The Jets didn’t waste much time finding Lito Sheppard’s replacement. Late Thursday night, the team agreed to send a 2011 third-round draft pick to the San Diego Chargers for former All-Pro cornerback Antonio Cromartie. The pick could escalate to a second rounder, based on how Cromartie performs in 2010.

Cromartie, who has a lot of talent but has a reputation of having attitude problems,  joins a talented Jets defense that had a hole at CB opposite Darrelle Revis. The 6′2″, 211 lb player was formerly a first round pick of the Chargers in 2006 after playing for Florida State. He made the Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro in 2007.

Stick with JetsInsider.com for the latest breaking news and free agency updates.

We hardly had time to miss ya!

Could Thomas Jones be back in a Jet uniform next season,  after all?

PFT’s Mike Florio, citing “a league source” reported earlier today that the Jets will attempt to re-sign Thomas Jones.   The 31-year-old Jones was officially released Friday after refusing to renegotiate his contract which included a $2.8 million roster bonus.

Which begs the obvious question: Why on earth would Jones agree to come back for less money after refusing to restructure his contract in the first place?

Perhaps the market for Jones is indeed not as strong as he anticipated?  We shall see.    It will certainly be interesting to see how this situation develops, with the free agent period officially kicking off just after midnight tonight.

Marshall Plan in works?

With the Broncos only giving star-studded receiver Brandon Marshall a first-round tender, Denver has sent a strong message to the rest of the league:  Come take this problem off our hands!

There aren’t many 6-foot-4, 230 pound receivers in their prime on the market, so it can be expected that Denver GM Brian Xanders will be fielding a number of calls regarding the troubled receiver in the coming days.   Could Mike Tannenbaum be one of those suitors?

If you recall, back in August, the Jets had expressed a strong interest in acquiring the 25-year old Marshall but rebuffed after Denver asked for LB David Harris in return.   Six months later, the Jets still find themselves in search of an elite vertical weapon to complement their powerful running game.

With the long-term future of Braylon Edwards up in the air and the asking price for Marshall (1st round pick) exponentially lower than what it was last August, look for the Jets to make another strong play for “The Beast”.   Getting Marshall, a receiver who is leaps and bounds above any of the receivers in this year’s draft pool, for a late-round first would be the ultimate highway robbery for Gang Green.

Could the Jets be a potential suitor for Brandon Marshall?

Marshall, who hauled in 101 balls for 1,120 yards and 10 TD last year, would give QB Mark Sanchez the big-time receiver he lacks.   With Marshall and Edwards on the outside, and Jerricho Cotchery at his more natural slot position, the Jets would suddenly have one of the most formidable aerial attacks in the NFL.

But would Marshall be on his best behavior in New York?  Could Rex Ryan handle the troubled receiver?   Ok, maybe we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here….

Raven Reunion?

Jets LB Bart Scott appeared on ESPN Radio’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning” earlier this week and revealed that his former Baltimore teammate, Patriots LB Adalius Thomas, is interested in reuniting with Rex Ryan in New York.

“It’s funny,” said Scott. “I was hanging with Adalius Thomas for Super Bowl week. We’re buddies from back in the day. He’s made it public that he’s interested in joining Rex. I think some of his better years of his career have been as part of the Ravens’ defense under Rex’s tutelage. It would be exciting.”

The 32-year-old Thomas is all but on his way out of New England, and is expected to be released this week.  Thomas would not be considered a free agent and could theoretically be picked up by New York.   But would the Jets want him?

Thomas has seen his production tail-off substantially the past three seasons, only posting 34 tackles in 2009.   He is clearly no longer the feared QB bounty hunter he was in Baltimore, but could possibly serve as a situational pass rusher and a possible mentor to Vernon Gholston.

According to multiple media outlets, the Jets will release veteran cornerback Lito Sheppard on Friday.

The nine-year veteran was slated to receive a $10 million option bonus, next week. Sheppard, who was acquired via trade last February, struggled through injuries during his only season in New York. The two-time Pro Bowler started nine games, recording 25 tackles and one interception.

Lito Sheppard will join Thomas Jones on the unemployment line Friday. (JetsInsider.com Photo)

The New York Jets issued an official statement on Monday, confirming the imminent release of veteran running back Thomas Jones.   The team will sever ties with the 11-year veteran on Friday, the first official day of the NFL’s free agency period

Jones had his finest season as a pro in 2009, rushing for a career-best 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns, but was due a $3.3 million roster bonus this month. The team’s plans to offer long-term extensions to center Nick Mangold and CB Darrelle Revis this offseason, combined with the youth of running backs Shonn Greene and Leon Washington, made the 31-year-old Jones the odd man out.

The Jets will officially cut veteran Thomas Jones on Friday. (JetsInsider.com Photo)

“Thomas joined us three years ago and has been a productive, passionate leader both on and off the field who has served as a positive influence for our younger players,” said GM Mike Tannenbaum. “We were fortunate to acquire Thomas and wish him the best.”

“When I got here Thomas immediately became one of my guys,” head coach Rex Ryan said.    “He had one of his best years last season – might have been his best. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a player and a person. As I said the other day, this is one of the tough decisions we had to make for our organization.”

Jonesing for a pay-cut

Dave Hutchinson of The Star-Ledger reported Wednesday that the Jets plan to release veteran running back Thomas Jones if he does not agree to a contract renegotiation.

The 32-year-old Jones, who rushed for a career-high 1,204 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, is due a $3 million roster bonus next month and a base salary of $2.8 million in 2010.

While Jones was instrumental in the Jets’ league-leading ground attack last season, he faded dramatically down the stretch.   That, coupled with the breakout postseason performance of rookie Shonn Greene, makes the eleven-year veteran expendable.

With a backfield of Leon Washington and Greene, the Jets’ rushing attack shouldn’t lose a step.   However, the team would be wise to investigate trading Jones as opposed to releasing him, getting nothing in return.  Though he is definitely on the downside of his career, Jones would be a perfect fit for a team looking for a dependable, veteran back and could yield some value in the trade market.

The emergence of rookie Shonn Greene has made veteran Thomas Jones expendable this offseason. (JetsInsider.com Photo)

Don’t rule out a possible return to either Chicago or Arizona for Jones, both of whom would serve as suitable trade partners.   Both struggled to run the ball in ‘09 and both have young, talented running backs in Matt Forte and Beanie Wells, whom Jones could mentor.

Jets ponder LaBoy

On Tuesday, Daily News writer Rich Cimini reported that the Jets are entertaining the idea of bringing in former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Travis LaBoy to bolster their pass rush.

LaBoy, a second-round pick of the Titans in ‘04, has recorded 23.5 career sacks in five seasons and started 12 games for the Cardinals during their Super Bowl season in 2008.   After injuring his biceps midway through the ‘08 season, LaBoy was cut last April and sat out the entire 2009 season.

At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, the 28-year-old LaBoy could definitely help the Jets as a situational pass rusher in select packages.   LaBoy had dinner with Jets officials on Tuesday night and was expected to meet with the rest of the organization on Wednesday.

The five-year veteran has also drawn some interest from the San Fransisco 49ers, this offseason.

Rolle-ing possibility?

It is speculated that another Arizona Cardinal could hit the open market in the coming weeks, Pro Bowl free safety Antrel Rolle.  The former first-round pick is due a $4 million roster bonus next week and it has been speculated that the team will cut Rolle, unless they can sign him to an extension.

Rolle, a cornerback who was converted to the safety position by Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt, is coming off of his finest season as a pro.  He is the ideal safety for Rex Ryan’s system, a hard-hitting, aggressive defender in the mold of Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens.

While the chance of Rolle landing in the Big Apple is undoubtedly a long-shot, it is not an impossibility.  If Rolle is cut, the Jets would be allowed to sign him since he would not classify as a free agent under the “Final Eight Rule” of the CBA.

If anything, Mike Tannenbaum and company should monitor the Rolle situation just to cover their backs.  Multiple outlets have reported that the Dolphins have a strong interest in Rolle, who played his college ball at the University of Miami.

While signing Rolle would definitely come at a high price tag, it may be worth it to keep the Pro Bowler out of South Beach.   Additionally,  Rolle would be a significant upgrade over the incumbent Kerry Rhodes, who struggled in his first season under head coach Rex Ryan.

2-piece tender meal

Cimini has also reported this week, via twitter, that the Jets are expected to tender restricted-free agents Brad Smith and Leon Washington at the second-round level.   This means that if any team were to sign either player, they would have to send the Jets a second-round draft pick in exchange.

Offensive Prospect of the Week:  Golden  Tate, WR, Notre Dame

Tate is one of the most electrifying players on this year’s draft board and has the potential to be an explosive downfield threat in the NFL.   At South Bend, Tate exhibited a knack for making the big play and dazzling, second-gear speed in the open field.  At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, the speedy Tate has drawn comparisons to former Jet wideout Santana Moss.   The addition of a receiver of Tate’s caliber would open up the field for receivers Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards, while giving Mark Sanchez the legitimate vertical threat he covets.

Multiple media outlets are reporting that the Jets have come to terms on a one-year deal with former Dallas Cowboys kicker Nick Folk.  Folk, who enjoyed a Pro Bowl rookie season in 2007, was brought in for a workout with the team last week.

This move comes in response to kicker Jay Feely hitting the open free agency market.   With uncertainty rising over whether Feely will be back with the team next season, the Jets brass decided that Folk was a viable safety plan.

Folk struggled last season, converting only 18 of 28 field goal attempts and was cut by Dallas in late December after missing missing a critical field goal against the New Orleans Saints.

Meanwhile…

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the Oakland Raiders are looking to shake-up their roster and are having a number of discussions with teams about possible trades.  Schefter also noted that the team is open to dealing All-World corner Nnamdi Asomugha, but his mammoth contract makes him virtually immovable.

The Raiders are reportedly shopping Nnamdi Asomugha, a potential target for the Jets

Asomugha, widely regarded as one of the league’s top coverage corners, is entering the second year of a three year/$45.3 million deal, which he signed last February, making him the highest-paid defensive back in league history.  The two-time Pro Bowler is slated to make at least $16 million in the final year of his deal, if the Raiders choose to pick up his option.

Despite his insane contract, Asomugha is a truly special talent and at 28, is still in the prime of his career.   With the prospects of an uncapped year and the Jets need for a legitimate number two corner to pair with Pro Bowler Darrelle Revis in the secondary, this is a move that would make sense on so many levels.

Revis and Asomugha are considered 1A and 1B in terms of ranking the league’s corners.   Adding “1B” to a pass defense which led the league in nearly every statistical category and only allowed 8 aerial touchdowns all of last season is a truly terrifying concept for opposing offenses.  The addition of another top-flight corner would undoubtedly propel Rex Ryan’s defense to elite-level.

The Jets could offer Oakland a number of draft picks in a package for Asomugha, something the Raiders covet to rebuild their struggling franchise.  Asomugha is surely a stronger talent than anyone that would be available for the Jets at 29 and beyond.

But is Asomugha’s contract too rich for the blood of  Jets’ GM Mike Tannenbaum or more importantly, owner Woody Johnson?  We shall see…

It’s no secret that one of Gang Green’s most glaring needs this off-season is an impact pass-rusher.  The league’s leading defense registered only 32 sacks all of last season, with the majority coming from blitz packages.  In order for the Jets’  defense to reach an elite level, they must acquire some more talent on the edge or in the linebacking core.   Since the NFL CBA’s “Final Eight Rule” prevents the Jets from acquiring a Julius Peppers or Elvis Dumervil through trades or free agency, the team must lean heavily on April’s Draft for personnel upgrades.

Here are some possible draftees that could help the Jets bull-rush the backfield in 2010:

1) Carlos Dunlap, Defensive End, Florida

The 6-foot-6, 290 pound Dunlap is an absolute specimen who has drawn comparisons to Mario Williams.   Dunlap is coming off a somewhat disappointing junior season which included inconsistent play and off-field transgressions.  He has shown glimpses of his scary potential, possessing great strength and agility and solid closing speed.   The sky is limit for Dunlap, who could develop into an elite pass-rusher at the pro level.

It is highly unlikely that Dunlap would be available when the Jets make their first-round selection at 29.   However, Mike Tannenbaum and company have demonstrated that they are not afraid to trade up and get their guy in years past (Darrelle Revis, Dustin Keller, David Harris, Mark Sanchez).

2) Sergio Kindle, Defensive End, Texas

Kindle has the size (6-4, 255) and ability to play both the linebacker and defensive end positions and would seem to be a perfect fit in Rex Ryan’s 3-4 defense.  He is lightning-quick off the ball and has the speed to run with receivers and backs.  Much like Dunlap, Kindle is projected to go early to middle of the first round, so the Jets would need to trade up for him.

3) Everson Griffen, Defensive End, USC

A late bloomer in his college career, Griffen has developed into one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in this draft.  He moves very well for a 280-pounder and is a powerful tackler.  While Griffen may lack the explosion of Dunlap and Kindle, he is the ultimate space-eater, constantly dominating the line of scrimmage with his huge 6-foot-3 frame.  He is very tough matchup because of his supreme strength and is very effective against the running game.   Griffen is projected as a late first-early second round pick.

4) Ricky Sapp, Linebacker/Defensive End, Clemson

Sapp is the prototypical “pass rusher” who will most likely play linebacker at the pro level.  He is one of the best athletes in the draft pool and has great off-the-snap quickness, using his speed to beat tackles on the outside.   Sapp needs to get bigger and more efficient in coverage but could serve as a solid edge-rusher in a 3-4 scheme like that of the Jets.  He is projected as a middle to late second rounder.

Mending the Sanchise

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez underwent successful surgery on his left knee, which he injured at USC and aggravated during his rookie season.  The surgery,  which repaired a patella-stabilizing ligament in the knee, was performed by the Jets’ team doctor, Ken Montgomery, at Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey.

Mark Sanchez's knee surgery shouldn't keep the quarterback out of training camp. (JetsInsider.com Photo)

Wednesday, Sanchez tweeted the following on his Twitter page:

“Out of surgery. Doc says it went exceptionally well. Thx to Dr. (Ken) Montgomery.Thx to family, friends and tweeps for the love and well wishes”

Sanchez is expected to miss the early portion of the team’s offseason program but will be ready in time for training camp in July.

Folk music

Faced with the impending free agency of kicker Jay Feely, the Jets brought in former Dallas Cowboys’ kicker Nick Folk for a workout this week, according to a report by ProFootballTalk.com.   Since his Pro Bowl rookie season in 2007, Folk has suffered a dramatic fall from grace, concluding with Dallas severing ties with the third-year kicker in late December.   Folk is also scheduled to workout with the New York Giants.

The team is expected to bring in a number of kickers for a look during the coming weeks, but no move is imminent.  It would be in the Jets’ best interest to re-sign the veteran Feely who enjoyed one of his most prosperous seasons in 2009.  The 33-year-old Feely connected on 33 of 41 field goals attempts and was a perfect 39-for-39 on extra-points throughout the regular season and playoffs.

Jets tender the Smiths

Earlier this week, The Star-Ledger’s Dave Hutchinson reported that the team plans to tender offers to safety Eric Smith and wide receiver Brad Smith.   Both are restricted free agents.

Offensive Draft Prospect of the Week: Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas

Shipley is the prototypical “NFL-Ready” receiver, a Wes Welker clone who is exactly the type of weapon the Jets should look to bring in to accelerate the progression of quarterback Mark Sanchez.

What the six-foot, 190 pound Shipley may lack in size, he makes up for with smarts.   He possesses great quickness, precise route-running ability, and sure hands which make him a dangerous slot-receiver threat at the next level.   Shipley would provide the perfect middle-of-the-field complement to Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery on the outside.  He also has demonstrated superb ability as a punt returner, another position of need for the Jets.

Only four days removed from the team’s season-ending AFC Championship loss in Indianapolis, Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum spoke to members of the media today from the Jets practice facility in Florham Park.  While it was a surprisingly successful season for rookie head coach Rex Ryan and rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, much of today’s focus was spent on looking forward, not back.

Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum made it clear Thursday that the organization won't be taking any time to pat themselves on the back this offseason. (JetsInsider.com Photo)

“I think it says a lot about Rex Ryan that, here is a guy who went to the AFC Championship Game two years in a row”, said Tannenbaum Thursday. “I think what it says is that Rex is a heck of a coach that he can get there two years in a row.  I think it says a lot about his football acumen and how fortunate we are to have him.  As I said in my opening, we are 0‑0, and I remember clearly what the off‑season of 1999 was and what our expectations were and how much it changed.  We are going to be invigorated by what happened, but also realize that come six, seven weeks from now, we have got to be humming and we need to have the best off‑season of anybody in our division.”

Tannenbaum addressed a number of popular topics Thursday including the organization’s plans for the future of receiver Braylon Edwards, safety Kerry Rhodes, linebacker Vernon Gholston, running backs Leon Washington and Thomas Jones and quarterback Kellen Clemens.

Gholston, the team’s first-round draft choice in 2008, has been a non-factor in two seasons of play, registering 30 tackles and no career sacks.  He is slated to make $3.5 million in 2010, making him a strong candidate to be cut from the roster.   Since 2010 is an uncapped year, the Jets could release Gholston without suffering salary cap ramifications.  Despite his lack of production, Tannenbaum made it clear that the former Ohio State Buckeye won’t be going anywhere just yet.

“My expectations are he’ll be back,” Tannenbaum said.  “He’s never missed a work‑out.  (He) doesn’t miss practice.  I have no objective information to say that this guy doesn’t love football.  He may be quiet but that doesn’t mean he’s not passionate. From where I sit in the world, it hasn’t been lack of effort.  He came out early.  He’s still young.  I have no reason to think that because of those attributes that he still can’t improve and help us.”

“I’ll say this.  He started the first four games of the year and maybe didn’t show up in the stat sheet but we were 3‑1 and we went up against some pretty high profile offenses in Houston, New Orleans and New England.  He did some good things.  He just has not produced at the level we had hoped.”

It had been speculated throughout the season by various media outlets that the organization was planning to sever ties with Kerry Rhodes this offseason.   Rhodes, who is among one of the highest-paid safeties in the league, struggled to find his niche in Rex Ryan’s system in 2009, and is due a $2 million roster bonus in March.

Despite earlier reports of Rhodes wanting out, Rhodes has publicly expressed a desire to remain a Jet.   In his final press conference of the season, Ryan stated that he hoped Rhodes would return next season.   Wednesday, Tannenbaum reiterated the comments of his head coach, making it clear that the veteran free safety is indeed in the team’s future plans.

“We expect him to be back,” said Tannenbaum.  “Unless something changes, he will be back.  I’m sure we’ll have more discussions with Rex and some of the coaches where hopefully the level of consistency for both him and us is there throughout the 2010 season, and that kind of goes back to my opening comments which are, we need to have a good off‑season and Kerry (Rhodes) is one of those players who could really benefit from a very productive 2010, starting in March with the off‑season, so a lot of the discussions are really non‑contractual, non‑economical.”

As for Rhodes’ secondary-mate, CB Lito Sheppard, the future doesn’t appear so bright.   Sheppard struggled with injuries throughout the season and was benched in the AFC Championship loss to Indianapolis, in favor of Dwight Lowery.   Sheppard is due a $10 million dollar bonus in March, which he most likely will never see from the Jets.

In a telling move, Tannenbaum declined to commit to Sheppard’s future as a Jet, when broached with the subject Thursday.   “We have not finalized any decision on Lito yet,” he said.   The Jets will most likely look to restructure Sheppard’s three-year deal, which he signed last spring or cut the eight-year veteran.

Tannenbaum stated that the Jets will extend tenders to both Braylon Edwards and Leon Washington players, in hopes of bringing them back next season.   Both Edwards and Washington will be restricted free agents.   The Jets are reportedly expecting a first round pick in return for Edwards’ services, should some team attempt to sign him.   As for Washington, Tannenbaum indicated Wednesday that the organization has not decided how they will handle his tender.

Edwards, who arrived in a midseason swap with the Cleveland Browns, had a statistically underwhelming first-year in New York.  Tannenbaum believes that Edwards’ impact on the offense went beyond receptions and receiving yards.

“Braylon really caused a lot of problems when Rex went against him and that wasn’t just in the passing game,” he said.  “In terms of how people had to defend our run, he felt Braylon made a big difference over the course of the season.  I think some of Braylon’s contributions were not just stat‑driven.  He was a great blocker and I think some of the defenses, again, the way they look at us were quite different after we acquired him.”

Another area of question this offseason is the position of backup quarterback.  It has been speculated that the Jets will look to bring in a veteran to help expedite the progression Mark Sanchez.   Tannenbaum indicated Wednesday that while that is very real possibility, the team plans to tender QB Kellen Clemens, also a restricted free agent.

“I thought Kellen had a great relationship with Mark (Sanchez),” Tannenbaum said.  “I think Mark’s success towards the end of the year, Kellen definitely had a part to it.  If another team (comes) along and is interested in Kellen, we will certainly evaluate that.”

“Would we bring in a veteran?  Sure.   That’s something we would consider, but I like Kevin O’Connell.  I like Erik Ainge and we’ll see what happens with Kellen.”

Sanchez, who missed time with a knee injury during the regular season has met with Dr. James Andrews in Alabama and is contemplating having elective surgery this offseason.   However, no official decision has been made yet and if Sanchez does elect to have surgery, the team expects him back in time for training camp in July.

“It’s going to be much more of a rehab situation, more preventive, strengthening, things like that, said Tannenbaum.  “Nothing has been decided yet, but we are closely looking at that option.”

Peyton giveth and Peyton taketh away

Four weeks after his benching propelled the Jets to the postseason, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was the one to pull the plug on New York’s Super Bowl dreams.

Manning and the Indianapolis Colts rattled off 24 unanswered points, 17 in the second half en route to a 30-17 AFC Championship Game victory over the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday.   With the win, the Colts will advance to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, where they will face the winner of tonight’s NFC Championship Game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints.

Dwight Lowery, who drew the assignment of containing Colts WR Pierre Garcon, was picked on all day by Peyton Manning (JetsInsider.com Photo)

It is the Colts’ second AFC Championship in four years, and their fourth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Manning turned in an MVP performance, picking apart the vaunted Jets defense and rallying his team from a 17-13 halftime deficit, completing 26 of 39 passes for 377 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

“We talked about being patient against these guys,” said Manning. “We knew it would be a four-quarter game.”

It didn’t even matter that Jets corner Darrelle Revis effectively took WR Reggie Wayne out of the game.   With his number one target trapped on Revis Island, Manning used second-year man Pierre Garçon and rookie Austin Collie to carve up the Jets’ secondary.

Garçon, who was lined up with Jets corner Dwight Lowery for the majority of the contest, abused the San Jose State product, hauling in 11 receptions on the day, with most coming in traffic.  Garçon finished with 151yards and a touchdown.   Lowery started in place of the veteran Lito Sheppard, who was deemed unfit for the gameplan by Rex Ryan his coaching staff.

Collie posted seven receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown, including a 46-yard backbreaker on the Colts’ final possession of the first half.

“The guys have always been a very confident bunch and they do a great job of hanging in there,” said Colts head coach Jim Caldwell. “Peyton had just an outstanding game. He’s one of those guys that can adjust to different situations. … A real champion.”

Indianapolis was also successful at beating the Jets at their own ground and pound game, posting 101 rushing yards to New York’s 86.

The Jets lack of a ground game certainly not helped by the loss of rookie running back Shonn Green, two plays into the second half.   Greene, who had emerged as a true game-changer during the Jets’ improbable playoff run, exited the game with a rib injury and never returned.   Before leaving the game, Greene appeared to be on his way to another strong postseason performance with 41 yards on only ten carries.

The Jets opened up with a successful first series, driving down to the Indianapolis 26-yard line, primed to land the first punch.   However, Jay Feely’s 44-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, as New York came up empty handed.

The Colts would come up empty as well on their first two possessions, as the first quarter came to a close without a score by either team.   A 25-yard field goal by Colts’ kicker Matt Stover gave Indy a 3-0 lead to begin the second quarter.

The Jets answered right back on their first offensive play of the quarter   On a play action fake, Sanchez pump faked and lofted a high spiral down the left sideline, in the direction of receiver Braylon Edwards.   Colts’ rookie corner Jacob Lacey, making his first career start in place of the injured Jerraud Powers, was toasted by Edwards, who hauled in the rookie’s pass in stride.   Edwards’ 80-yard reception, the Jets’ longest passing play since 1998, gave them a 7-3 advantage, just under a minute into the second quarter.

Sanchez would finish the day with 257 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 17 of 30 passes.

On the next possession, it was the Jets defense doing what they’ve done best all season; coming up huge in the red zone.

After Manning completed a 25-yard strike to receiver Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis used a series of runs by running back Joseph Addai, to gain possession inside the Jets’ 35-yard line.   On third-and-5 from the 25, Manning connected with receiver Austin Colley in the middle of the field for 22 yards.   Another short completion to Colley brought Indy down to the goal line.   But on third down, Manning’s attempt to sneak up the middle was thwarted.

Faced with fourth and goal, Indianapolis head coach Jim Caldwell made the curious decision to opt for the field goal, instead of trusting his future Hall of Fame quarterback to punch it in for six.   Stover’s short field goal cut the Jets lead to 7-6 with 8:49 to go in the half.

On the ensuing possession the Jets got a big play from a familiar source; Bradley Alexander Smith.

On second-and-7 from their own 43, Jets’ offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer executed the play that was 3 weeks in the making.   Operating out of the “Tiger-Cat” formation, Brad Smith dropped back and connected with a wide open Jerricho Cotchery for a gain of 45 yards.

Three plays later, Sanchez found tight end Dustin Keller in the end zone for the second-straight week, extending New York’s lead to 14-6 with just under five minutes remaining in the half.

The Jets would get the ball back again before the end of the half, following a big play by linebacker Calvin Pace.   After an audible at the line of scrimmage by Manning, Pace read the play perfectly, bursting into the backfield to strip the ball from Joseph Addai.   The loose ball was recovered by safety Jim Leonhard at the Indianapolis 29.

After a false start penalty and a four yard loss by Thomas Jones, the Jets faced third-and-16 from the 35.   A five-yard run by Jones, set up Jay Feely for a 48 yard attempt, his second of the day.   Feely wouldn’t miss this time, dialing the kick down the center of the uprights to give New York a 17-6 lead with 2:16 remaining in the half.   Those would be the final points the Jets would score for the remainder of the game and the season.

It was officially Manning time.

With limited time remaining before halftime, Peyton Manning ran the two minute drill to perfection.   The 12-year veteran concocted his most impressive drive of the first half, engineering a four play, 80-yard drive in under a minute.   The quick-fire attack was highlighted by consecutive long completions of 46 and 16 yards to Austin Colley, the latter cutting the Jets lead to 17-13 right before the half.

In less than sixty seconds, Manning had sucked every knot of wind out of the Jets sails and redirected the momentum pendulum towards the direction of the home team, where it would sit for the rest of the contest.

Beginning the second half at his own 27, Sanchez led New York on an eight-play, 39-yard drive.   But Feely was wide right again on a 52-yard attempt, blowing the Jets chance to extend their six point lead.

Given great field position at his own 43 following the Feely miss, Manning made quick work of the Jets defense for the second-straight possession.   Facing third down, Manning found Collie and Garçon on consecutive plays to get inside Jets’ territory.   Four plays later, inside the five, Manning connected with Garçon again, lofting the ball over the head of Lowery to recapture the lead for Indianapolis, 20-17, midway through the third.   A lead they would never relinquish.

A 15-yard yard completion to WR Dwight Clark in the end zone with 8:57 remaining in the fourth quarter would all but seal the Jets fate, extending the Indianapolis lead to 27-17, transforming Rex Ryan’s carriage into a pumpkin.

Today wasn’t our day. There’s no question,” said Jets head coach Rex Ryan. “You have to give credit to the Colts. Obviously they’re the cream of the crop right now.”

Despite the heartbreaking loss, the future remains bright for the New York Jets, who advanced to the AFC Championship despite a rookie quarterback and rookie head coach.   The Jets were also stung by season-ending injuries to two key players, RB Leon Washington and NT Kris Jenkins.

“If two of the pro bowls players left any other team, people would have talked about it,” said Ryan.

“We don’t need a whole lot. If we get those two back, that’s really going to add to our football team.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The thunderous bassline of Yo Gotti’s “Women Lie, Men Lie” reverberated inside the hangar of the Jets practice facility on Wednesday afternoon, as the team began its preparations for their Sunday rematch with the Indianapolis Colts for the AFC title.

The southern hip hop track provided a fitting soundtrack for a squad that has accomplished so much throughout the 2009 season, yet still finds themselves trying to prove their worth and gain national respect.   The chorus of the song proclaiming, “Women lie, men lie.  Numbers don’t.”

This Jets team needs to seize the moment and make the most of this improbable January run. (JetsInsider.com Photo)

Some numbers that don’t lie are 153.7, the minuscule amount of passing yards per game allowed by the Jet defense during the regular season.   Or 14, the amount of the points scored on Sunday by the Chargers, a team that had scored 20 points or more in every game this season.

Another number that certainly doesn’t lie is sixty.   That’s how many minutes away the Jets are from their first trip to the Super Bowl since 1969.   Four quarters away from a shot at vindicating 41 years of pain and suffering for a franchise, a fan base, and a city.

A chance to be a part of the solution was what appealed to linebacker Bart Scott when he was a free agent, mulling his future options following the 2008 season.    Scott looked at New York as a challenge, and as a chance to be a part of history.

“I didn’t want to be a bend-don’t-break kind of guy,” said the veteran linebacker.   “I wanted to go out and be a part of a successful unit that could maybe try and re-write history.   Something that could bring a legacy and a tradition to New York, so that the team is known.”

“Like when you think of Pittsburgh, you think about Baltimore, you think about Tampa, you think defense.  I wanted to see if I could be a part of that and keep the magic going.”

It’s only taken one year for the magic to get going in the Big Apple.

They’ve done it without their most dangerous offensive weapon, Leon Washington.   Without big Kris Jenkins, the defense’s most important player that doesn’t have an island named after him.

They’ve gotten here with a rookie head coach, Rex Ryan, who was passed over for head coaching gigs three times before Mike Tannenbaum and Woody Johnson gave the former Ravens’ defensive coordinator a shot.   A guy whose gregarious, boastful personality was maligned by many, who questioned whether he had the maturity or emotional wherewithal to be a successful head coach.

With a rookie quarterback, who was all of twelve years old the last time the Jets played for the AFC title in 1999.  New York has weathered the turbulent storms of the neophytic Sanchez, whose erratic play in the regular season has not translated to January.  The 23-year-old Sanchez has been stellar in the postseason, leading the Jets to a pair of road victories with intelligent, mistake-free football.   He credits his teammates and coaching staff in helping him survive the tumultuous season.

“It’s been a wild ride,” says Sanchez.  “What really got me through this was the guys on this team.   Mike Tannenbaum coming to me after throwing five picks against Buffalo.  He gave me a list of quarterbacks that have thrown five picks in their career.  There’s some great ones on it, so it wasn’t the end of the world.   Just little things like that.   Guys like T-Rich and Thomas Jones talking to me through this entire process, letting me know how long this year is.”

“I think I’m lucky to have such great guys around me to help me through the times during the year, especially a rookie year.  I think that’s where the turn came.”

While the future is certainly bright for the Jets, another shot at Super Bowl glory is not promised.   Players can go careers without ever sniffing a chance to play for all the marbles.   Just ask Jets fullback Tony Richardson.

“T-Rich hasn’t been here in forty years,” joked linebacker Bryan Thomas.

At the ripe age of 38, Richardson is the team’s oldest player, outlasting the tests of time one of the most brutal positions on the gridiron.   In fifteen seasons in the league, Richardson has played for three different teams and has made four Pro Bowl appearences.   But the Auburn product has only two career playoff wins, both coming this postseason.

“This is what you play the game for,” says Richardson.   “To have an opportunity to make it to the postseason.  Once you make it, you have a chance to win the games and keep going.”

The Jets elder statesman has been very vocal throughout this postseason, urging the younger players to take advantage of this opportunity while it’s in front of them.

“That’s really been the message to the young guys.   These things don’t come around too often, especially with a good football team like we have.   So obviously you just have to enjoy the moment and understand how special it is.”

Making a deep run into the postseason, takes more than talented players and great coaching.   It also takes some good fortune.  That means luck both on and off the field.   Since Broadway Joe’s victory jog into the tunnel at the Orange Bowl, Gang Green has been anything but fortunate.   The Jets have only appeared in two AFC Championship games, losing both times.

The Bill Parcells teams of the late nineties saw their window of opportunity close quickly.    Following the 1998 run, quarterback Vinny Testaverde blew out his Achilles tendon in the 1999 season opener.   Since then, the Jets have registered only four postseason wins in five appearences.   Injuries, untimely penalties, and missed field goals have all played a role in the past decade of futility for the New York Jets.

Throughout this playoff run, the Jets have finally gotten those breaks that they never used to get.   The missed field goals, the killer penalties have all gone in their favor this time.  The kind of breaks that only championship teams get.   The pieces have all fallen into place for this Jets team.

“We had a chance at the end of the season,” said Sanchez.  “We’re taking full advantage of this now, we’re really rising to the occasion.”

Opportunity is knocking, rather violently.   Mark Sanchez and the Jets need to kick in the door at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

They may not get another chance.

INSIDER TIDBITS

Braylon to receive one-year tender

Multiple sources are reporting that Jets are planning to retain receiver Braylon Edwards next season, as a restricted free agent.  The organization will place a one-year contract tender that require that the Jets receive first and third round picks from any team that plans to sign Edwards.

Edwards will receive five million in 2010, in an attempt to prove to the Jets front office that he is worth a long-term deal, following next season.   The 6-foot-3 receiver will turn 27 on February 21.

In Sunday’s Divisional Round win in San Diego, the former Michigan Wolverine hauled in two balls for 41 yards.

Injury Report

DE Shaun Ellis, nursing the broken hand he suffered during the first quarter on Sunday, did not practice today, but will play against Indianapolis.  Also held out of practice were RB Thomas Jones (coach’s decision) and Tony Richardson (ribs), both of whom will play Sunday.

Linebackers Bart Scott and David Harris were both limited with ankle injuries, but will play.   QB Mark Sanchez (knee) and WR Danny Woodhead (knee) both participated in the full practice.

NYC to host Jets pep rally

The Big Apple plans to look more Granny Smith than Red Delicious on Thursday evening.    With the Jets one win away from a trip to Super Bowl XLIV, the city has announced a pep rally for Gang Green in Times Square tomorrow night.   The rally will take place on Broadway between 44^th and 45^th streets, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Special guests will include Mayor Mike Bloomberg and past Jet greats.