Top 5 Games/Moments in Mark Sanchez’s Career: Number 2

Dec 24, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) throws a pass during the second half of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Back to the countdown we go, of Mark Sanchez’s top 5 games/moments in his career.

To get caught up, here are links to the rest of the countdown:

Number 5

Number 4

Number 3

Now we reveal the number 2 game of Mark Sanchez’s career:

2010 Wild Card Game-Jets vs Indianapolis Colts

The Jets faced a daunting task in this one, going into a rematch of the 2009 AFC Championship game against the Colts. Although the Jets did lead the previous year’s game at halftime, going up against the great Peyton Manning is never an easy undertaking.

If you look back at this game, the Jets were losing at half time, and it took a last second comeback for the Jets to win this one at all. The Jets were being shut out until the third quarter, and Mark didn’t throw a TD pass on the game.

Sanchez actually had a mediocre showing that day, going 18-31 passing for 189 yards and 1 INT, a meer 62.4 passer rating.

Why does this make the list, especially at number 2? Turn the page and find out.

The reason this game comes in at number 2 is Mark Sanchez’s maturity. He showed a coolness under pressure that went far beyond his years.

Look at how the game unfolded late. The Jets took the ball up by 1, 14-13, with 4:37 left in the contest. The Jets needed to move the chains, and run the clock out. They couldn’t do it. They went three and out, but even got a gift of a running into the kicker call, giving them a first down. They again went three and out, including an ill-advised pass on third down which stopped the clock.

The Jets punted to the Colts, and Peyton led his team to a go ahead field goal with 0:57 seconds remaining.

Mark could have folded up like a tent here and ended the Jets season, but he didn’t.

The Jets took over after a huge Cromartie kickoff return at their own 46. A completion to Braylon Edwards for 9 yards, and Santonio Holmes for 11, and the Jets were in business at the Colts’ 34. 2 plays later, Mark hit Braylon Edwards with a huge 18 yard hookup to the Colts’ 14, which gave way to the Nick Folk game winner.

To stay in there for a game where he looked pretty mediocre, and not fold up until the final gun. To have the character to lead the team on one more drive, against all odds, to a win, is why the game is on the list. Specifically, number 2 on the list.