Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens Week 11 Preview

November 22nd, 2009 7:10 am
by Big Dog

Indianapolis have really made an impact in the league this year with their thus-far undefeated run into the season. Admittedly in the last few weeks they have had huge helpings of luck that let them get across the line, but I’m sure that many a fan is willing to argue that a truly great team makes their own luck.

The Ravens still have a legendary defensive unit and have been working to shore up their on-field dominance. At the same time, investment is going into the offensive side of the game and if Baltimore can take advantage of the Colts’ poor run defense then they’re in with a shot.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have caused a bit of a stir having managed to make it this far through the season without a loss. The truth is that while their winning record is very impressive, this isn’t a team of the same calibre as the New England Patriots when they had their unbeaten regular season. On that basis alone, the odds should be stacked against the Colts – but football likes teams and players that can defy the odds.

Which is why I’m basing my view of this game on a few other factors, such as the Colts’ performance in their last few games. Let’s face it, Indianapolis has been lucky, really lucky to make it this far without losing. Last week’s comeback against the Patriots wasn’t a story of pure grit and determination – it was the story of Belichick making a poor judgement call (easy to say in hindsight) and paying for it. In any case, if that were an isolated incident I’d be willing to ignore it, but the Colts have looked shaky recently and they’re due.

If they want to succeed then they need to give Ray Lewis a concussion, shut down the Ravens’ running game and continue their unprecedented lucky streak. In other words, it’s a tall order by anyone’s standards.

Baltimore Ravens

Ok – the Ravens aren’t what they once were, but they’re still a powerful defensive team with a system that works and a tactical military defensive genius in Ray Lewis. Basically they could still make your offense suffer if their entire defense were on crutches. Manning and the Colts have been undeniably good this season but all the Ravens have to do is disrupt them and disruption is something the Ravens do instinctively.

Offensively all the Ravens need to do is run the ball. The Colts still haven’t got to the part of “Football for Dummies” where it tells you that you’re allowed to tackle a running back for a loss, and they’ve proven it with yet another tragic season of running yards allowed.

Prediction

It won’t be pretty and it won’t be particularly easy, but the Ravens will bring the Colts’ streak to an end with solid defense and simple running. Ravens win 27 – 21

Posted in Analysis, Baltimore Ravens, Bill Belichick, Game, Indianapolis Colts, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television, New England Patriots, Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis | No Comments »

Indianapolis @ Arizona SNF Week 3 Preview

September 27th, 2009 5:44 am
by Pro Set

Arizona QB Kurt Warner had a great day last Sunday at Jacksonville. Ticket sales prove it. This starkly contrasted with his terrible performance in the home opener against San Francisco. Warner is at his best with multiple targets that he trusts. In St Louis there was Holt, Bruce, Hakim and Proehl. In the desert, Fitzgerald and Boldin are much more effective when Urban and Breaston are also available. This was evident in Week 1 when the 49ers blanketed Fitzgerald on intermediate routes. Warner responded by holding onto the ball too long. With Colts S Bob Sanders almost certainly not playing, ARZ should be able to pass well enought to set up some running. RB Beanie Wells will probably see more carries as the game progresses.

Indianapolis secured an important conference win at Miami on MNF. Colts QB Peyton Manning will be primed for another nationally-televised victory. Against a Cardinals defense that covers up its deficiencies with blitzes, Manning has the chance to have a big night. Watch for TE Dallas Clark to take some hot reads against secondary blitzes from S Adrian Wilson and the corners. Manning is a quality QB. He will get the ball out against the blitz. The Cardinals will therefore be called upon to make crucial one-on-one tackles. If those tackles are missed, the Cardinals will lose. A 1-2 start could mean a long delay before NBC returns to the desert.

Posted in Arizona Cardinals, Game, Indianapolis Colts, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL on NBC, NFL on television, Peyton Manning | No Comments »

AFC 2009 Power Previews – AFC South

July 5th, 2009 10:31 am
by Big Dog

AFC South

The AFC South is devoid of massive media markets, but the division deserves some attention. Tennessee, the surprise 2008 champion, faces a quarterback controversy. Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and Houston will all consider themselves to be playoff contenders.

Tennessee Titans

ProSet Proclaims: Jeff Fisher needs his interior defensive linemen to cover the departure of DT Albert Haynesworth in free agency to Washington. DE Jevon Kearse is over the hill. DE Kyle Van Den Bosch has a great motor, but is injury prone. LB Keith Bulluck is a 10 year veteran. If the Titans can’t stuff the middle, last season’s 13 wins will be impossible to replicate. On the other side of the ball, Kerry Collins and Vince Young will dominate the headlines. The miserable performance by Collins in the AFC Divisional Playoff loss means that goodwill is scarce in Nashville. Ten wins would be a very good effort from this staff.

Fearless Prediction: 9-7 with a QB controversy

Big Dog Barks: It’s clear that there are two big questions facing Tennessee this season. The first is how will their defense hold up with the absence of DT Albert Haynesworth. A lot has been made of the Titans’ running game last season and while the dual options afforded by RB Chris Johnson and RB LenDale White are an essential part of last season’s impressive 13-3 record, it’s foolish to ignore the contribution their defense made to that record. It’s simply a lot easier to win games if your opposition are not provided opportunities to score. Defense wins games, and this year Tennessee has a big question hanging over their defense. In particular the defensive line need to have a big start to the season. They need to make a statement in their first few games to remind every opposing team why they should be feared this year. If they can do that, then the second big question the team faces is a little less of a problem… who is their QB? This year will see more competition for attention as Collins and Young compete for starting rights. In reality this issue just won’t matter if the Titans’ defense can’t reproduce their dominance of last year.

Foolhardy Guess: 8-8 with a defensive meltdown

Indianapolis Colts

ProSet Proclaims: I’ve been down on the Colts since they blew my money on the 2008 SNF opener. Tony Dungy, despite being perceived as a defensive coach, has bequeathed poor run defenses even in eras of success. Despite the weekly panegyric to S Bob Sanders, the Colts seem to me to remain weak against the run. DT Raheem Brock is not going to collapse interior running lanes. To beat the Colts in the Manning era, the recipe is simple. Run the ball effectively on first down and shorten the game. Manning will force passes and turn it over. Tennessee has been doing this at least since the 1999 AFC Divisional Playoff. The cross over with the NFC West will provide more wins than tough divisional contests.

Fearless Prediction: 11-5 with a Week 17 loss costing a first round bye

Big Dog Barks: Even with the change in coaching staff, it’s unlikely that the Colts will bring anything particularly new to football this season. Unfortunately for them that probably means that they’ll also bring a season plagued by injuries with them this year. There’s little point in detailed analysis at this stage, if you’re a Colts fan, just stock lots of beer to drown your sorrows, buy stock in your local sports medicine clinic and prepare yourself for the inevitable rebuilding required over the next few years.

Foolhardy Guess: 9-7 with major injury problems all season long

Jacksonville Jaguars

ProSet Proclaims: The small market Jags need a bounce after last season’s 5-11 record. With several veterans departed, including RB Fred Taylor, Jacksonville is desperate to keep QB David Garrard healthy. The passer depth is pitiful. Shunned Rams legend WR Torry Holt will be useless without protection for Garrard. It was no surprise to see JAX select two offensive tackles in the first 40 overall picks. If early season losses arrive, it could be blackout central for the Jaguars market, despite the covered seats. Wayne Weaver will not appreciate the pessimism, but Jags fans, despite Weaver’s marketing efforts, know this will be a tough season. Jack Del Rio bet his career on Garrard. This season will be time enough to judge.

Fearless Prediction: 6-10 with a coaching change at season’s end

Big Dog Barks: WR Torry Holt joins the team as QB Garrard’s primary target and that should help things on the offensive side of the ball. Even so, it remains that the relatively young defensive team is really going to need to step up and get the job done when they’re on the field. The goal for the Jaguars this season needs to be to protect Garrard and Holt, keeping them out of situations in which they need to take major risks. If Garrard can get the protection he needs and the defense can produce some consistently good performances then the Jags might just wind up making some noise this season.

Foolhardy Guess: 7-9 but don’t worry – it’s unlikely anybody will be watching anyway

Houston Texans

ProSet Proclaims: Zero playoff games and a failed No 1 overall QB. It is a bit sad to think that the highlight of the seven seasons of Texans football was their opening game: a nationally televised win over Dallas. The franchise is best known for moments such as last season’s disastrous loss at home to Indianapolis. No 1 overall pick DE Mario Williams will need to pressure the passer, as the Houston secondary is weak. It goes without saying that QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson need to fire, although you could not pay me enough to be “protected” by the Houston offensive line. Gary Kubiak needs to make that work; otherwise he’ll be another footnote in Texans futility.

Fearless Prediction: 5-11 with Allen Stanford appointed to manage team finances

Big Dog Barks: Last season the Texans continued their lacklustre performance with a disappointing 8-8 record. However, it is important to remember that there were several disruptive factors in the early weeks of the 2008 season, in fact Houston had a great streak in the second half of the season and managed to claw their way back from an abysmal start. If they can improve their consistency on both sides of the ball, but especially become more productive on offense, then this could finally be their year. Most importantly for their offensive efforts is to understand the simple principle of converting yards gained into points won. It sounds simple, but pounding the ground close to the goal is going to need to be a major focus for this team. Victory is founded on this sort of simplicity.

Foolhardy Guess: 11-5 with a surprise draftee becoming an instant superstar

Posted in Analysis, Bob Sanders, David Garrard, Game, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kyle Van Den Bosch, LenDale White, Matt Schaub, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL schedule, Peyton Manning, Tennessee Titans, Vince Young | No Comments »

Week 12 Analysis: Indianapolis @ Atlanta

November 23rd, 2007 12:34 am
by Big Dog

For a few, brief minutes at the beginning of this game, I thought that I was going to see something unexpected and unusual enough to make it worth enduring the commentary of Bryant Gumbel. He might be one of the most popular television presenters in America, but I submit to you that the word “genuflect” has no place in football commentary. Gumbel grumbles aside, the Atlanta Falcons offered some genuine excitement in the early stages of their showdown with the Indianapolis Colts as they took a 10-0 lead.

Atlanta QB Joey Harrington was looking like he might have finally found the rhythm he needed with his receivers. The Falcons strung together some good plays and made clear progress on offense. On defense they were able to disrupt the Colts offensive line, LB Michael Boley was a standout with 3 sacks in the first half. The Falcons’ penetration was definitely assisted by the fact that only two of the Indianapolis linemen were starting in their usual position.

That lasted for about as long as it took for Colts QB Peyton Manning to adjust to his reconfigured offensive line and then the Colts turned it on.

In no way was this a breakout game, but it didn’t need to be. The Colts played consistently, and intelligently, making good use of the field and exploiting key matchups effectively. Perhaps the best example of this is that Manning spent the whole night throwing to whoever Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall wasn’t covering. This in turn made it a tough night for rookie CB Chris Houston who must have felt like he’d done something to get on Manning’s bad side, the way he was being picked on. Still, there’s no better way to get experience at the elite level than to have one of the NFL’s elite QBs throw your way pretty much the entire game.

In the end, although the Falcons did have some great moments, this was always the Colts’ game.

Posted in Analysis, Atlanta Falcons, Chris Houston, DeAngelo Hall, Game, Indianapolis Colts, Joey Harrington, Michael Boley, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, NFL on television, Peyton Manning | No Comments »

The AFC so far

October 4th, 2007 9:43 am
by NFL Freak

For most NFL teams, the season is already 25% complete. Let’s examine what’s happened so far in the AFC.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills (1-3)

A season-saving divisional win (vs NYJ) has given a spark to the Bills. The only NFL team based in New York can build on that momentum when Dallas visits Orchard Park for the first MNF game in Buffalo in 13 seasons. The Buffalo folk prefer day games, since so many of their fans have such long car trips to the game. Expect the Bills to be out of contention by the halfway point of the season. Dick Jauron is a nice guy, but he just can’t win playoff games, so there is no future in that relationship.

Miami Dolphins (0-4)

What a contrast for the former San Diego coordinators. MIA Coach Cam Cameron finally gets some heat applied after a terrible loss at home to Oakland. Despite acquiring a veteran (and proven) QB in Trent Green, I think that the Dolphins are just too old on the defensive side of the ball. If I’m Wayne Huizenga, I would ask why LB Zach Thomas and DE Jason Taylor ought not to be traded to real contenders in order to beef up the team in next year’s draft. Sorry, Dolphins fans, but this season will not extend into January. Expect a mid-season rally of sorts, but 0-4 in the AFC is irreparable damage.

New England Patriots (4-0)

The standout team in the entire NFL has been the Patriots. Courtesy of the overzealous hysteria about Spygate, the Patriots have clearly bonded and look to be too good. I missed the Salem witch trials, but it’s always refreshing to see history repeating itself. I’m sure, however, that QB Tom Brady is fired more by the crushing disappointment of consecutive seasons with playoff losses. An NFL career is only ever one play away from ending (as we unfortunately saw with BUF LB Kevin Everett). Most Patriot players are set for life. It is the diminishing window of opportunity that drives them. NE is the clear favourite for now. If Roger Goodell had some steel, he’d instruct the Patriots to print post-season tickets now.

New York Jets (1-3)

It’s been a disappointing 4 years since QB Chad Pennington led the Jets to the AFC East title. With RB Thomas Jones combining with RB Leon Washington, I expected the Jets to be able to run the ball well. Pennington needs good play action to be able to hit WR Laveranues Coles. The loss last Sunday at Buffalo will really hurt. I just cannot see the Jets grabbing an AFC Wild Card without 10 wins. And I don’t think that the Jets can go 9-3 from here with games against Dallas, New England and Baltimore still to go.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens (2-2)

This is the one of the most disappointing 2-2 starts in the NFL. The Ravens are 0-2 in the division and will need to sweep Pittsburgh to win the AFC North. QB Steve McNair looks like he’s just had one campaign too many. There are only so many big plays that SS Ed Reed can make. This team has issues on both sides of the ball. As for Brian Billick, his 2001 axing of Trent Dilfer in favour of a passing philosophy with QB Elvis Grbac should have already led to his removal. The Ravens are in decline.

Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)

Clearly the Bengals have issues on defense. QB Carson Palmer has too much pressure on him to produce scores on every drive. This team will give up at least 24 points per game on average. With RB Rudi Johnson not being a true breakaway threat, this means that Palmer needs to have 35-40 TD passes this season. He might just get there. Whether the Bengals are playoff-calibre or not will be determined by their series against the NFC West. If Cincy cannot dominate a division without a standout team, the show is over. Remember, WR Chris Henry is nominally able to play after midseason (assuming Goodell reinstates him). Henry is better than the nickel corner for most teams. Anything less than a playoff win is a failure for Cincinnati.

Cleveland Browns (2-2)

After an opening week that exceeded even the most dismal prognostications, the Browns are now 2-1 in the division. QB Derek Anderson has been the man of the moment. It also appears that Cleveland has avoided the receiver curse in the draft with WR Braylon Edwards. I’m just not sure what to make of this team. In Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow, Cleveland has top class weapons. Unfortunately for Browns fans, I think that the Dawg Pound will be empty come January. The Browns have 3 divisional road games to come, as well as facing the Patriots. A winning record is possible, and I think that a winning record will save Romeo Crennel from the chop.

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

It’s hard to get a read on the Steelers. They key will be winning divisional games. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it seems as thought the Steelers can rely on the rest of the AFC North knocking each other off. QB Ben Roethlisberger is the best game management QB in the division. Unlike the other teams in the AFC North, Pittsburgh does not have that brittle edge that can lead to implosion. I see PIT going at least 4-2 in the division, and 3-1 against the AFC East. Splitting their other games brings out a 10-6 record, so expect PIT to make the playoffs.

AFC South

Houston Texans (2-2)

For the first time in my life, I backed the Houston Texans (-3) at Atlanta last Sunday. Despite my retained bitterness, I am still impressed by the 2-2 start. The struggles against JAX (against whom HOU has a great record) and TEN will be fascinating. I like this division as the supplier of two playoff teams. For the Texans, QB Matt Schaub must continue to improve. Unless RB Ahman Green can prove me wrong and show that his best is not yet a distant memory, I think that the Texans can only win through the air. WR Andre Davis will need to stay healthy. I think that the Texans will run out of steam and finish 8-8, but at least HOU season ticket holders will have meaningful football to watch come December.

Indianapolis Colts (3-0)

The Colts are looking good without making too much noise. The Colts are already 2-0 in the division. I can’t see them losing to any team from the NFC either. QB Peyton Manning is now truly an elite NFL QB. I was one of the last doubters. The division is theirs if the Colts defensive front four can stay healthy. The loss of DT Anthony McFarland will be keenly felt. DE Dwight Freeney is deadly when the Colts have the lead in the second half. I still think, despite all the hype about S Bob Sanders, that teams can run on Indy with success. With the Chargers struggling, all signs point to another AFC decider between the Colts and the Patriots. The venue will matter.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)

The bombshell that began the JAX season has proven to be successful so far. QB David Garrard has led the Jags to wins at Denver and verus Atlanta. JAX coach Jack Del Rio will still be upset that the inevitable teething problems of the Byron Leftwich issue spilled over into an opening day home divisional loss. If JAX misses the playoffs by a game, he will bitterly regret not acting earlier. For mine, RB Fred Taylor is in his final effective season. Between Taylor and RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX has to get back to pounding the ball, and then stopping the run through DT John Henderson and DT Marcus Stroud. Remember, however, that TEN ran for over 200 yards at JAX. With JAX already having had their bye, injuries will hurt them more than most as the season progresses.

Tennessee Titans (2-1)

The Titans are looking like the most improved team in the NFL. When one recalls their steamrolling finish to 2006, however, this is to be expected. QB Vince Young has clearly brought a sense of belief and excitement to the team. His passing is still developing, but he has the intangible quality of competitiveness that separates good players from winning players. I have been most impressed with the TEN defense. As long as the Titans can get pressure on the passer with only 4 down linemen, they will win games. With winnable games against AFC West teams and a weak NFC South, TEN should get 10 wins. The crucial games are, obviously, the divisional rivalries. If TEN goes 4-2 in the AFC South, expect them to be returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2003 season.

AFC West

Denver Broncos (2-2)

Denver have given themselves a reliable start to the season and can build on their early success. Given their performance so far, you have to like the Broncos as they prepare to face the San Diego Chargers this Sunday. There’s no question that Mike Shanahan has his work cut out for him and will need to build more consistency into the team on both sides of the ball, but the Broncos are a real playoff chance.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)

The Chiefs crushed the San Diego Chargers last week, and it’s hard to tell if this is more an indication of the Chiefs’ form, or the Chargers’. QB Damon Huard seems to be settling in well and the Chiefs have made some ground on their passing game. That said, there’s still a long way to go till the playoffs – Chiefs fans, don’t hold your breath.

Oakland Raiders (2-2)

Oakland haven’t had the convincing start many expected. While they’ve had some strong wins and individual performances (including Daunte Culpepper against Miami), Oakland will need to win convincingly against the San Diego Chargers in order to convince the rest of us that they’re a genuine prospect.

San Diego Chargers (1-3)

San Diego have by far and away been the shock disappointment of the season so far. Expectations have been high following their 14-2 record of last season. It was big news when Norv Turner was brought in as a replacement coach for a successful team. Many Chargers fans can now justifiably question the sanity of that decision. Despite Turner’s reputation as an offensive specialist, the Chargers have comprehensively failed to ignite that half of their game. Star RB LaDainian Tomlinson has struggled to get things going, and there are serious questions to be asked about QB Philip Rivers’ decision making. At this point it’s difficult to see San Diego being able to realistically aim for much more than trying to finish the season with a winning record. Especially now that they’ve marked themselves as the weak team in the division. Everyone will be gunning for them.

Posted in Ahman Green, Analysis, Andre Davis, Anthony McFarland, Baltimore Ravens, Ben Roethlisberger, Bob Sanders, Braylon Edwards, Brian Billick, Buffalo Bills, Cam Cameron, Carson Palmer, Chad Pennington, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Damon Huard, Daunte Culpepper, David Garrard, Denver Broncos, Derek Anderson, Dick Jauron, Dwight Freeney, Ed Reed, Fred Taylor, Game, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jason Taylor, John Henderson, Kansas City Chiefs, Kellen Winslow, Kevin Everett, LaDainian Tomlinson, Laveranues Coles, Leon Washington, Marcus Stroud, Matt Schaub, Maurice Jones-Drew, Miami Dolphins, Mike Shanahan, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Norv Turner, Oakland Raiders, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Romeo Crennel, Rudi Johnson, San Diego Chargers, Steve McNair, Tennessee Titans, Thomas Jones, Tom Brady, Trent Green, Vince Young, Zach Thomas | No Comments »

NO @ IND instant analysis

September 6th, 2007 11:54 pm
by Pro Set

A solid opening night win for the Colts demonstrated how difficult it will be for any team to beat the Colts without a dominant front four.

The inability of New Orleans to pressure the pocket was decisive. The pocket presence of Peyton Manning when pressure did belatedly arrive was superb. These factors caused great distress to the Saints defensive backs, who were consistently exposed by perfectly thrown deep passes.

The Saints will need to get sharper on both sides of the ball. Any chance that the visitors had was lost when a midfield false start penalty on 3^rd and 9 prevented a first down and the ensuing 3^rd and 14 led to a Drew Brees INT.

Look for the Saints to bounce back and beat TB next week: otherwise the gloomy world of an 0-2 start (including a divisional loss) awaits.

Posted in Analysis, Drew Brees, Game, Indianapolis Colts, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, New Orleans Saints, Peyton Manning | No Comments »

Offense gets the glory, but defense wins the game

September 6th, 2007 11:44 pm
by Big Dog

Well, after a slow start the game did indeed blow wide open, with a full-time score 10-41 in Indianapolis’ favour. It’s easy with a scoreline like that to give all the credit to the Colts offense. There’s no question that the offense played well, but the Colts defense really stood up and took ahold of tonight’s game.

From the pressure they were able to apply to Drew Brees (2 interceptions and a fumble) through to the fumble recoveries and interception returns, the defense were playing with the kind of speed, intensity and enthusiasm that has been missing from the Colts for awhile.

In addition, it certainly looks like the Colts’ offensive rhythm has lost nothing and they took every advantage of their working knowledge of Jason David’s style of play.

David had an incredibly tough night. Moving from Indianapolis to New Orleans, he was always going to have an interesting game. He was caught several times looking back to see what Peyton was doing, while trying to maintain man-to-man coverage. This is practically impossible and the Colts made him pay for it, beating him three times for touchdowns. His excellent strip, recovery and touchdown return was negated three times over. To be fair he is playing in a different system now and it always takes a bit of time to adjust, but he’s going to need to adjust quickly.

In the end the Saints let the Colts get away with the deep passes that Manning is renowned for. When they tried to clamp down on that, Addai stepped up and ran the ball solidly and consistently (this coming after a solid hit on the first play of the game that had everyone on the field wondering if he’d even continue in the game). Addai also played as a great outlet receiver for Manning.

It’d be unfair to say that the game was completely one-sided, but in the end it was pretty close to it.

Posted in Analysis, Drew Brees, Game, Indianapolis Colts, Jason David, Joseph Addai, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, New Orleans Saints, Peyton Manning | No Comments »

First half thoughts

September 6th, 2007 10:11 pm
by Pro Set

Saints at Colts

The Colts are having great success at protecting Manning. The deep throw from Manning to Clark that set up the Vinatieri FG was only possible because the Colts linemen set up a perfect pocket. The Saints clearly feel that they can get front-four pressure but it hasn’t been a feature yet.

For the Saints, the motion end-around (Stecker) was a super play on 3^rd down. The Saints FG drive was notable for the number of short drops and quick release plays. When this is combined with a solid inside running game, that is the formula for beating Dungy defenses. The Bucs were always vulnerable to teams that could sustain drives and tire out the front-four pass rush.

So, for mine, the Colts are looking better at the moment, but the Saints seem to have plenty of room for improvement. If the Saints can rush for some first downs and improve their pressure on the passer, I expect them to be able to pull off the upset.

Enjoy the second half.

Posted in Analysis, Game, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Peyton Manning | No Comments »

Colts vs Saints is like Head vs Heart

September 6th, 2007 7:22 am
by Big Dog

One of the hardest things to do as a football fan is separate your emotional responses from your intellectual analysis. For me, this is exemplified by the opening matchup of the season – Indianapolis and New Orleans.

There’s no question that for the last couple of years the Saints have been the team to offer token support to. Token in the sense that it’s easy to say “I’ll support them as long as their results don’t affect MY team”. After the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, the team’s been on the receiving end of enormous goodwill. This is in spite of the fact that they’ve struggled to win when it really counts.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Colts are starting a fresh season as Superbowl winners. They’ve got a lot riding on the game, but they’ve also got a lot going for them. There’s history, passion and confidence behind them, all moving the team in a positive direction. Even so, there’s something about Peyton Manning and the Colts that I just find hard to like (maybe Eli and I have that in common).

I’m sure I’m not going out on much of a limb then when I say that I doubt very much that the Saints want your “pity support”. I’m sure they’d rather be known for good or even better, great, football. At the same time I’m sure that the Colts are very much aware that winning LAST season doesn’t count for much at all THIS season.

All of which leads me to go with my head. Even though there’s something about Peyton Manning and the Colts that just riles me, I have to back Indianapolis to clinch the first game of the season.

Posted in Eli Manning, Game, Indianapolis Colts, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, New Orleans Saints, Peyton Manning | No Comments »