the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys were on the brink of being eliminated from the playoffs.

But after each playing a couple of games of dominating football, they found themselves in the wild card game – each playing against the same team that beat last weekend.

Last week, the Jets beat the Cincinnati Bengals to cement their trip to the postseason.  Likewise, the Cowboys shutout the Philadelphia Eagles in rout to this week’s repeat showdown with their division rivals.

So what happened yesterday?

Both the Jets and the Cowboys took care of business on Saturday to advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.

In Texas Stadium, the Cowboys defeated the Eagles, 34-14.  Dallas exploded for 27 points in the 2nd quarter – an outburst which compromised Philadelphia’s chances for success against a tough Cowboys’ defense.  And while the Philadelphia offense wasn’t totally grounded, it couldn’t come through when it needed to.  The Eagles converted only 18% (2 of 11) of their third downs (and they were 0 for 2 on fourth downs).

All year, Philly has been noted for its extremely potent and explosive offense, but it was Dallas that scored 3 touchdowns and 2 field goals in 12 minutes.  After putting those points on the board, the Cowboys knew they had the upper hand as the Eagles had only scored 7 points on them in the last 5 quarters up to that point.

Felix Jones rushed for 148 yards on only 16 carries.

Earlier in the day, the Jets went into Cincinnati to handle the Bengals, 24-14.  What did rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez think of the victory?

”It’s pretty special. It’s got nothing to do with me.”

While it’s refreshing to see your rookie quarterback ry to deflect the success on his whole team, he was indeed an integral part of this key playoff win.

New York Jets’ head coach Rex Ryan:

”He had the eye of the tiger today and he was ready to get out there and throw it around. I see him getting better and better each day on the practice field. What a job he’s done. I think he’s tired of hearing he’s the weak link on this football team.”

Sanchez was an efficient 12-15 for 182 yards and a touchdown.  Fellow rookie Shonn Greene rushed for 135 yards to provide a balanced offensive attack for New York.  Three Jets’ touchdowns in the second and third quarters sealed the Bengals’ fate.  

Coach Ryan:

”This was a great team effort. We’re a good football team. If people don’t believe that, they soon will.”

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