Don't mess with Peyton Manning. That's what the number one ranked Jets defense learned Sunday afternoon, as they saw their 11-point second quarter lead evaporate under the intense heat of the Colt offense on the way to a 30-17 loss.
After a Colt field goal started the second quarter, an 80 yard pass from Mark Sanchez to Braylon Edwards put the Jets on top 7-3. Responding to another Colt 3-pointer, wide-out Brad Smith tossed a 45-yarder to Jericho Cotchery to set up a touchdown to Dustin Keller, stretching the lead to 14-6. From there, Manning whipped out his leather-skinned scalpel, switching to surgical mode in a 26 of 39, 377 yard performance.
Rex Ryan's defense did exactly what they wanted to, which was keep Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne under wraps. Wayne only snagged three balls for 55 yards and Clark caught four for 35 and a fourth quarter TD. What they couldn't account for was the man-sized games of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, who each went over 100 yards receiving. Each of Garcon's 11 receptions were critical and helped keep Colt drives alive. Collie's 46-yard grab set up the second of Indy's scores, keeping it close before halftime. When the break ended, it was all Manning. Well, mostly anyway...
More than in recent weeks, Manning had help in the form of a solid running game from Joseph Addai and Donald Brown. Their 101 yards on the ground came from only 24 carries, averaging better than the Jets' vaunted rushing attack. Indy managed 27 first downs and over 400 yards of total offense versus Ryan's D, proving that no matter how good your defense is, Peyton Manning can beat it. Uncharacteristically, the Jets committed six penalties, three of which gave up first downs to the Colt offense. You can't shoot yourself in the foot when Manning will shoot you in the face. Jay Feely's two missed field goals certainly didn't help matters.
Following a quick first half, Mark Sanchez regressed as the game went on, ending up with 257 yards and two TD's on 17 completions (out of 35 attempts). His late interception sealed the loss, but it certainly wasn't the cause. He did everything you could have asked him to, he just didn't have the help out of the backfield. Indianapolis' defense stepped up after their early scores, keeping the Jets off the board for the entire second half.
In Jet-land, this ends an almost-miraculous post-season run in which Sanchez proved his ability to lead. Today they just ran into a better team. Now in the off-season they must acquire a quality pass-rusher in order to compete with the elite quarterbacks in the AFC.
Whoever they end up playing, it's hard to believe the Colts won't be the favorite. Neither the Saints or Vikings have the defense that New York does. As Manning showed with his MVP-worthy effort, he doesn't need his best receivers to beat you.
Playoff predictions so far: 5-4. I'm 2-0 with the Colts this post-season, guess who I'll be taking next week!
Enjoy the Vikings and Saints!
Keywords: Austin Collie, Brad Smith, Dallas Clark, Dustin Keller, Indianapolis Colts, Jay Feely, Joe Anello, Mark Sanchez, New York Jets, NFL, NFL playoffs, Peyton Manning, Pierre Garcon, Rex Ryan
