Jets vs. Colts: Why It All Comes Down To Mark Sanchez

Jets vs. Colts on Saturday night—it's a nifty rematch of last year's AFC title game.

It's a great way to start the AFC's side of the playoffs: a classic duel, skilled quarterbacks and tough defenses...it has all the ingredients.

Mark Sanchez got himself a signature win earlier this season, and now he needs one in the playoffs. That is where good quarterbacks become great quarterbacks, and he knows it.

"You've got to be sharp in these games," Sanchez said as he prepared for the Indy defense this week.

He knows a lot will be riding on how he performs. He needs an instant replay of his game against the New England Patriots in the New Meadowlands—that 28-14 September win. He completed 21 of his 30 passes, threw for three touchdowns and 220 yards.

He knows he'll have to be that good because the guy on the other side—Peyton Manning—has not been good in the playoffs—he's been great.

"There's pressure and you have to be sharp for it," Sanchez admits, knowing the stakes. "It's how quarterbacks will be judged."

This one will come down to Sanchez and his performance. The Jets can help him out with a ground game, and LaDanian Tomlinson has had success in the past against Indy. He could be Sanchez' best friend on Saturday night in Lucas Oil Stadium.

But the fact that this game will be played indoors, with no bad elements, puts the premium on passing. Perfect conditions equals aerial attack, and Sanchez will have to be spot on to Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery and right end Dustin Keller.

Make no mistake about it, Peyton Manning will set the pace; Sanchez has to follow his lead.

The big question mark surrounding Sanchez has been the condition of his right shoulder. He was limited at Jets practice on Tuesday but was a full participant on Wednesday. He showed some discomfort at times, but said not to worry.

"No, it's not really affecting much," Sanchez said. "We're just being smart about it."

The Indy defense is preparing for Sanchez but is more wary of his mobility. "Sanchez definitely has the ability to be dangerous, definitely with his feet," observed All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney, who hopes to make Sanchez' life tough. "I think they like to get him outside the pocket and use his mobility as a strength," Freeney said.

Sanchez will have to move around, the last thing the Jets need is for him to take a shot on the tender shoulder.

But when all is said and done, Sanchez will have to play well in order for the Jets to win. It's that simple.

"In these games, those small mistakes are magnified," Sanchez pointed out. "It will lose you the game."

It's all there. The rematch, the quarterbacks, the perfect indoor setting and no unforeseen weather elements.

Makes for the Perfect Storm.