If you were ever skeptical that defense wins football games, I present to you exhibit “A”: The Atlanta Falcons’ 10-7 win over the New York Jets.

If not for a stellar job by the Atlanta D, with an assist from the special teams unit, the Falcons would have been doomed to yet another non-winning season. Thanks to the defense, Atlanta still has a chance to finish 9-7 and break the back-to-back winning season jinx.

Defensive Line: The D-Line dictated the pace of the game, sacked Mark Sanchez twice, hurried him a bunch and forced the rookie into throwing three interceptions. Former Jet John Abraham finally looked like a perennial Pro Bowler in his return to the old stomping grounds, sacking Sanchez and hurrying him a few times. You know it’s a good night for the D-line when the potent New York rushing attack is held to less than 100 yards on a day when everyone knew that they were trying to pound the football. Grade: A

John Abraham put pressure on Mark Sanchez and picked up his first full sack since Week 5 during Sunday's victory.

Linebackers: A pretty solid afternoon from this unit as well. Mike Peterson lead all players with eight tackles and five assists. Curtis Lofton was fourth on the team with six tackles. Atlanta may have surrendered 314 yards to the Jets, but held New York to just seven measly points. Grade: A-

Secondary: Impressive. Brent Grimes picked off Sanchez twice. Thomas DeCoud got in front of another errant pass from the Jets' rookie QB. Granted, New York had 226 yards in the air and rookie CB Chris Owens was beaten badly on Braylon Edwards’ 65-yard TD grab. But that was the only real blemish against Atlanta’s corners and safeties all afternoon. Grade: B+

Special Teams: Without a doubt the reason the Falcons won this game. Chauncey Davis’ block of New York kicker Jay Feeley’s 37-yard field goal attempt set up Atlanta’s go-ahead score. The special teams also was on the field for Feeley’s missed second quarter field goal and quickly pounced on Kellen Clemens after he botched a snap on another field goal attempt. Punter Michael Koenen was tested eight times and did not get a punt blocked. Matt Bryant did miss a 48-yard FG attempt in the fourth quarter. But that’s no chip shot with those bitter swamp winds swirling around the Meadowlands. Grade: A-

Coaching: Truly a mixed bag. The defense came ready to play. The offense looked terrible until the winning drive. Tie breaker goes to the fact that the coaching staff kept the team motivated when they could have easily packed it in after Atlanta was eliminated from playoff contention after the Dallas Cowboys upset the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night. Grade: B-

-- PHIL FOLEY