Jets vs. Colts: AFC Championship Game Preview

Four weeks ago the Indianapolis Colts pulled off a stunner when Jim Caldwell, on orders from team President Bill Pollian, pulled Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts starters on offense and defense in order to rest them for the playoffs.

The game was against the Jets, and when the Colts starters left, Indy held a 15-10 lead on Gang Green. The Jets took full advantage of the Colts shocking move, putting up 19 unanswered points to beat the Colts and end their unbeaten season, 29-15.

Since that time a firestorm has been brewing. Thousands of people have called out the Colts as cheating the game of football for pulling that stunt and not even trying to stay perfect. They have also criticized the Jets for taking bows after the win. The Jets claim that they would have beaten the Colts no matter who was on the field, even Peyton Manning.

That is heck of an insult to the only player to win four MVP awards.

The Jets have had a terrific run. They beat the Bengals in back-t0-back weeks, and shocked the San Diego Chargers a week ago, 17-14. However, this time the Jets will see the Colts at full strength.

The Jets and their fans have pounded their chests all week as a team of destiny, praising the boastful words of coach Rex Ryan, and the suddenly veteran like play of rookie Mark Sanchez.

All good things come to an end, and lets remember these are the JETS! The team that invented heartbreak hotel, including this year when the blew five winnable games in the final quarter. The Colts by themselves have seven come-from-behind wins this season. Something has got to give.

Manning threw for 4500 yards, 33 touchdowns and 16 interceptions this year. The Colts passing attack of Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, and Pierre Garcon is one of the best in the league, and it will be very interesting to see how the Jets number one pass defense handles Manning the leagues smartest quarterback.

It will definitely be a chess match between Rex Ryan and Manning, but Manning is usually very good in rematches.

The only way the Jets have a chance in this game is if Sanchez continues to play mistake free football. The Colts have a very fast defense, that sacked the rookie twice four weeks ago, and if they get enough pressure on him, he could easily have one of his five interception performances.

The Jets defense will have to make enough plays on second and third down against the Colts to keep the Jets in the game, like they did a week ago against the Chargers.

Can the Jets do it and end 41 years of misery? Yes. Will they? No.

COLTS 34, JETS 14.