Rex told me that he expected the League and the Players Association to cut a deal before training camp gets underway. I tend to agree with Rex because I can’t see the NFL’s television partners–CBS, FOX, NBC and ESPN, collectively sucking their thumbs while they fork over a billion dollars to greedy owners who are guaranteed to get paid by the networks even if there is no football in 2011. You better believe that CBS’s Leslie Moonves, FOX’s James Abernathy, NBC’s Dick Ebersol, and ESPN’s CEO George Bodenheimer will call Roger Goodell into a closed door meeting where the language won’t be pretty if the owners are playing hardball.

It is ridiculous to expect the players association to give up any economic benefits when the owners are making money hand over fist while refusing to allow the union’s CPAs to examine their financial books.

Jets owner Woody Johnson has reenforced his image for unmitigated avarice. Despite the fact that it is the off-season and that he has more money than most nations combined, Woody announced that Jets front office personnel would be furloughed and that Rex Ryan’s assistant coaches would have to absorb a 25% pay cut. This is the same Woody Johnson who wanted New York taxpayers to help finance a stadium for him near the Javits Center in 2005 even though he was cited that year by the Senate Finance Committee for trying to evade the IRS by having too much money in Cayman Islands bank accounts. It should be noted that Giants CEO John Mara has not reduced anyone’s pay in his organization.

“Are you really going to write that about Woody?” Rex asked me. He did not go out of his way to dissuade me. To answer your question Rex, as Sarah Palin likes to say, “You betcha!”

Speaking of the Vision Expo, Melville-based Marchon Eyewear introduced fashionable 3-D glasses that can be used as well as sunglasses and can even be used for prescriptive purposes to correct nearsightedness. Marchon’s Lacoste line has elongated side frames with magnetic tips that can be folded around your neck so that it is harder to lose them. Oakley, which has long been a favorite of baseball players with its stylish wraparounds, introduced sunglasses designed by snowboarding legend Shaun White. Oakley’s sister company, Revo, signed Jacques Cousteau’s beautiful granddaughter, Alexandra, to promote its collection of sunglasses that are specifically designed for those who spend a lot of time at sea such as fishermen and sailors. Hauppauge-based Clearvision displayed its always fashionable Cole Haan aviators while Viva International was promoting its Harley-Davidson line of eyewear.

The Rangers have had an up-and-down season and it always seems as if their traditional April Sunday matinee with the Flyers in Philadelphia is a referendum on their post-season aspirations. The Blueshirts will be at the Wells Fargo Center this Sunday at 1 PM.

Supermodel Carol Alt, who grew up in East Williston, turned 50 this past December. She still looks smoking hot based on her appearance at the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency’s press conference promoting a search for models who are over 40. Alt, who was married to former Ranger Ron Greschner, and is now reportedly romantically linked with former Islander Alexei Yashin, added a touch of needed glitz to hockey when it truly was a niche sport in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

Renown sportscaster Bob Wolff recently turned 90 and he is still not thinking about retirement. He still contributes to Cablevision’s various News 12 operations in our area and he has just written his latest book titled Bob Wolff’s Complete Guide to Sportscasting (Skyhorse Publishing) which is humorously subtitled “How to Make it in Sportscasting With or Without Talent.”

Unlike pedantic sportscasting historian Curt Smith, Wolff engages the reader in a relaxed conversational manner. He singles out the Mets radio tandem of Howie Rose and Wayne Hagin (who has not gotten the accolades from the media that he deserves) for brightening up many a dreary Mets loss with witty banter and timely storytelling. Rose and Hagin will clearly have their work cut out for them again this year.

This year marks the 70^th anniversary of Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, a record that many doubt will ever be broken. Sports Illustrated editor Kostya Kennedy recounts the events of the 1941 season in his latest book that is simply titled “56″ (SI Books) although we don’t get much insight into the kind of guy Joltin’ Joe really was. While Kennedy’s book is readable much of the ground was covered better a few years ago by Post sports columnist Mike Vaccaro whose 1941 (Random House) is still available in paperback.

Catching Hell, the ESPN film about unfortunate Cubs fan Steve Bartman that was supposed to be part of its “30 for 30″ 30^th anniversary documentary series, will finally make its debut at the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival.

The National Enquirer has been dipping its gossipy toes into the world of sports lately. After enjoying a field day with Tiger Woods’ foibles, The Enquirer has recently run stories on why veteran NASCAR drivers resent newcomer Trevor Bayne who won the 2011 Daytona 500, and how singer Carrie Underwood demanded that the Ottawa Senators trade her husband, Mike Fischer, to the Nashville Predators, which they eventually did.

Rock & roll legend Lloyd Price inducted his old Specialty Records boss, Art Rupe, at this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Price though seemed more excited to discuss his bowling prowess in the Waldorf press room as he claimed that he has rolled six perfect games and has a 212 average.

On the sneaker front, the Air Jordan 2011 is definitely going with a retro feel. Their black and white athletic shoe resembles spats from the 1930s. K-Swiss has been promoting its tubular-soled sneakers with actor Danny McBride playing his Kenny Powers role from HBO’s “Eastbound and Down” (which is about to start its new season) in the company’s billboards and subway ads. Finally, Under Armour, which is best known for body-fitting gym clothes, has quietly gotten into the footwear business and was recently Major League Baseball’s official shoe supplier.

Dark chocolate has a lot of medicinal benefits since cocoa leaves contain anti-oxidants. Forget Hershey’s and Nestle’s; if you want to step up in quality try Green & Black’s Organic chocolate bars which have a far higher cocoa concentration than the big names in the industry.

Popcorn has long been considered one of the healthier snacks and one of my favorite brands is Popcorn, Indiana which makes generous size bags of kettlecorn.

Sure, Florida may have orange and grapefruit juices, but upstate New York has the best apple, nectar, and cherry juices. Zagat has rated Red Jacket Orchards from Geneva, NY as having the best juices on the planet. While that may be a bit extreme, their juices do come straight from the orchard and provide fiber, Vitamin C, and anti-oxidants. And yes, they do taste great.

Red wine is great for heart health as well as getting a gentle buzz. The only downside is staining your teeth. A new product called Wine Wipes will safely clean off your pearly whites after you imbibe. So now you can drink up and not worry.

FACTS:

• The Jets recorded their first playoff win since 2004.
• Two rookies, head coach Rex Ryan and quarterback Mark Sanchez, won their playoff debuts.
• Sanchez is the fourth rookie QB to win a playoff game, but he did so with a quarterback rating of 139.4; the other three (Shaun King, Ben Roethlisberger, and Joe Flacco) had ratings in the 50’s in each of their first postseason victories.
• Sanchez and running back Shonn Greene became the first rookie tandem to combine for a touchdown pass and a touchdown run in a postseason game in 34 years.
• Kicker Jay Feely played a huge role, doing well after being pressed into last-minute double duty after regular punter Steve Weatherford was sidelined right before kickoff with dizziness and an elevated heartbeat.
• Bengals’ kicker Shayne Graham missed two chip shot field goals (of 35 and 28 yards), both in the second half.
• The Bengals have gone 19 years without winning a playoff game.

STATS:

• Sanchez completed all but three of 15 of his pass attempts for 182 yards and a touchdown.
• Running back Shonn Greene rushed for a game-high 135 yards on 21 carries, including a big 39-yard, second-quarter touchdown which tied the game, 7-7.
• Jets’ tight End Dustin Keller picked a great time to have a season high 99 yards on 3 catches, including a 45-yard touchdown catch from Sanchez to put the Jets up 14-7 in the second quarter.
• Shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis (who should have won the defensive player of the year award which mistakenly went to Green Bay’s Rod Woodson) held Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Ochocinco to just two catches for 28 yards.

RECAP:

The Jets were lucky to be in the posteason (after blowing a big chance at home against the Falcons, they caught one huge break with Bill Polian forcing the Colts’ players and coaches to lay down against their will, and another, with a disinterested Bengals taking the night off the following week). And, it was obvious that the Bengals were not the same team as the one that won the AFC North title this season whether from an execution standpoint, emotionally, or in terms of overall focus ever since the tragic death of former wide receiver Chris Henry. Nevertheless, the Jets made the most of their opportunity in Cincinnati on Saturday, with the Bengals, this time, playing the Jets for real. Sanchez needed to play mistake free. He not only did that by avoiding a turnover, and thus not being the reason for a Jets’ loss, but he was surprisingly a major reason the Jets advanced to San Diego. Throw in the running of Shonn Greene, the Jets defense doing what it’s done all season, and Jay Feely being a major factor as an emergency punter, and it all led to a playoff victory in the first postseason chance in the Ryan-Sanchez era. The Jets head coach has some huge “Rex-pectations” for Gang Green, and he talks a good game. For one week, the Jets’ play came up as big as their coach’ mouth. One down, three to go. Their run figures to end in San Diego on Sunday, but two years ago, we all remember another five seed from the Meadowlands, who likewise, won its first round playoff game on the road by the same 24-14 score, en route to a magical run to a Super Bowl title. That team was of course, the Giants, who, like this year’s Jets, did it with defense first. With the Jets’ defense and very solid running game, if Sanchez continues to avoid miscues and pick his spots, the Jets may yet be able to duplicate the Giants’ run of a couple seasons ago.

(#3) COWBOYS 34, (#6) EAGLES 14

FACTS:

• The Cowboys ended the longest drought without a playoff victory in team history, winning a postseason game for the first time in 4,760; the Cowboys’ last playoff win was on December 28, 1996.
• With 92,951 in attendance, the game was played in front of the largest non-Super Bowl postseason crowd in NFL history.
• Dallas continued its recent defensive domination, allowing just 31 points over its past four games, for an average of just 7.75 points per game.
• Head coach Wade Phillips (who had been 0-4) and quarterback Tony Romo (who was 0-2) each won their first playoff games, while Dallas stopped a postseason losing streak of six straight games, and won its fourth straight game this season.

STATS:

• The Cowboys set a team record for postseason points in a quarter with 27 points in the second period.
• Dallas nearly doubled Philadelphia’s time of possession, holding the ball for 39:34 to the Eagles’ 20:26.
• Running back Felix Jones gained 9.3 yards per carry, rushing for a game-high 148 yards on 16 carries, including a 73-yard touchdown run.

RECAP:

Give the Cowboys credit, but don’t read too much into their recent success just yet. Dallas has certainly put an end to all of the negative talk surrounding past December swoons and early postseason exits. However, let’s look a bit deeper at the Cowboys’ recent surge. It started with the win in New Orleans. Impressive, but the Saints, undefeated at the time, were due for a loss. Next, a win in Washington. An easy win, but let’s be honest, it was the Redskins. Then, consecutive wins over the Eagles, who it turns out, might have been more overrated than most though when many were jumping on their bandwagon. And now, the Cowboys’ bandwagon is getting full. Take nothing away from Dallas. The Cowboys finally got it done in the postseason after a very long drought. The defense has been terrific of late, the running game has remained among the best in the league, and through two free agents –- Tony Romo and Miles Austin –- Cowboys passing game has done its part. There seem to be few flaws of late for the Cowboys, as demonstrated from the second quarter on, against Philadelphia on Saturday night. However, the usual hype surrounding the Cowboys is starting to grow perhaps a little too prematurely, as it usually does each year. If they can win in Minnesota, then its warranted, and then Dallas may get to prove again that the Superdome win that started all the hype in Week 15, was no fluke. But, before all that, let’ see a win in Minnesota against the two seed, instead of three wins against inferior NFC east opponents since that win over the Saints.

(#6) RAVENS 33, (#3) PATRIOTS 14

FACTS:

• After five losses in the all-time series (including a 27-24 loss in New England earlier this year), the Ravens finally beat the Patriots for the first time ever.
• The Patriots lost for the first time in 12 home playoff games (covering 32 years), and lost for the first time ever in eight playoff games at Gillette Stadium.
• New England had been the AFC’s only unbeaten team at home (8-0), and was one of only two teams in the NFL (Minnesota, the other) which hadn’t lost at home this season.

STATS:

• In a 19-point win, Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco threw only 10 passes, completed just four, and passed for only one more yard (34) and than the Ravens scored points (33).
• Though Baltimore was outgained 132-34 through the air, the Ravens dominated the ground game, 234-64, with Ray Rice leading the way with 159 yard on 22 carries.

RECAP:

If the folks from Sesame Street were calling the game, they would have told you early on that this game was brought to you by the Letter ‘R’ and the number ’17.’ Why? Well, after the Patriots won the opening toss, they deferred. So, what did Baltimore do with the first opportunity of the game? Well, former Rutgers running back Ray Rice gave the Ravens a 7-0 lead taking the first play of the game from the Baltimore 17-yard line, 83 yards for a touchdown just 17 seconds into the game. And, on the Patriots’ first possession? Baltimore recovered a Tom Brady fumble at the New England 17, leading to a 14-0 Baltimore lead just 4:29 into the game. With 3:55 left in the opening quarter, Baltimore cashed in on the first of three Brady interceptions, with Mr. double ‘R’  himself, Ray Rice, scoring again, to make it 21-0, en route to a 24-0 Raven domination in the first quarter. There was no looking back after that. The Ravens’ running game and its solid defense took care of the rest as quarterback Joe Flacco pretty much took the day off, in an easy wild-card round win which gives the Ravens a rematch in Indianapolis, with the top-seeded Colts, who barely hung on for a 17-15 victory over the Ravens on November 22nd.

(#4) Cardinals 51, (#4) Packers 45 (OT)

FACTS:

• The highest scoring postseason game in NFL history ended ironically, on what else? … defensive score.
• The Packers forced overtime by rallying from deficits of 17-0, 31-10, 38-24, and 45-38.
• Kicker Neil Rackers, who had made 16 of 17 field goals during the regular season, and who hadn’t missed since Week 2 in Jacksonville, badly hooked what should have been a 34-yard chip shot to win the game with the score tied at 45, with just 9 seconds left in regulation.
• Each team punted just once.
• The game ended in controversy as an obvious facemask by Karlos Danbsby on Rodgers before Rodgers’ fumble which led to the winning touchdown, was not called.

STATS:

• The 96 combined points were most ever scored in an NFL playoff game.
• 13 combined touchdowns were scored, setting an NFL playoff record.
• The Packers scored on 7 of 12 possessions; the Cardinals scored on 7 of 10 possessions.
• The teams combined for 1,024 yards of offense, with Green Bay amassing 493 total yards (403 passing), and Arizona surpassing that amount with 531 total yards (375 passing).
• The teams combined for 62 first downs (32 for the Packers, 30 for the Cardinals).
• 12 different receivers (6 per team) had multiple receptions.
• 3 different receivers had over 100 yards receiving (Green Bay’s Jermichael Finely, 6-159 and Greg Jennings, 8-130; and Arizona’s Steve Breaston 7-125).
• In his first playoff game, Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers set a team record with 422 passing yards, completing 28 of 42 passes for a 10 yard per attempt average, while throwing for four touchdowns and just one interception, which came on the game’s first play from scrimmage.
• As good as the young budding star was however, the ageless veteran, Cardinals’ quarterback Kurt Warner, was even better: Warner had a near perfect quarterback rating of 154.1; more touchdown passes (5, tying a career best) than incompletions (4); while completing 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards for an 11.5 yards per attempt average.

RECAP:

If you love offense, this was the game you HAD to see. The highest scoring game in NFL playoff history. If you like defense, this was a game which would have made you sick, and yet it still might have entertained you. In and absolute shootout that had enough action packed into a single game for the entire wild-card weekend slate, the Packers got off to an awful start with a couple of early turnovers leading to a quick pair of Cardinal touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers was picked on the first play of the game. But that would be his last turnover, ironically, until the last play of the game which won it for the Cardinals. Even more ironic, is a game with nearly 100 points scored being decided on a defensive touchdown. It’s clichéd, but this was definitely one of those games in which it was a shame that either team had to lose. Rodgers and Warner were locked in a duel that was one for the ages, especially with the young, budding star in his first playoff game, battling to the bitter end, the 38-year-old veteran with the Super Bowl hardware and his eventual spot in Canton. In the end, Warner was just slightly better, but he and his Cardinals needed some help, because the greater shame was the officials missing a huge call on the final play of the game. Rodgers’ facemask was clearly grabbed on the blitz by Michael Adams, whom Rodgers has picked on all game. But, unfortunately, no call. As a result, Karlos Dansby picked the ball out of the air and romped 17 yards for the winning score in overtime. Even more unfortunate for Rodgers and the Packers was that Rodgers kicked the ball in mid air as he was being sacked by Adams. Had he not, it’s quite possible that we could have revisited Tom Brady’s tuck and the rule that sent the Patriots to the Super Bowl against the Raiders. If the ball hits the ground, after Rodgers tried to bring it back in, it’s likely ruled incomplete via the tuck rule. So, a bad break, and a missed call, and it’s the Cardinals who are going to New Orleans for what could very well be another high-scoring shootout in another dome. Still, it’s hard to feel that bad for the Packers. Rodgers and the Green Bay offense did a phenomenal job of rallying form deficits of 17-0, 31-10, 38-24, and 45-38, to force the extra session, but the Packers’ defense, which came in ranked among the best in the NFL, had absolutely no answer for Warner, Steve Breaston, or several other Arizona offensive weapons. And, although the Packers missed an early field goal themselves, they caught a huge break when Neil Rackers, who almost never misses, somehow badly hooked a 34-yarder with a chance to win it with just 9 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Add to that, the first play of overtime, when wide receiver Greg Jennings had the Arizona secondary badly beat for what would have been a game-winning touchdown, but Rodgers just flat out missed him. Remember this game for the future. The Pack will be back, and Rodgers will be leading the way. And, when that happens, many will point back to this one as the time Rodgers was for real, showing up well and going toe to toe with a future Hall of Famer in Rodgers first playoff game ever, and doing it on the road. For now though, we will get to see if Arizona, counted out last year, can keep on answering the doubting critics in the postseason, and if Warner can outduel Drew Brees and company this time, in New Orleans.

Somehow some way Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme finds a way to get the ball in the hands of his opponent. Sometimes he does that a little too often, like he did Sunday when he threw four more interceptions and was a miserable 14-34 for a mere 130 yards. He looked about as lost as a kitten in a dog pound. He got absolutely no help from his running game either as DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 75 yards on 25 carries. There was also the problem of 11 first downs to go with 179 yards of total offense and three sacks of Delhomme. Head coach Jack DelRio is already on the hot seat and must now decide if its time to bench his quarterback. Then add the fact that Delhomme broke a finger which will make the decision easier. He had a passer rating of 12.7 and appears to have lost all confidence in himself. He now has 18 interceptions and that is his career high for a single-season. The worst part is that alot of his picks have resulted in scores too. When they had an oppotunity to score they could not. They had just intercepted Jets QB Mark Sanchez and Delhomme quickly hit Steve Smith in the end zone for a touchdown. Jets head coach Rex Ryan did not believe it was a catch and challenged the call. He would wn and the Panthers would have to settle for a field goal. It has been a season to forget for Carolina and Delhomme and it isn’t over yet. The question is not whether Matt Moore will start next week. The question is will Delhomme ever get his job back. Speaking of jobs, what about DelRio? Can he last the season and if he does will he be here next year. Highly unlikely at this point so please stand by. One thing is certain and that would be that this team has to make alot of changes if they hope to compete next year.

Atlanta 20 Tampa Bay 17

It has not been a kind season for either of these teams. The Falcons had high expectations coming into this season but were 5-5 coming in. The Bucs, playing under new head coach Raheem Morris, have had one of those years you already want to forget. Still they have played hard for their coach and rookie QB Josh Freeman is showing that he can be an NFL quarterback. On this day he was sacked six times but was 20-29 for 250 yards and two touchdowns. His counterpart Matt Ryan was hurt early when his foot was rolled on and he could not return. Also injured for the Falcons were running back Michael Turner, linemen Harvey Dahl and Sam Baker, The question is when will they return because they are so key to the Falcons success. So Chris Redman came in and saved the day when he hit Roddy White for the winning score with 23 seconds left. The Bucs had a chance to win but like usual found a way to lose it. Atlanta finds itself still in the playoff hunt but will need to keep winning and get some help from the rest of the NFC. The Bucs find themselves at 1-10 and need help badly. They could only muster 13 first downs and had just 73 yards on the ground. Penalties continue to haunt them and they added eight more on Sunday. They appear to have their quarterback of the future and have Cadillac Williams in the backfield. They will need to shore up the offensive line to protect Freeman better and their defense needs to improve dramatically. Redman was not bad in going 23-41 for 243 yards and no picks with two touchdowns. Tony Gonzalez is the only thing they have to count on as he addded nine catches for 83 yards. The Falcons are still in the playoff hunt but need teams like Philly and Green Bay to lose as well as continuing to win themselves. Three of the last five games are at home where they are 5-0 this year and one of those are against Philadelphia. They also go to the Jets and Tampa where they have a good chance to win those games if they are healthy. If Ryan and Turner do not return soon it won’t matter because Atlanta needs them if they have any chance at making the postseason.

New Orleans 38 New England 17

Wow would be a word to describe this Saints offense I would say. Another could be explosive or plain and simply terrific. It was the showdown of the week and it was not supposed to disappoint. Drew Brees against Tom Brady is all the billing you needed to sell this one but it was Brees who made the statement. He was as accurate as you can be and finished 18-23 for 371 yards and five touchdowns. It was the first time a quarterback has thrown for that many scores against a Bill Belichick defense. They had no way of stopping Brees especially in the second quarter when he threw three scoring passes to three different players. Yet, as much as the offense has done the real story is the improvement of their defense. Darren Sharper sent Brady to bench for good with one of two picks the D had and the Pats looked lost and confused. It was a sight to see when Brady walked off the field each time he was stopped. He had a look on his face rarely seen during his career. His offense could not move the ball and his ground game did not help. They got two touchdown runs from Laurence Maroney and that was all they could get. Brady was harrassed and knocked around the whole game. So now the Saints are 11-0 like the Colts and are looking to run the table. It is games like this that can define a season and the Saints can use this win to propel them all they way to the Super Bowl. Saints receivers had a ball as Marques Colston had only four catches but that was good enough for 121 yards and a touchdown. Devery Henderson chipped in with only three catches but he finished with 116 yards and a nice 75-yard strike from Brees. So with their offense in sync and their defense playing ferociously the Saints have a good chance of running the table. Of course we all know that will be a moot point if they end their year the same way these Pats did when they went 16-0 only to lose to the Giants in the Super Bowl. Now we will see if they can win out and with games at home against the likes of Dallas and Tampa and roadies at Washington, Atlanta and Carolina, an undefeated season is looking better every week. I have a question for all of you. Give me a reason for Brees not getting the MVP this year.

Sound familiar?

Certainly, after a mere two NFL starts, no in his or her right football mind would equate Chad Henne and his potential ceiling as an NFL starting quarterback with the accomplishments of New England Patriots’ legend Tom Brady.

However, there are already some similarities between the backgrounds of Brady and Henne, how each got their chances to shine, and how Henne, like Brady early on, has already made the most of that opportunity.

And, Henne’s also accomplished something that the two-time Super Bowl MVP Brady couldn’t do so far: play well enough to beat the New York Jets and their Rex Ryan-led defense this season.

There are some differences in how each quarterback got to the NFL. Brady had to prove himself, not getting a real shot at Michigan until his junior season, and not being drafted until the sixth round, as the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft. Henne meanwhile, guided the Wolverines from the time he was a freshman and was taken a lot higher (in the second round) by the Miami Dolphins in the 2008 draft.

But, both quarterbacks set passing records by the time they graduated from Michigan, and both took over an AFC East team surprisingly well after being thrust into a starting role by necessity, with very little expected of them.

Brady got his shot after first-round draft pick Drew Bledsoe was injured. He of course, turned used that opportunity into three Super Bowl victories, a league MVP, and four Pro Bowls on the way to what will someday conclude as a Hall of Fame career.

What he does with his own opportunity from here remains to be seen, but Henne similarly got his chance after Miami was reeling at 0-3. The Dolphins were looking like a bad team headed nowhere in 2009, after coming off the biggest turnaround in NFL history, from 1-15 in 2007, to 11-5 and an AFC East title last season under the direction of former firs-round draft pick Chad Pennington –- whose season ended in Week 3 this year, with a shoulder injury, opening the door for Henne. And, at least so far, the other former Michigan star has busted through.

Sure, it’s only been two starts, but Henne has helped saved the Dolphins season while going 2-0 as a starter.

Henne wasn’t great, but efficient, going 14-22 for 115 yards, throwing his first career touchdown pass and no interceptions in his first start two weeks ago, a 38-10 Dolphins’ victory over Buffalo.

But, on Monday night, Henne was brilliant, carving up a Jets’ defense that Brady had a lot of trouble with, in a 16-9 loss, earlier this season.

There are two ways to look at that: a skeptic would say that Henne had the advantage of a very effective wildcat running game to help set up his throws, a benefit which Brady lacked against the Jets.

Conversely, a pro-Henne advocate would declare that much to his credit, Henne, in only his second start, in a big divisional game before a Monday Night Football national television audience, was able to stay remarkably poised and in rhythm despite being shuffled in and out of the lineup on an inconsistent basis due to the wildcat’s unconventional offensive sets which often don’t employ the use of a quarterback on the field.

Either way, Henne was terrific, going 20 of 26 for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions for a 130.4 passer rating. And, Henne’s performance went far beyond those statistics. The truly impressive part was leading three fourth quarter drives, each with his team down, and each time, getting the Dolphins in the end zone, and coming away with his second win in as many starts in the NFL. Still, it wasn’t even THAT.

No, it was the throws that Henne made and the tools he displayed at the most crucial moments: Henne sold a play-action fake perfectly on a beautifully thrown 53-yard touchdown bomb to wide receiver Ted Ginn, who beat the Jets’ entire secondary, for a 24-20 fourth-quarter lead. Including that score, Henne, who was used to running some play action at Michigan, was a perfect 7-for-7 for 140 yards and two touchdowns when faking a handoff against the Jets on Monday.

Later, leading the game-winning drive, Henne, with the coolness of a seasoned veteran like Brady, converted consecutive third downs in the final two minutes. First, with an all-out blitz and defenders in his face, Henne lofted a great pass over the shoulder of Greg Camarillo for a 14-yard gain and a huge first down to keep the drive going. Then, faced with a 3rd-and-10 with 1:06 left in the game, Henne, again facing a Jets’ blitz, rolled right and fired an absolute bullet low and straight, again to Camarillo, who went to his knees to coral the ball for another big first down at the Jets’ 4-yard line. That play set up the eventual game-winning touchdown by running back Ronnie Brown.

Suddenly, the Dolphins season isn’t in shambles after losing their original starting quarterback.

During the post-game press conference, Ryan (maybe overdoing it), compared Henne’s performance to that of many turned in by former Dolphin and all-time NFL great Dan Marino.

Was that one game a coming of age for Henne the way Brady’s first season as a starter was?

Well, Henne will have to have a lot more games, even seasons, like he did against the Jets before he can remain the starting quarterback throughout the rest of this season, and into 2010 and beyond, let alone even contemplate approaching some of the many things which Brady has accomplished in the NFL.

But, after just two starts, Dolphin fans are already hoping Henne is the quarterback to lead their team into a successful future.

Thoughts on the other AFC teams:

Bills: 8 Picks. LB Aaron Maybin (rd1) and CB Jairus Byrd are good solid choices, But OC Eric Wood wasn’t even among the top 2 Centers, and the other Offensive Lineman Andy Levitre was only an after thought on many Draft expert’s charts, including mine. Grade: C to C-

Dolphins: 10 Picks.  I’d like to give big poppa Parcells the benefit of the doubt here(and so would at least one of my associates who knows him personally and spend a year following him as research on his book) regarding Vontae Davis, But ego runs in the family (see big brother Vernon). I love Pat White as a QB, but they need to add more speed at receiver for the wildcat to work well. Sean Smith is the biggest CB i have ever seen. no addition of a Stout DL would worry the Phins faithful. Grade: C+ unless White gets the help he needs.

Patriots: 12 Picks. S Pat Chung could play anywhere in the defensive backfield, and Butler is a shutdown CB. Got Depth and scored 2 picks next year by smart trades, but no true “impact” players here. Grade: B

Ravens: 6 Picks: Just on Mike Oher alone Ozzie Newsome and his personnel crew get the “A”, but i have to take away a half a grade because CB Lardarius Webb could pass for a 15 year old H.S. player in his pads at 177lbs. soaking wet. Rb Cedric Peerman could develop into a good reserve/role player. Grade: A-

Bengals: 11Picks. If Andre Smith doesn’t flake out from the stress, he could someday be in that Building in Canton. Rey Maualuga is the Troy Polumalu of inside linebackers, and TE Chase Coffman has the NFL pedigree through his dad. Add OC Jon Luigs and P Kevin Huber(if he continues to improve his hang time numbers). The issue as always in Cincy is will these guys act their age or their shoe size. Grade: B-

Browns: 8 Picks. Alex Mack is the best Center in this class. Add the two receivers, Robiskie & Massaquoi and LB Kaluka Maiava (who we all know is the nephew of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and you have added enough depth at  key positions. Kudos to the Mangeinus for doing the deal with his old team, but there aren’t any Real great players here. Grade: C

Steelers: 9 Picks. While i like DT Ziggy Hood, OL Kraig Urbik and OC A.Q. Shipley are back-ups at best for now. CB Joe Burnett is a decent CB for where he was picked. The rest are just back-ups if they make it at all. Grade: C+

Texans: 8 Picks. Houston got one of the steals of round one with Brian Cushing, and Connor Barwin will combine with Mario Williams to greatly improve the Texans D. The only problem here is that no receiver or running back was chosen to help with depth. Grade B+

Colts: 8 Picks. Are you surprised that Donald Brown came of the board before Ohio State’s Chris Wells? You shouldn’t be, because Brown is more adaptable to more offensive sets. DT Fili Moala, WR Austin Collie, and QB Curtis Painter will help with depth, but they still need another DL from somewhere. P Pat McAfee could get teh job on his toughness alone. Grade: B

Jaguars: 9 Picks. Great use of draft slots to get the best players to fill needs. OT’s Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton will help Maurice Jones Drew have a “career” year in 2009, plus adding three receivers (Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard, and Tiquan Underwood will add bench depth, but they are still missing an instant starter at the position to help veteran FA signing Torry Holt. Liberty;s  Rashad Jennings is an undiscovered talent at RB. Grade: B+

Titans: 11 Picks. I’d grade them higher if i could but they didn’t get someone who could even develop into Al Hanesworth’s replacement. Sen’Derrick Marks is good but not good enough yet to do it alone. WR Kenny Britt and TE Jared Cook will add some zest to the passing game, and smallish RB Javon Ringer was a Michigan State stand out and quality person all around, who could be the next Dave Meggett talent wise. Grade: B

Broncos: 10 Picks. Although Ex-Georgia Bulldog Knowshon Moreno was the best RB in the Draft in my mind, Denver did little else to help other need areas, like the defensive line. Also didn’t address the offensive line until late in the draft. Grade: D-

Chiefs: 8 Picks. Nice job of starting to rebuild the defense. RB Javarris Williams from Tenn. State in the Ohio Valley Conference was one of our “small school prospect unknown” and another steal at his position in round 7.Still need more help for QB Matt Cassel. Grade: B+

Raiders: 7 Picks. If Al Davis would only retire or at least let someone else handle the personnel side of things, maybe the raiders can move forward. While Darrius Heyward-Bey is a quality receiver he wasn’t the 7th pick overall, and who the heck is Michael Mitchell? Grade: D+ if Heyward-Bey develops faster then expected, otherwise they get the big “F” again.

Chargers: 8 Picks. While I really like LB Larry English as a defensive player, there is no way he should have been a 1st round pick no matter how much you are worried about Shawne Merriman not being able to come all the way back. Explain to me why you also pick 2 OG’s in a weak class for Guards? LSU’s Demetrius Byrd is a  better receiver then his slot would indicate. Seems to me like they had a Brain Cluster after Denver picked Moreno ahead of them. Grade: B-

Next: The Giants and  the  NFC

The Jets? Without the fanfare of Brett Favre and their December collapse, they will have to go on the road for their two prime time affairs – an ESPN Monday Night Football game at Miami (October 12) and in Montreal for what is considered a Buffalo Bills home game on Thursday, December 3 on the NFL Network.

For the sideline boss of Gang Green, finally seeing where and when his team will be was a sign of good things. “We got the schedule today and I am fired up about the coming season,” Rex Ryan said. “This will be my first season as a head coach and the schedule is filled with challenges, but our coaching staff and players have been working hard and I know that we will be ready.”

On the plate in Week One for the Jets is a road game versus the Texans, the first time in 22 years that they have opened up the season in the big state. Back then it was the Houston Oilers on the short end of a 20-0 score at the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ otherwise known as the Astrodome.

The home opener a week later will bring a familiar foe into East Rutherford as the Patriots make the trip south for the fourth consecutive year. Things do not get any easier as the Tennessee Titans are up next and they will be looking to avenge the Jets’ Week 12 win last year that snapped their 10-game winning streak. Other notable games on the schedule are at Indianapolis (December 27) and – barring any post-season home games – the last dance at the old building on January 3 versus Cincinnati.

In 2010, both teams will move into the brand new stadium right next door and the Giants would love to close out an era with a better showing than last year’s Divisional Round playoff loss to the Eagles. They open things up on September 13 at home versus the Redskins then go on a three-game road trip to Dallas, Tampa Bay and Kansas City.

Big Blue will have the evening game on the NFL Network on Thanksgiving Day at Denver then have three division games after that, at home versus Dallas and Philadelphia and at Washington. A tough stretch, indeed, something not lost on head coach Tom Coughlin, who noted the advantage of having the bye in Week 10.

“We play nine games before the bye – I think that’s better for us,” he said to reporters, commenting on the early Week 4 week off in 2008. “The bye gives the players, I think, an opportunity to play a long stretch against high-quality opponents and then have a little break.”

For the second consecutive season, the G-Men finish up at Minnesota (January 3) and will look to springboard into the playoffs on a higher note than last year when they lost by a field goal at the final gun.

Of course, the NFL’s flexible scheduling in the season’s final seven weeks make all of those games tentative and officially considered “To Be Announced” for a starting time. Depending on where both teams are at that point in the season will determine their schedule, with NBC getting the opportunity to switch their night game to show a better match-up than what was put on the charts months in advance.

If Ryan and Coughlin’s troops do their jobs, both teams may end up with more national games than the seven planned now. First things first, though.