"The Jets have overcome locker-room bickering and dissension to give themselves a legitimate chance at the AFC East title with a 5-3 record.

Rex Ryan's team looked lost during an early three-game skid only to return to familiar form with a solid rushing attack and air-tight defense.

"We certainly didn't count ourselves out," Ryan said of his team's 2-3 start. "We knew that our team could improve. We knew we put together a good football team. (We) thought we could get better."

Gang Green has gone 5-3 in the second half in each of Ryan's first two seasons. A repeat of that would likely push them into the postseason once again."