New York Jets (7-7) vs. Indianapolis Colts (14-0) Game Preview

Many questions surround the game of the Jets vs. the Colts and most of which have to do with Indianapolis and their pursuit for perfection. The first question that is on everyone’s mind is will Coach Caldwell rest his starters or will he allow them to finish out the perfect season. However, the Colts could face a tough task in facing that New York Jets defense and the one to watch is Darrelle Reavis he has been an amazing cover corner and attempted to cover the best on each team he has played. Reavis has been up to the task with every team they have faced this season, he is a true shut down corner in every sense of the word. But we do remember we are talking about Indy and they don’t just have one weapon they have many and it will be interesting to see them spread the ball around to those weapons.

Key Match-ups:

Darelle Reavis vs. Reggie Wayne

Mark Sanchez vs. Indy’s secondary

The Reavis vs. Wayne matchup will be one for the ages (that is if Indy does play the starters the whole game). Reavis has taken on each of the big name receivers that his team has faced all season long; you could make the argument that Reggie Wayne could be one of the biggest names he will face all season. This match-up will be the one to watch, Indy has been a big play pass offense all year so we will see in this game if it will continue, and if Manning can’t go to Wayne he has other weapons that he can use to beat you just ask the other 14 teams that the Colts’ have faced this season. The key for Wayne is to get that separation for short passes to set up the long over the top passes for later in the game. For Reavis the key is to play it smart, if he over pursues Manning and Wayne will make him pay, he must play a heads up game for 60 minutes.

Sanchez has been anything but consistent throwing 20 interceptions this season and only 12 touchdowns. Sanchez no doubt will be a good NFL quarterback but he is going through a tough rookie year, he has become a fan favorite in New York but he has had a tough time with injuries as well as shaky play as of late. The Colts’ secondary have been battling injuries all year long but with the emergence of Jacob Lacey the defense has been looking good of late. The key for Sanchez is to have ball security in order for the Jets to win, the Colts’ are looking for those rookie mistakes to come out and to have many turnovers in the secondary.

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Keys to the Game:

Indianapolis playing starters for the whole game

If Indianapolis plays their starters for the whole game it could be a long game for the Jets. Manning is playing lights out and he is making a run for another MVP. The offense is clicking and making the big plays, the defense is really stepping up and making big stops when they need to even with resting the big two Mathis and Freeney. Coach Caldwell has already decided to rest those starters with injuries which is a big part for the Colts’ to make that playoff run after these final two games.

Indy has played at the top of their game all season long; they have won every game they have played this season. New York is playing for pride they would love to be the first team to knock Indy out of the ranks of the undefeated. This should be a great game as you have two of the best minds going head to head, Rex Ryan is a master defensive coordinator and now the head coach of the Jets and you have Peyton Manning who has one of the greatest offensive minds to ever play the game so this matchup should be a good one. I think Indy has the edge and have thought that all season long and will continue to think so until I am proven wrong. The Colts can beat you so many ways and I think that this game will be no different; Indy is just too much for the Jets. The key will be how long will their starters play and will the Colts look to go undefeated, if so look for Indy to prevail.

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Indianapolis Colts Correspondent