We're just a few days away from football's conference championships, and I'm struggling with the idea of pulling for either the Jets or Colts, which may ultimately become a game-time decision for me. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only Patriots fan who is wrestling with this one, as two of our most hated rivals will be vying for a trip to South Beach. On the one hand, we have the J-E-T-S, who have been our virtual punching bag over the last 8-10 years. Well, maybe "punching bag" is a little harsh, I mean they have been competitive in some of those seasons, but we have basically owned that division over the last decade, and even Fireman Ed can't dispute that. As much as it pains me to say it, this current Jet team does share some similarities to the '01 Patriots, who went on a cinderella run to their first superbowl title. They may not be the best team in these playoffs, but their coach sure has them believing they are, and in the world of competive sports that still counts for something. The fact is, those players would run through a wall for that guy, and with the speed and physical nature of that defense they just may present enough problems for Peyton and Co. to force the upset.
Oh the other hand, there's the Colts, arguably our biggest nemesis over the past 10-15 years. Although we may have had their number in the first part of the decade, things have seemingly turned in their favor since the '04 season, with the Colts always finding a way to come out on top in these matchups. There have been some epic duels between these two team during that span. Unfortunately, we have likely made a conscious effort to erase these game from our memory, as they have also become some of the most heartbreaking losses in Patriot history. In fact, too painful for me to even go down the list, but I'll give you some words just to trigger your memories; Reche Caldwell, Marlin Jackson, and 4th and 2. Anyways, the colts have now found a defense to complement their offense, a missing component during all the years they fell short at the hands of the Patriots. Manning is playing the best football of his career, and if anyone can handle all of the blitzes and quirky packages Rex Ryan can dream of, it's him. The Jets may come in loose and confident, but that won't get them very far if Manning is zoned in, and Sanchez can't handle the speed of the Colts D and that crowd noise inside the dome.
Although I still don't know who to pull for, as I find the notion of either team in the superbowl nauseating, I do have an opinion on the eventual outcome of this game. I think Manning may struggle with the Jet defense in the first half, but in-true Peyton fashion will make the proper adjustments and find a way to put points on the board. This, coupled with a few Mark Sanchez turnovers, should put the colts through. Prediction: Jets 17 Colts 27
