I will make an attempt to analyze this weeks match up. Obviously #18 is the main weapon and focal point of everything the Colts do. It's been proven over the years that if you can get in his face and knock him down consistently, you can get him out of rhythm. We don't have an elite pass rusher, but our coach believes in giving every player a chance to rush the passer during the coarse of the game. We bring pressure from anywhere and everywhere. It will be almost impossible for Peyton to recognize every blitz and compensate properly. We should be able to get to him if we stay aggressive.
Our starters held up pretty well vs. their starters a few weeks ago, but I was frustrated by the vanilla play calling. Rushing three linemen on 3rd down and playing zone defense is suicide when playing against a genius like Manning. This guy is a once in a generation caliber athlete. Not since Jordan have I watched one player have the ability to take over an entire season. Peyton has been the MVP of this league for the better part of the past decade, even though he was only recognized 4 times.
The Colts are a much better team on paper, but a bloody nose can be a great equalizer. Manning has a plethora of targets to work with as well as two pretty dynamic running backs with Addai and the rookie Brown. We have not done anything tricky this year in the game planning department. There is no mystery here, we will try to run the ball and control the clock. The less Manning is on the field, the less damage he can do. Seems pretty simple, except for the fact that Miami played them in early 09' and their offense executed this game plan perfectly. They dominated the time of possession and came up with and"L" instead of a "W".
Our running game has really blossomed with the emergence of the powerful young rookie Greene, and the ultra reliable Jones. Our O-line has also stepped up in 09' and I feel confident calling them the best overall squad in the NFL. The way Indy shut down the Ravens rushing attack last week concerns me, but I just can't see how they will slow us down, especially if we mix in some well timed play action passes from #6, and a bunch of option plays with Brad Smith behind center. I would love to see Smith get the chance to throw the ball a few times. That 'wildcat' package could be very effective in the redzone. A few players that I feel will need to step for us are:
Lito Sheppard- He needs to stop playing lazy sloppy football and push himself to play like we all know he is capable. We won't be able to survive any big pass interference calls. The Colts will target #26 and we can't afford to give them anything.
Sean Ellis- I was so inspired by his performance in San Diego. He breaks his hand in the first quarter and only misses a couple series' before returning with a cast. I can tell you that I am sure he came back because he knows that our young defense looks to him as a leader. We need him out there. Broken hand or not, his presence alone will make us better.
David Harris- He's one of my favorite Jets, but he needs to improve his coverage skills. He is a great young LB, but he will get exposed quickly this Sunday if he isn't ready to rumble.
Braylon Edwards- I was so disgusted by the way he watched the ball sail over his head on the INT this past week. He needs to step up more than any other player on this squad. If we are going to win this week, and move on to the big game, we are going to need him to make some big plays when it counts. I hope he knows how lucky he is to be out of Cleveland and here in NY.
Two other players I would like to see get some touches are Danny Woodhead and David Clowney. These guys can contribute and cause some mismatches. This is the week to pull out all the stops. I have faith that our NY Jets can pull off the improbable upset, and no matter what anyone in Indianapolis is saying, the last team they want to face this week is the Jets. We have nothing to lose, we are overflowing with confidence, and we are playing and coaching without fear right now.
If we beat the Colts this week, I hope every 'expert' in the media that proclaimed their confidence about how we would have had no chance to win if Manning would have stayed in the game a few weeks ago, will admit that they were wrong and we are the better team. In the spirit of Broadway Joe, lets shock the world!!!
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