Back in 2002 the Jets had a young QB who was regarded by all of the experts as no match for the great Peyton Manning. His name was Chad Pennington and his squad upset the Colts. This time around, instead of #10 we had #6 behind center. Mark Sanchez played another horrible game and threw the game winning pass... again. We have a long history of upsetting the Colts started by #12.
What did I take from this game? The most important thing that I learned was that Rex and Pettine are still capable of coaching defense. They have faced Manning many times over the past decade, and come up short each time. They actually adjusted their game-plan from the usual blitz happy style to a more reserved coverage oriented scheme using only 3 to 4 pass rushers and dropping everyone else into coverage.
It caused Peyton fits and I think our coaches have finally figured out how to use Eric Smith the best. They started Dwight Lowery at the safety position (FINALLY!) and used Smith in a non-traditional LB role. He was equipped much better to cover their TE than any of our slow clunky LB's. A few times I saw Jason Taylor dropping back into coverage, and that was a disaster... but overall the defensive scheme and execution was inspired.
The 9:54/ 87 yard drive in the second half was one for the ages. Our O-line was amazing. I have called the #4 overall pick of D'Brick back in 2006 an absolute waste since the day it happened. Last season he started to show signs of being an elite LT, and this year he has stepped it up even more. He routinely takes high end pass rushers out of the game and this week he made Dwight Freeny a non-factor.
On the other side of the ball Revis held Reggie Wayne to 1 catch for 1 yard. Watching Mike Tannenbaums draft picks perform at such a high level left me with one thought. Sanchez is the final piece to the puzzle. Mr. T has drafted players at key positions who have developed into the best in the game. LT, CB and QB are the three most important players on any team. If Sanchez continues to develop Mr. T could start to become a legend.
It's hard to predict what will happen this weekend. It's stunning to me how similar our 2010 squad is to the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers. They also had a second year QB who looked good at times and looked horrid at times as well. They were also a wildcard and had to go through Manning. They had a dynamic running game led by a future HOF'er and Brad Smith's overall game is striking similar to Randel El. Will our season end like theirs did?
The way I see it if the Jets beat the Pats, our best match up in the AFCG would be against the Ravens. If we face the Steelers I think we lose. If the Pats advance I think they will lose to the Ravens and probably beat the Steelers.
I am standing behind my Superbowl pick of the Packers vs. the Jets. My back up was the Falcons vs. the Jets. So far my teams are still alive.
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