After a long and chaotic week dealing with a controversial newspaper story about QB Tim Tebow, the Jets came into Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis and soundly defeated the Rams, 27-13.

“We needed a win in the worst way,” coach Rex Ryan said.

There were no signs of the Rams team that tied the 49ers in San Francisco last week. Two touchdown catches by WR Brandon Gibson did little to jumpstart what was otherwise an anemic St. Louis offense. QB Sam Bradford was 23 of 44 for 170 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. A foot injury to WR Danny Amendola didn’t help matters. Although he returned, he managed just seven catches for 41 yards.

The Jets' defense can certainly take credit for some of the Rams’ troubles. They pressured Bradford throughout the game. Although they sacked him only once, they kept him off balance and, with the exception of CB Antonio Cromartie allowing the two touchdowns by Gibson, they had the passing game pretty well shut down. The run defense allowed Rams RB Steven Jackson 81 yards on 13 carries (a 6.2-yard average), but most of those were in the first quarter. They also had three takeaways, including two interceptions of Bradford.

On offense, the Jets (4-6 and 2-2 in the AFC East) were able to get their running game going, which then allowed QB Mark Sanchez to spread the ball around and make some plays in the passing game. For the first time in a long time, Sanchez didn’t throw an interception and finished the game, 15 of 20 for 178 yards and a touchdown.

RB Shonn Greene ran for a modest 64 yards, but the team got RB Bilal Powell back from a shoulder injury and concussion and he scored two touchdowns -- the first of his NFL career.

Coach Rex Ryan was clearly pleased with the re-emergence of the “ground and pound” offense.

“I love the fact that we had 40 rushing attempts,” he said.

As for the play of Sanchez, Ryan was equally pleased. “It was a great performance by him. It’s what we needed. He did a nice job protecting the football.”

Sanchez said: “This kind of stuff becomes a habit if you make it a habit. We can become a team that just doesn’t turn the ball over."

Tebow was all but non-existent, which coach Rex Ryan attributed to adjustments the team had to make based on what the Rams (3-6 and 2-0-1 in the NFC West) were showing them on defense.

The Rams defense was flat, allowing the Jets running game to get in rhythm, ultimately giving Sanchez the ability to efficiently manage the rest of the game. They sacked Sanchez three times but had no takeaways.

The Jets' special teams struggled again, allowing a blocked field goal and CB Kyle Wilson muffed a punt. They were able to recover a fourth quarter, onside kick by the Rams.

The Jets kept their playoff hopes alive, but it’s going to be a long road.

“We know we’re a long way out,” Ryan said. “We’ve just got to keep slugging it out and find a way to get out of it.

When the game turned: DL Muhammad Wilkerson’s forced fumble of Bradford, which was recovered by LB Bart Scott. The Jets scored on the next drive and never lost the lead.

Highlight moments: Wilkerson’s forced fumble. RB Bilal Powell’s two touchdowns.

Top-shelf performances:

  • Jets DL Muhammad Wilkerson -- three tackles, one forced fumble, and he was all over the field all day long

     
  • Jets RB Bilal Powell -- 42 yards rushing, 18 yards receiving, two touchdowns

     
  • Jets S LaRon Landry -- eight tackles, two forced fumbles

Numbers you should know: Sanchez, who had a 52 percent completion percentage for the season going into the game, completed 75 percent of his passes against the Rams and had a quarterback rating of over 123.

Injury update: Jets -- CB Aaron Berry left the game with a quad injury. NT Kenrick Ellis left the game with a knee injury (missed last four games with same injury). Rams -- LB Mario Haggan left in the first quarter with what appeared to be a shoulder injury. ... WR Danny Amendola suffered a foot injury but returned. RT Barry Richardson left the game with a leg or foot injury.

Going forward: Jets -- The Jets have a short week before hosting the Patriots on Thanksgiving night to finish out the third quarter of the season. They will then have a long week to prepare for the Cardinals in Week 13. Rams --The Rams head to Arizona in Week 12 before returning home to host the re-match with the 49ers.

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

Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSRams.