Jets QB Mark Sanchez exchanged pleasantries with losing Colts counterpart Andrew Luck after the Jets routed the Colts on Sunday. (US Presswire)

For the first time this season, the Jets put into place everything they’ve talked about wanting to do all year as they routed the Colts 35-9 at MetLife Stadium. The running game took off, and on defense they were able to stop the run. Special teams remains a consistent and solid component. However, the Colts are not as formidable an opponent as they have faced or will face. The challenge going forward will be to retain that consistency across all three phases.

Offense: A-

Finally. A running game. RB Shonn Greene, with the help of improved blocking up front, had the best game of his four-year career, rushing 32 times for 161 yards. He also had three touchdowns. RB Joe McKnight had a 61-yard run, the longest for the Jets by any player in three years. With the running game in a groove, QB Mark Sanchez was able to make some key throws, including two touchdowns. And for only the second time this season, he didn’t throw an interception. (His other non-pick game was against the Steelers.) The Jets were five of five in the red zone. Previous game’s grade: C-

Defense: A-

They stopped the run. Albeit with Lions starting RB Donald Brown sidelined, but the Jets, who came into the game 31st in the NFL against the run, stopped it, holding the Colts to a total of 43 rushing yards. They also didn’t allow a rush of more than five yards. While the Colts did put up a lot of passing yards, they scored no touchdowns, and Jets CB Antonio Cromartie kept Colts WR Reggie Wayne from making any real impact. Previous game’s grade: C+

Special teams: A

Another fake punt saw QB Tim Tebow complete a 23-yard pass to LB Nick Bellore, which gave them a first down. P Robert Malone gave the Jets good field position all day. Previous game’s grade: A

Coaching: A

The Jets put in an aggressive game plan and it worked. They stuck with the running game, and the usage of Tebow created problems for the Colts. Tackling on defense was much improved. The trickery devised by special teams coach Mike Westhoff continues to pay off. Previous game’s grade: C+

Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSJets and @LisaZimmerman.