It started yesterday. 

Back from a mini-break, the Jets hit the field for the first time since their Thanksgiving night matchup, but Rex noted that there was more press in the room for the impending Monday Night Football game against the rival Patriots and knows, this is a big game for both teams, and a big game for postseason implications.

"It’s the marquee game of the year," Jets coach Rex Ryan said Friday.

With both winning on Thanksgiving, they are tied for the NFL’s best record at 9-2. That sets up a meaty Monday night matchup on Dec. 6 at New England.

"It’s not going to get much bigger than that," Ryan said. "So, the fact that it’s a divisional game, I guess the only way it would be better if it was the last game of the regular season. But this is pretty good right here."

No doubt about it. And, the hype should kick into high gear when both teams return to work Monday after a three-day weekend.

"Ridiculous," right tackle Damien Woody said. "I can’t even put it into words."

Woody might not be able to put it into words, but we’ll try.  While the Dolphins might be the historical hated rival for the Jets and their fans, for the past ten years it’s clearly been the Patriots, who have been the Divisional Champions seven of nine times since 2001.  While the Jets won in 2002, they did it with a 9-7 record.  In 2004 the Jets started strong, but the Patriots prevailed, ultimately winning the Super Bowl.  In 2006 the two teams met in the playoffs, and the Patriots squashed the Jets hopes.  In 2008 with Brady sidelined due to his injury, the Jets collapsed.

For the Jets, there’s no time like the present.  Sanchez has shown signs of maturity, the defense is getting better as the year goes on, while the Patriots are winning based on their offense. 

This year, the Jets stand their best chance at taking the division by force from a good Patriots team.  The Jets are currently 2-1 against the Patriots since Ryan’s arrival, and this is the game for the Jets to announce to the world that they are no longer the doormat for the Patriots.

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