1-25-10: NFL Championship Games

So the results are in and the AFC Champion is the Indianapolis Colts. In the days leading up to the big game, the media focused on Rex Ryan's remarks about being "suprised" if the Jets lost to the Colts and the hype surrounding their postseason success. The experts were in awe over the Jets aggressive defense and unstoppable rushing attack. It seemed as if everyone forgot that MVP, Peyton Manning was leading the NFL's first ranked Colts and field a defense that has played efficiently and routinely prevented the big play.

The Colts have an established offense and have been a fixture of the playoffs for most of the last decade. Peyton Manning may be the best quarterback to ever play the game and arguably the most instinctive passer that has taken the field.

As for the Jets, having a rookie quarterback competing with the MVP tilts the scales in favor of the Colts. However, despite the lack of a aerial attack, the Jets field a quality offensive line that has helped pave the way for the NFL's first ranked, rushing offense. On the defensive side, Rex Ryan features a physical, attacking approach that heavily blitzes the passer. The Jets don't have an Elvis Dumervil or Demarcus Ware rushing the passer, but with a solid linebacking corps that combines the talents of Bart Scott and David Harris on the inside, and Calvin Pace off the edge, the unit manages to create pressure and disrupt an offensive attack.

Going into the game, both teams faced off with their contrasting styles and the Colts came out as the victor. The Jets kept it close in the first half thanks to solid pressure on Manning and Mark Sanchez's two touchdown strikes to Braylon Edwards and Dustin Keller. The critics who gave the Jets a chance were looking rational for their predictions

Despite the Jets' first half success, Peyton Manning made a statement to the boisterous Jets and the critics with precision passes to young receivers, Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. Both receivers helped push the Colts to victory. Garcon posted double digit receptions and caught a td pass while Collie did much of his damage from the slot and through the middle as Dallas Clark stayed back in pass protection throughout a large portion of the game.

In the end, the Colts won with their passing game but were able to limit the Jets rushing attack and keep rookie tailback, Shonn Greene out of commission for most of the second half. Running back, Joseph Addai ran well and despite Clark's blocking assignments and Wayne's blanket coverage, Manning found a way to lead his team to victory. It was fitting that Peyton Manning made a slight remark to the Jet's "loudmouth" appraoch and proved it on the field. The Colts will be playing for the title while the Jets begin planning for the 2010 season.