If we care to revisit my preseason predictions we'll see I picked the Colts to take their division, as well as the Pats to get to the Super Bowl. That was before Brady had his knee caved in and Manning had his 2nd (secret) knee surgery.
(You can also gloss over the fact that I said Dallas would win the NFC East and the Giants wouldn't even make the playoffs.)
This may not have all the luster or buildup of previous Colts/Pats games but it's just as important, especially for the Colts. After losing to divisional rival Tennessee last week they are in danger of missing the playoffs themselves. They seem to be getting healthy at just the right time, welcoming back Safety Bob Sanders and Running Back Joseph Addai. But will that be enough for the Colts?
To tell you the truth, the Colts looked solid in the first half against the Titans last week, while the Patriots did what they needed to to get the win against St. Louis. The Colts defense is now without CB Marlin Jackson which could spell more trouble than when they were without Sanders. Cassel will need to exploit whoever is in place of Jackson, early and often if they want to win. They'll be without Running Backs Lamont Jordan and Sammy Morris, and will rely heavily on Kevin Faulk. Faulk has a penchant for having big games against the Colts though. That's precisely what it will take to beat the Colts.
Unluckily, they failed. Peyton Manning got 254 Yds and the Colts beat the Pats. Then he was named the AFC Offensive Player of Week 11. Manning completed 30 of his 46 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns as Indianapolis won 33-27 over the Houston Texans in Week 11. Manning brothers are amazing!/btw, saw some cool widgets at statbeast.com. Take a look!
Posted by: Bill Tsiu | November 23, 2008 at 08:14 PM