While I've been paying the utmost attention to the NFC Championship Game this week in my Saints fan diaries, there is another game to be played on Championship Sunday in the AFC. The underdog Jets go to the massive Lucas Oil Stadium and try to end the Colts season after dashing their dreams of perfection. Here's Brother Yohey's in-depth thoughts, and I'll give my pick afterwards...
The catalyst to a NYJ Super Bowl trip is their line play on both sides of the ball. The offensive line, anchored by their left side trio of Ferguson, Faneca and Mangold will be key in neutralizing the speed rush of the Colts and their defensive end duo - Freeney and Mathis. If the Colts defensive line is able to neutralize the Jets offensive line, then Gary Brackett will be having another redonkulous game as he had last week. If the Colts can withstand the Woody Hayes-esque pummeling the Jets will unleash they have a great chance to make me wrong in predicting a Jets victory. However, if Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones are able to get a combined 35-40 carries for 100+ yards, that could be enough for the Jets. The best way to neutralize the Colts end rush is run it right up the middle and take them out of the game.
The Jets defense, especially the line will have to be quick and persistent when going up agains the Colts line. They are helped out immensely in regards to this by having Revis Island to work on Reggie Wayne. If Lito Sheppard is able to contain Garcon/Collie and Dallas Clark can be slowed down it could be a long day for Manning. Containment of the skill players will allow the Jets line to pound the Colts and rattle Manning, opening up the game for David Thomas and Bart Scott to cause havoc. Ryan will have to be aggressive and not use the Muhammad Ali "rope-a-dope" defense. I think he will play a Blitzkrieg defense against the Colts with nothing to lose. It will be a gamble, but having a superb secondary and linebacking core allows Ryan to play the game he is genetically inclined to: reckless and aggressive.
In conclusion, if the Jets can control the line play on both sides of the ball Sunday they have a better than 50/50 chance to be playing in Miami. They have shown a superior defense and the play of their offensive line vs. the Chargers was enlightening to me. Of course, being anti-Favre, I'd dislike it even more if it was a Jets-Vikings Super Bowl (I'd hate to be a Packers fan if that happened), but that won't be happening. Jets-Saints, Super Bowl XLVI.
Score: Jets 23 Colts 10
Yohey is correct in saying that this game will come down to the battle in the trenches. The Jets must be able to stick with the running game to put points on the board and keep Manning off the field. Last week, their commitment to the run game finally paid off in the 4th quarter. To get there, they'll need the Sanchise to come through and complete the odd pass here and there to move the chains and keep the Colts D honest. The X's and O's seem to favor a Colts win, but wouldn't it be poetic justice if the Jets beat the Colts again. Not only for the Colts foregoing a chance at history, but allowing the Jets in the playoffs as well. Ever since that decision happened, I've had the sense that the Colts would regret not trying for 16-0. If the football gods have any say, the Jets will be on the road to Miami. PICK - JETS
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