Kerry Rhodes

The Panthers and Jets are two clubs who have much in common. Both teams started 2009 with high expectations, but sitting at 4-6 in November. Neither team has an offensive identity, despite the strong rushing attack, and each has a defense that looks good on paper but is unable to close a game. The big difference is that the Jets started 3-0 and 1-6 have since disappeared, while the Panthers started 0-3 and gone since 4-3.

No team can afford to lose this game if they want to stay in contention for the playoffs. The Panthers have two games on a wild card slot, while the Jets are three games behind the Patriots in the AFC East and beyond since a generic point is involved.

New York can not celebrate long, but with a game against Buffalo at Toronto on Thursday night. The Jets won for the second time in eight games.

"We drive now and we can not think a month ago," said Sanchez, who left four piece after injuring his left leg. "We are thinking now."

Sanchez completed 13 of 17 for 154 yards and an interception in the first game since coach Rex Ryan took a more active role in the offense. The coach and quarterback has established a system of color coding to help make the rookie more aware of the task.

"You see what happens when I play smart," said Sanchez. "I do not know how to explain it, but it works."

New York win was not without some tense moments. With the Jets leading 14-3, Sanchez scrambled to the sideline right on first-and-10 from New York 46 and was tackled out of bounds by Richard Marshall, after a gain of 8 yards.

Kerry Rhodes, demoted in favor of Eric Smith, Delhomme picked up on the next play for his second interception of the game, but all seal the victory. A tough week for Rhodes ended on a positive note - it has not started for the first time in his career NFL, but got a game ball for his performance.

"I received the message," Rhodes said in a brief statement after the game. "The message has been sent. Now, I spend and you'll see Kerry Rhodes."

Delhomme was 14 of 34 for 130 yards and four interceptions and the Jets, Smith also took a catch of 5 yards and DeAngelo Williams to 40 yards on 16 carries.

"It was a great victory," said Ryan. "It feels good to say. It has been a while. "