Stopping the Run

This Sunday the Colts will be faced with the daunting task of slowing down the running attack of the New York Jets. Averaging 172 rushing yards per game, the Jets have proven to be a run oriented team that does not want to rely heavily on their rookie quarterback. Last week against the San Diego Chargers Shonn Greene ran for 128 yards and one touchdown, and Thomas Jones added 41 yards. Both have proven to be more than capable at moving the chains and keeping drives alive, and this weekend the Colts will have to focus on slowing these two down and forcing Mark Sanchez to win the game with his arm. 

After holding Ray Rice to 67 yards in the divisional round, the Colts will try to implement the same blueprint this week in order to slow down Greene and Jones. However, during the season the Colts did have their struggles stopping the run, surrendering an average of 126 rushing yards per game. Gary Brackett and Clint Session will play key roles in this game for the Colts, and will be asked to make smart reads finished off by sound tackling. Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt will also be asked to limit the Jets from any breakaway runs, Greene broke a 53 yard touchdown run against the Chargers, something the Colts cannot let happen. 

With the combination of a stout offensive line, two steady running backs, and a high quality defense, the Jets have the recipe to give the Colts difficulties. Rex Ryan will surely dial up a number of blitzes and try to force Manning to make mistakes that will allow this Jets offense to control the game. If this happens, it will be essential that the Colts, in turn, force Mark Sanchez to beat them. People have been doubting the Jets the past few weeks, but they have continued to prevail. However, this game will come down to how well the Colts can move the ball on offense, and how well they stop the run. Mark Sanchez is certainly not a world-beater, and the Colts must do what other teams have been unable to do, expose him.