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BY SAM HITCHCOCK
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
SUNDAY, JAN. 24, 3 P.M., TV: CBS
Generally, I am indifferent when the Associated Press (AP) names its coach of the year, but when Bengals' coach Marvin Lewis grabbed the honor from Rex Ryan, it was appalling and almost disturbing. If you look at the Jets, and size up their talent from top to bottom, you can argue that 20 teams, possibly more, have exceedingly better players. The Jets possess a rookie quarterback, one 31-year-old and one rookie running back, and their best receiver, Braylon Edwards, was essentially excommunicated from his previous city after challenging a member of LeBron James entourage to a fight. Despite this, the Jets not only posted a winning record (9-7), but now head into the AFC championship game — truly astounding.
Although the AP only weighs regular season results, Ryan achieved his success by riding his franchise player, Darrelle Revis, who happens to be a defensive back. Lewis, on the other hand, has an established quarterback whose main pitfall was his health, and a star receiver, Chad Ochocinco, who possesses the ability to break for long touchdowns. The Bengals' success, much like that of many teams, is predicated on their quarterback staying healthy, and Carson Palmer was finally able to stay off the IR.
Lewis does deserve credit for a rejuvenated and motivated defensive squad, especially because the NFL has such an immense pool of talent — with so many outstanding athletes and individuals skill sets — that the performance of a defense depends heavily on coaching. Even so, Lewis merely tinkered with a defense; Ryan has taken a team with talented but inexperienced players to the playoffs. In my eyes, that is impressive enough to earn him the award.
That said, let's get to the game. If the Jets pull this game out, they will have taken down the AFC juggernauts back-to-back, a feat so impressive it is hard to comprehend. They are a far cry from the woeful team that lost to the limping Falcons in Week 15, a team that, apart from one heave to Braylon Edwards, could not manufacture any points. Now the pieces are in place, and the stage is set.
Shonn Greene was dynamic last week against the Chargers, finding seams and showing the nimble feet that make Jets fans salivate knowing full well he is only a rookie. His big play ability came in handy in the fourth quarter when he exploded for a 53-yard touchdown. Thomas Jones was steady as well, not having his best day, but punishing defensive backs and grinding for extra yardage. Mark Sanchez was calculated, completing a little more than half of his passes and finding his favorite target, Edwards, for a couple of huge pass plays.
Revis — what more can be said about the guy.? The interception he made last week was so sensational that if you did not catch it, I implore you to look it up on Youtube. He did a solid job on Vincent Jackson, the sneakily good Chargers receiver who has not gained nearly as much fame and attention as he should. The Jets also benefited from Nate Kaeding, the same kicker who not too long ago (2004) found himself choking away the AFC Wild Card round against these same Jets. Interesting how history repeats itself.
The Colts made mincemeat of the Ravens, with the game never really in doubt. Manning was methodical, throwing for two touchdowns and 246 passing yards as the Colts dominated ball possession. But perhaps the most telling statistic of the game was the four turnovers by the Ravens. The Colts defense was relentless, and the Ravens paid dearly for it.
Still, the Colts, much like the Chargers, are a pass-first team; their running attack is weak and cannot be relied upon when Revis inevitably shuts down Reggie Wayne. So, will Manning be able to orchestrate drives with the Jets secondary attached to Indy's receivers, especially when Jets linebackers are bearing down on him? Not in my opinion. Look for the Jets rushing offense to wear down the Colts defense, allowing the Jets to win the time of possession battle. Although Manning is masterful at deciphering blitz schemes, the Jets will contain him enough for a victory.
Prediction: Jets 20, Colts 14
