But how about that Mark Sanchez?

Taking nothing away from Peyton Manning (undoubtedly the best QB in history), our guy proved he could be something special.  Sanchez made three throws during the course of yestersay's AFC Championship game that very few others in the NFL could make.  If he can make throws like these on a regular basis in the future, folks... we'll be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in the very near future. 

Keep in mind as you look over this list that he made these throws with a Superbowl appearance on the line, in hostil territory on the road, with arguably the greatest quaterback who ever lived standing on the opposing sideline.  Needless to say there was a tad bit of pressure.

1.    It was in the first half (I don't have TIVO, please forgive my lack of precison), and I believe his first 3rd and long situation.  He got immediate pressure from both Freeney and Mathis and stepped up into the pocket, as he did, Mathis (arguably the best strip-sacking DE in the league) gets his hand on the ball and nearly strips him.  Not only does he hang onto the ball, but he maintains his poise, sticks with his receiver and threads the needle to a well-covered Cotchery on the side-line for a first down.  If this play had happened earlier in the season, Sanchez would have been stripped and we possibly would have turned it over; or at least he would have made an errant throw to start the game with a quick pick-6.  He showed mobility, poise, arm-strenth and accuracy.  Not many others could have made that play.

2.  The 80 yard TD to Edwards.  Wow what a throw.  It was in the 2nd QTR and the Jets were down 3-0.  1st and 10 from our own 20.  Shotty dialed up a slant-and-go route to Edwards on the left side.  Sanchez drops back and as he does Freeney comes loose and is bearing down on him.  Sanchez sticks with his read and pumps on the slant, freezing the corner covering Edwards and simultaneously making Freeney leave his feet.  Then he hits a wide-open Edwards in stride as he streaked down the side-line for an easy TD.  Not many other quarterbacks have the fortitude to focus on their receiver with Dwight Freeney bearing down on them, let alone have the boulder-sized stones to pump-fake and throw an 80-yard strike in a game of that magnitude.  Again, he showed poise, arm-strength and accuracy.

3.    The late 2nd QTR touchdown pass to Keller.  It was 3rd and 7 from the Colt 9 yard-line.  Sanchez drops back and waits for things to develop.  He senses pressure and reads that Keller is his man and waits for the perfect time to deliver.  Indy runs a stunt and Brock comes free and delivers a shot to Sanchez.  Sanchez knew the hit was coming and stood in there and took it in order to deliver the TD pass.  The window was tight and Sanchez delivered a strike.  Again he shows stones that few others could match.  Again he shows poise, arm-strength and accuracy. 

Sanchez has had his ups and downs this season and he has perservered.  He has shown us that he can make all the throws.  He has shown us that he can handle NY and the big stage.  He has shown us that he can lead and that he has a burning desire to win.  We have a lot to look forward to with this guy Jets fans.  Maybe even a title or two.  So what do you say?  How about that Mark Sanchez?