Four Keys in Colts Jets Game
Story by Sam Story
Photo Peyton Manning, Photo by Newscom
It’s no mystery how the New York Jets snuck into the playoffs. In week 16, the Colts rested Peyton Manning and co. and the Jets had a decent-enough second-half to set themselves up for a playoff bid. In week 17, Cincinnati, who’d already clinched thus deeming their interest null, folded as the Jets pounded away at the AFC North champions.
Fast-forward a few weeks and what an interesting situation we have. A Colts team, who, in essence, let the Jets in the playoffs, back into town for a spot in the Super Bowl.
Here are four factors we think will have a big influence on the outcome of the game.
1.) How will Manning do against Jets pressure? The Jets under coach Rex Ryan blitz blitz and blitz some more. Manning had decent numbers (14-21 for 192) against the Jets in 2 ½ quarters. The yardage is nice but he’ll need a few touchdown tosses.
2.) Which leads us to this: Revis Island. Will Reggie Wayne again be caught in the cross hairs of the leagues top shutdown corner? It’s vital for the Colts to have Wayne involved in their detail-oriented offense. If he can’t shake free and the Colts are force to rely solely on Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Dallas Clark, it could make for an interesting affair.
3.) The Jets rushing attack. In the first half of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Jets only mustered three points. The Jets only ran for 52 first-half yards with 21 of them coming off of one Shonn Greene run. That will have to improve if they are to have a chance.
4.) Experience. How will rookie QB Mark Sanchez fare in his first playoff game at an indoor facility where the crowd noise is sure to be much louder than Cincinnati (it was cold outdoors) and San Diego (loud, but outdoors nonetheless)? If it is anything like his first game where he only threw for 106 yards, it could be a long Sunday (and offseason) for the Jets.
Tags: Austin Collie, Dallas Clark, Darrelle Revis, Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium, Mark Sanchez, New York Jets, Peyton Maynning, Pierre Garcon, Reggie Wayne, Shonn Greene