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McElroy Saves Day for Jets, Leads Comeback Victory

Greg McElroy throws first career touchdown pass - the game winner - in relief of Mark Sanchez.

US PRESSWIRE

The New York Jets are not dead yet.

Thanks to Greg McElroy, who replaced the horrible Mark Sanchez late in the third quarter, the Jets defeated the Arizona Cardinals 7-6 to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

McElroy threw his first career touchdown pass on the first play of the fourth quarter, a one-yard score to Jeff Cumberland, and the Jets (5-7) defense did the rest.

For the game, McElroy finished 5-for-7 for 29 yards and a score. Sanchez was awful, completing 10-of-21 passes for 97 yards and three interceptions. The crowd at MetLife Stadium chanted for McElroy and greeted him with a rousing ovation when he put his helmet on on the sideline.

On the other side of the ball, the Jets had an easy time of it.

Cardinals rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley was just 10-for-31 for 72 yards and an interception. Arizona had 81 rushing yards on 21 carries, but that number is deceiving because 40 yards came on a fake punt run by Rashad Johnson. Larry Fitzgerald had just one catch for 23 yards and Arizona (4-8) totaled just 137 yards for the game.

Head coach Rex Ryan will have to answer questions about his starting quarterback heading into next week's game at Jacksonville. But for now, he and his team can be happy about keeping their season alive.

For more on the Jets, visit Gang Green Nation or SB Nation New York.