Ever since 1969, the Jets have been on the doorstep of greatness multiple times, but never getting in. Today was another one of those times, getting the door slammed on them by the Colts in a 30-17 loss in the AFC Championship.

The Jets vs. Colts match up was very similar to the last time the Jets made the AFC Championship, in 1998 versus the Broncos.

Both Jet teams had the lead, then blew it giving up a big run.

In the Jet game in 1998, the Jets led 10-0 in the early third quarter, but the Broncos rallied back and scored 23 unanswered points. As, well in the Jets vs. Colts game, the  Jets were up 17-6 with 2:11 seconds to go in the half, the Jets blew it by letting the Colts score 24 unanswered points. The Jets were left taking the plane back to New York instead of Miami.

On arguably the best game of the season for Mark Sanchez with 257 yards and two touchdowns, it seemed like the worst for the defense and the running game. The Jets defense could not make tackles and also couldn’t stop the passing game nor the running game. The Jets dynamic running game was shut down by the Colts D only allowing 86 net yards rushing.

The real dagger in the heart for the Jets was Peyton Manning’s drive at the end of the half. The Jets could have been up 11 points at the half, getting the ball back in the third quarter and could’ve had all of the momentum. Instead, Peyton Manning figured out the Jets defense and  exploited it. Manning pulled the lead to 4 points giving the Colts tons of momentum going into half time. It was all downhill from their as the Jets never came back.

The second dagger was the injury to Shonn Greene in the second play of the third quarter. Shonn Greene has been the MVP for the Jets in the first two playoff games, so losing him put all the load on Thomas Jones. Jones didn’t succeed without his second back rushing for only 42 yards on 16 carries. The Jets could never get their running game started again, then their whole offense collapsed.

With a big bonus coming up it is very interesting to see if the Jets decide to stay with Jones or move Greene up to be the starter.

One thing that questions me,was why did Lito Sheppard drop from second corner back to fifth on the depth chart? Either way, I think that sent a strong indication that he is not going to be a part of the Gang Green next year with a 10 million dollar option bonus coming up.

Even with this bad loss, it’s been a great season for the Jets. It’s disappointing they didn’t make the super bowl, but how much could you ask for a rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach.

The sun seems to be shining for the Jets as they seem to have a great future ahead of them.

Lets just hope the season does not end in the first quarter of the first game next year as it did in 1999 season with the injury to Testaverde.

So what do you think? What was the most memorable moment for the season? Who is the most to blame for this Jets loss? Is Thomas Jones going to be a Jet next year?

Let me know down below!

-Cole