New York Jets 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview: Can Mark Sanchez Lead This Team?
Sanchez & Rex Ryan Look to Prove Critics Wrong by Making it Back to AFC Title Game
The New York Jets enter the NFL Playoffs stumbling to the finish line and eventually backed in on week 16 when they lost. Mark Sanchez has been dealing with a shoulder injury late in the NFL season and his running backs Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson have been banged up late in the NFL season also.
Can Mark Sanchez Lead This New York Jets Team on Super Bowl Run?
Leadership has been an issue for Mark Sanchez since he arrived in the New York Jets camp as an NFL rookie. Sanchez faltered late in the NFL season after becoming a more agile pocket passer in the first half of the NFL season. Now with the NFL Wild Card Playoffs beginning this weekend, Mark Sanchez will once again feel the pressure.
Last season Sanchez was unaffected by the mounting pressure of the NFL Playoffs as he led his team to the NFL Conference Championship against the Indianapolis Colts. Now he will face the Indianapolis Colts to start his NFL Playoffs. Answer: Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets will not make it to the Super Bowl in Dallas this season.
Will Shonn Greene & LaDanian Tomlinson Step it up in NFL Playoffs?
Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson have never completely taken over a game this season on offense for the New York Jets. Tomlinson has rushed for over 100 yards just once this NFL season but he has produced as a solid pass catching back in the flat.
Shonn Greene also only has one 100 yard game this season but as a team the New York Jets are averaging 141 yards rushing and in the last game of the NFL season backup running back Joe McKnight rushed for 158 yards. The Indianapolis Colts run defense is vulnerable so look for the New York Jets to run the ball in their first NFL Playoffs game. Answer: Yes, Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson will step it up in the NFL Playoffs.
Can Defense Return to Early Season Form in NFL Playoffs?
The New York Jets defense was much better in the 2009 NFL season. This season they have been vulnerable to the big play but their numbers reflect a defense that has been solid most of the NFL season. The New York Jets are giving up less than 100 yards per game on the ground and against the pass they have been solid also. They are giving up 205 yards per game through the air to opposing quarterbacks. Answer: The New York Jets can return to their early season and 2009 form in the NFL Playoffs.
Will Brad Smith be the X Factor in the New York Jets NFL Playoffs Run?
Brad Smith, the former quarterback and utility offensive player in this New York Jets offense is a key player in the NFL Playoffs for the New York Jets. Smith has the ability to make a play as a wild cat quarterback, he can also make a play as a passing quarterback and he is a deadly fast kick returner. Answer: Yes, Brad Smith will make a play that will change the course of a New York Jet NFL Playoffs game.
New York Jets NFL Playoffs Breakdown
The New York Jets are 6-2 on the road this NFL season but their first game will be in Indianapolis against one of the best NFL quarterbacks in the NFL Playoffs, Peyton Manning. Mark Sanchez and he New York Jets may be well suited for the fast track in the Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Field but the Colts have a veteran team on defense and Sanchez will feel pressure all game. The New York Jets 2011 NFL Playoffs run will end unceremoniously in Indianapolis on NFL Wild Card Weekend.
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Published by Todd Jacobs
Todd Jacobs is from Anaheim, California and resides in the city of Las Vegas. Todd worked for Orange Coast Magazine as News Editor in the 80s and recently began writing for several online sites including:... View profile
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- The New York Jets enter the NFL Playoffs stumbling to the finish line.
- The New York Jets are giving up less than 100 yards per game on the ground.
- Leadership has been an issue for Mark Sanchez since he arrived in the New York Jets camp.