Published February 4, 2010

National Football League fans throughout Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) were eager for the Jan. 24 AFC Championship Game, an improbable match-up between the top-seeded Indianapolis Colts (16-2) and Fordham’s hometown underdog New York Jets (11-8).

The matchup looked one-sided on paper and the Jets eventually suffered a 30-17 loss, though in the days before the game many Fordham fans—regardless of their personal NFL affiliations—voiced optimism normally absent in the cynical world of New York sports.  Now, Fordham fans must pick between the Colts and the New Orleans Saints on Super Sunday while looking ahead to Gang Green’s chances in 2010.

“I’m hoping that the Saints will win in an offensive shoot-out,” said Jonathan Haines, FCLC ’10. “[New Orleans quarterback] Drew Brees has plenty to prove.  He won’t reach the elite quarterback echelon like Manning, Tom Brady or Brett Favre until he gets what they already have—a Super Bowl championship.”

Haines, like many Jets fans, is also optimistic for next year. “The Jets will be better next season,” he said. “Sanchez will only get better.  Plus, the Patriots are on the decline, so the AFC East will be up for grabs.”

Richard Scott, FCLC ’10, will also be a Saints fan on Sunday, despite the Colts spectacular regular season. “With all that the city of New Orleans has had to deal with since 2005, more than just football is at stake on Feb. 7,” he said. “As much as I admire the consistency of the Colts franchise, I’m going to pick the Saints. Quarterback Drew Brees has performed at such a high level, as shown by having the most accurate passing season (70.6 percent) in NFL history.”

But Scott does not have high hopes for the Jets in 2010. “I just don’t see the Jets making the playoffs again next year. There are just too many other teams in the AFC competing such as the Texans, Titans and Dolphins, not to mention the Colts, Patriots and Chargers.”

Despite making it to the AFC Championship Game, the Jets limped into the playoffs. They entered the final two weeks of the regular season with an even record of 7-7 before being handed wins by their last two opponents—the Colts and Bengals, both of which rested their star players in preparation for the playoffs.  The Colts were a perfect 14-0 prior to their regular season loss to the Jets.

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, a candidate for a fourth career Most Valuable Player award, finished the regular season in the top three in passing touchdowns, yards, and completion percentage amongst NFL quarterbacks. Against the Jets in the playoffs, he led the Colts to 461 net yards of total offense in the game despite facing the number one ranked defense in the NFL. Manning’s 377 passing yards makes him the first player in NFL history to pass for 300 or more yards in seven different playoff games.  It was also the third-most yards Manning has passed for in a game since 2007 (including the playoffs).

Even though the Colts forced his Jets for the playoffs, Justin Stark, FCLC ’10, will be pulling for the Colts on Sunday. “I don’t hold it against them,” he said. “They benched their starters at the end of the season, and that’s what got the Jets into the postseason anyway. It’s bittersweet. I didn’t think the Jets would make the AFC Championship and it was a pleasant surprise. It would have been a miracle if they had beaten the Colts. The Jets will be better next year.”

Contrary to their reputation, the Jets faithful were able to take some comfort in the game. Fans were particularly impressed with Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez’s performance.  “I thought Mark played extremely well,” said Robert Isabella, FCLC ’09.  “When the game was still close, he was very good.”  The rookie completed 17 of 30 pass attempts for 257 yards, his highest total since Week Eight of the regular season.

“Being a rookie in the NFL is tough,” Scott said.  “The Jets should not have let the game become his to win or lose.” Had the Jets won, Sanchez would have become the first rookie quarterback to ever play in a Super Bowl game.  “He didn’t come through in the end, but I’m not holding it against him,” Corey Yeap, FCLC ’10, said.