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The New York Jets had the Indianapolis Colts on the ropes and led 17-6 in the second quarter. However, Manning and the Colts proved to be just too much and moved on to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami with a 30-17 win in the AFC title game on Sunday. Indy outscored the Jets 17-0 in the second half thanks to Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, who picked up the slack for Reggie Wayne as he spent much of the day on Revis Island.

The Mount Union product Garcon set an AFC title game record by making 11 receptions, which covered 151 yards and a touchdown. Both Garcon and Collie broke the 100 yard barrier and made life a nightmare for the any Jets cornerback not named Darrelle Revis.

As for Manning, he looked like the postseason Manning of ’01-’05 early on as the Colts fell behind. The Jets did a solid job of harrassing him early and forced some hurried throws. Nonetheless, much like the ’06 title game versus New England, Manning and the Colts battled back from a double digit deficit to eventually take a second half lead.

Perhaps the game’s biggest surprise proved to be the Indianapolis running game. Joseph Addai ran for 80 yards and averaged five yards per carry. As a team, the Colts outrushed the Jets 101 to 86. Once the Jets could not stop the Colts running game it was curtains. It was one thing to have problems with Manning (377 yards and 3 TDs) but not stopping a team that ranks dead last in running was a deal breaker.

Mark Sanchez played well under pressure throughout the game and piled up 257 yards along with two touchdowns. Even with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer nearly emptying out the bag of tricks, the Jets ran out of firepower against the AFC’s best team.

Manning improved his postseason record to 9-8 and showed that he could overcome postseason adversity once more. In all likelihood, the Colts will probably be an early favorite according to Vegas versus either the Saints or Vikings. Regardless of who they play, it should be a big party in South Beach.