NY Jets Have a Punchers Chance vs Colts
Kristian Wiles
January 24, 2010
Posted under New York Jets, Playoffs
There is no question that the Jets have been the best story of the offseason. Rex Ryan has inspired his players to believe that they are contenders against high-powered offensive teams. The running offense and debilitating defense has lived up to the claims but can Ryan’s Jets keep this streak going against the Colts?
If they are going to prolong their season the Jets must execute the following strategy.
First off, as big as the guy is, the Jets need more Rex Ryan. He is the heart of the team providing the edge they need to consistently make big plays. This whole week he has been continuing his bold predictions including his claim that he would be “shocked” if his team doesn’t beat the Colts. Rex says that he is powered by “rexican food” and cheesesteaks. The Jets are powered by head coach Rex Ryan.
The next part of a Jets winning strategy is to get pressure on Colts QB Peyton Manning. Manning is one of the best in the league at reading defenses and making good decisions with the football. However, if New York can disguise the blitz and cover the Colts check down receiving options well enough to frustrate Manning, the Colts will not put up the points necessary to take the game over early.
That leaves one last key to a Jets victory; keep it close. The Jets are a running team that is able to pass out of play action because of the success of the run. If they get behind early and have to abandon the running game to catch up, the Colts will let their quick defensive lineman loose on rookie QB Mark Sanchez. With a win on Sunday Sanchez would be the first rookie QB to make it to the Super Bowl. That said, Sanchez can’t do it alone.
The problem with this strategy is that it will most likely only put the Jets in a position to win. They still have to beat Peyton Manning at home in the AFC championship game. Unfortunately, I just don’t see it.
Rex and I agree that New York has a puncher’s chance. Where we differ in the analogy is who is swinging. Ryan is comparing his team to 2 time champion George Foreman whereas I would compare the Jets to Buster Douglas who took the heavyweight title from Mike Tyson in a huge upset (42-1 odds). It’s possible but not likely.
Despite Ryan’s confidence, I look for Manning to appear in his second Super Bowl after defeating the Jets Sunday.
I hope that the Colts can put a stop to the Jet’s trip to the Super bowl, but I really don’t have a reason other than I dislike Sanchez. Oh well…