The New York Jets surprising playoff run came to an end in the AFC Championship Game yesterday, as Gang Green blew an 11-point first half lead and ultimately fell to the Colts 30-17. The defeat is tough for fans and players alike. New York took a lead deep into the third quarter, despite two missed field goals, and a few key injuries. While the loss and the fact this team was 20 minutes from the Super Bowl is tough to swallow, this season must be considered a huge success. Expectations were low for this squad, and not even the most optimistic Jets fan could have projected a run to the AFC Championship Game. Twice this season Gang Green appeared to be done- once when the team fell to 4-6 after being blown out by New England, and again after a crushing loss to Atlanta which dropped the team to 7-7. Yet each time the squad battled back with improbable victories, including four straight after the Falcons loss, which had the Jets on the doorstep of the Super Bowl.

New York clearly has one of the best defenses in the league. If they can shore up the secondary, and add another pass rusher for Rex Ryan's constant blitzing, the Jets will have the best unit in the league next season. On the offensive side of the ball, the emergence of Shonn Greene was huge. The Jets can mix Greene and Thomas Jones next year in the backfield, which should keep the aging Jones fresher, and ensure New York can maintain their "Ground N Pound" philosophy. If speedy Leon Washington returns, the Jets will have even more versatility in the backfield. Don't forget Brad Smith either, who proved yesterday that he is a dangerous weapon on offense. One area New York definitely needs to work on is the wide receiving corps. The Jets need a big play receiver, and Braylon Edwards, despite his heroics yesterday, probably isn't that guy. Mark Sanchez really came of age down the stretch, and with more potent receivers, he will be even better next year. That, and the invaluable playoff experience he gained this season, could vault him into the upper half of quarterbacks in the NFL next year.

The AFC Championship Game proved the New York Jets aren't quite there yet. The defense still isn't good enough to shut down a top-flight offense for a full sixty minutes. The offense is still a player or two away from being a top unit in the NFL. However, with one playoff run under their belt, and hopefully some upgrades on the way, there is no reason that the Jets can't reach even greater heights in the near future.

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