How Mark Sanchez Can Learn from Peyton Manning's Experience

In the 1999 AFC Championship Game, the Jets outplayed the Broncos by being on the field on offense and frustrating John Elway in the first half.

In the second half, Elway and Terrell Davis got the Broncos offense going, and everything unraveled for the Jets.

History repeated itself Sunday afternoon.

The Jets dominated the Colts in all phases of the game in the first half, but in the second half, Peyton Manning carved up the Jets defense by throwing it to his receivers at will. It almost looked like he never missed at all in that half.

All one can do is credit Manning for this performance and move on.

The Jets did all they could to offset Manning by blitzing at him and trying to rough him up. Nothing worked.

When Manning started to feel comfortable against the Jets defense late in the second quarter, the Lucas Oil Stadium audience knew they wouldn't be denied seeing their home team celebrate with them for their appearance in the Super Bowl.

If this Jets team played against the Colts quarterback in the first few years of this past decade, they probably would win this game.

It didn't happen because he evolved into a great player. He knows how to overcome a good defense. This started in 2007 when he finally overcame Bill Belichick's tactics in leading the Colts to an epic comeback against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

Now it's time for everyone to realize he is as good as Tom Brady.

Looking back at Manning's postseason struggles, critics should realize he was still learning how to be a great player. He was a good player, but being a great player does not come right away.

Brady and Ben Roethlisberger were the exceptions, but quarterbacks often get better as they get older. It's not a coincidence that recent success by quarterbacks comes as they hit their mid-thirties.

It's a lesson that can serve Mark Sanchez well.

It would be nice if Sanchez blossoms to be like Brady or Manning right away, but it may take some time.

The Jets should be encouraged by Sanchez's performance this postseason.

It serves the team well heading to the future. There's no question people will expect a lot out of the rookie quarterback and his team next year after experiencing a taste of postseason success.

Sanchez played well in the first half. He found his guys open, and he hits his target well.

Unfortunately for him, the Colts adapted well, and their cornerbacks positioned themselves well in forcing his passes to be deflected.

He needs to know how to do well against blitzing and going up against good defense. It's feasible for him.

One thing about Sanchez: He is resilient. He will keep attacking no matter how much he gets beaten up or makes mistakes.

He's also a great learner of the game. Bet on him to get better every year.

This approach served Sanchez's counterpart well.