NFL Playoffs: Jets Defeat Colts, 5 Keys Revisited

In what was an instant classic worthy of NFL Films, the Jets used a last-second field goal by maligned kicker Nick Folk (pictured) to win in Indianapolis 17-16.

Trailing 7-0 at half time and having just turned the ball over with a chance to score, the first round playoff win seemed improbable.

But the Jets established their run game, dominated possession and outlasted the defending AFC champions in their first round matchup.

Let's revisit my five keys to victory... 

Key 1: Get Pressure on Peyton Manning, Stay With Receivers in the Secondary

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Darrelle Revis #24of the New York Jets warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Jets really didn't pressure Manning for much of this game.

They stayed back, played a two or three deep and dared Indianapolis to run.  Revis completely took Reggie Wayne out of the game—just one catch for one yard.

The Colts did take advantage of this with some good runs, particularly on 3rd-and-long situations. 

The Jets did, for the most part, stay with Colts' receivers in the secondary.  The Colts had some success on underneath throws to Jacob Tamme and Pierre Garcon.

There was one breakdown in the secondary that was exploited.  Cromartie was beaten deep by Garcon for a long touchdown.  But the Jets did their job on defense.

Key 2: Third Down

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets celebrates after he scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Ja

The Jets DOMINATED third down until the fourth quarter of the game defensively.  They struggled on third down until the second half offensively.

The Jets were 8 of 15 on third down offensively and allowed the Colts to convert 6 of 13 third down attempts.

The Colts converted most of their third downs on their three field goal drives to close out the game.  A key sequence for the Jets was stopping three consecutive 3rd-and-1 scenarios in the game's opening quarter.

The Jets themselves struggled on third down until the third quarter, when they got their running game going.

They converted a few third downs on their impressive 17 play drive, converting a 3rd-and-goal into a LaDainian Tomlinson touchdown.

Key 3: Mark Sanchez

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets drops back to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17-16. (Pho

I thought this might have been a high scoring game.  I thought that in the good conditions and with the weapons Mark Sanchez has, he could replicate and surpass his performance in last season's AFC championship game.

The plays were there to be had.  He overthrew Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards on open deep balls.

His interception was an overthrow of Dustin Keller, who was not open, but was in position to make a play on a better-thrown ball.

Sanchez was good when it mattered, but he certainly did not play great on Saturday night.

Key 4: Dustin Keller

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Dustin Keller #81 of the New York Jets runs for yards after the catch against Gary Brackett #58 of the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis,

Keller made only three catches in the game, but it seemed like a lot more.

He gained 42 yards and seemed to make the catches that really mattered.

He had a long catch of 20 yards and was key on third down for the Jets.

Key 5: Special Teams and the Kicking Game

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Antonio Cromartie #31 of the New York Jets fields a kickoff which he returns 47-yards in the final minute of the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadiu

Outside of a near disaster on the game's first punt, the Jets' specials were excellent.

Santonio Holmes was far too close to a ball he let roll through his legs and was inches away from touching it when he was pushed by the Colts' punt coverage team.

If he had touched it, the Colts would have had the ball in the red zone.

On returns, it wasn't Brad Smith, who was dealing with an injury (that was key), but Antonio Cromartie.  Cromartie had a huge 46-yard kick return that set the Jets up for their game-winning drive,

In my keys, I stated that I was worried about the game coming down to a Nick Folk kick. I am happy I was wrong!