This isn’t the matchup many expected. That doesn’t mean it’s a matchup that many won’t like. And it’s hard to get a better one than the NFL’s top-rated pass defenses (the New York Jets) during the regular season against the second-best passing offense (Indianapolis). The Colts have the NFL’s MVP this season in quarterback Peyton Manning. The Jets counter with the player they, and many others, felt should have been the Defensive Player of the Year in corner Darrelle Revis, who finished second in the voting.
Player to watch » Revis. This era was supposed to lack shutdown corners. But Revis has to qualify. He was rarely tested vs. San Diego — Chargers coach Norv Turner does not usually shy away from players like that — and when he was tested nothing happened, save for his interception. Revis has shut down one top target after another; it could be a quiet day for Indianapolis’ Reggie Wayne.
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Under the radar » Austin Collie and Dallas Clark. New York will have a difficult time with these two. Collie, a rookie, beat Jets corner Lito Sheppard often in their Week 16 matchup, for gains of 22, 24 and 29 yards. Clark is a tough matchup for anyone; he had 57 yards in two-and-a-half quarters vs. the Jets last month.
The edge » Slight edge to Indianapolis, simply because of Manning. The Jets’ defense requires quarterbacks to be patient. Manning does that just fine; it helps to have a tight end such as Clark. Manning will not be fooled by the various blitzes or coverages.
