Archive for October, 2009
Saturday, October 31st, 2009
AFC South Prediction Record: 16-9
San Francisco (3-3) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-0)
The Indianapolis Colts are tearing through opposing defenses averaging 29.8 points per game and racking up 402.5 yards per game for the season. On the other hand the 49ers are averaging only 272 yards of total offense, while surrendering 324.8 yards per game on defense. Both teams are currently on streaks, the 49ers having lost two games in a row and the Colts currently on a six game winning streak. Although this is not a division game or even a conference game, this is a big game for both teams. The 49ers are looking to keep pace with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West, and the Colts are looking for another statement game against a solid NFC opponent. With the reemergence of quarterback Alex Smith and the newly introduced Michael Crabtree, this 49ers offense may have gotten the spark they needed to have a balanced and potent offense. However, even with the emergence of a passing attack to go along with a strong defense and running attack, I still think that the Colts will be to much for San Francisco. Granted the Colts will be coming into this game banged up, but whenever you can line-up with Peyton Manning behind center you have to feel confident about getting a win.
Colts 27 49ers 17
Houston Texans (4-3) @ Buffalo Bills (3-4)
After a sluggish start to the season, the Houston Texans have gone 3-1 over the past four games and are putting themselves in position to make a serious push to make the playoffs. Like the Texans the Bills also came into this season with high hopes after acquiring Terrell Owens, but unlike the Texans the Bills are on the wrong side of the .500 mark. These two teams are almost complete opposites and seem to get wins in completely different ways. The Texans, led by Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton, Owen Daniels, and Matt Schaub, are among the best offensive teams in the NFL, and average 24 points per game. The Bills have been struggling to points on the board this season only averaging 16 points per game, but they are only surrendering 19 points per game on defense. I do not see the Bills offense being able to keep up with this Texans offense, nor do I see their defense being able to slow down the Texans enough to win the game. I expect the Texans get another victory off the arm of Schaub, but a key to this game may be the availability of All-Pro receiver, Andre Johnson.
Texans 24 Bills 17
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) @ Tennessee Titans (0-6)
The Tennessee Titans will be marching Vince Young out onto the field in this game for his first start since 2008. The inept play of Kerry Collins led to the quarterback switch, and Young better play the rest of this season with a chip on his shoulder. The Jaguars are a team that seems to be heading in the opposite direction having won three of their last four, and placing themselves back at the .500 mark on the season. Although these teams are heading in opposite directions in the win-loss column, both teams look very similar on paper. Each team has had great success this season running the football, however, both have also struggled to stop opposing offenses. I believe that this game will be played much differently then was the first game of the year where the Jaguars completely crushed the Titans. I expect both teams to come out trying to run the football, and this one will come down to the wire. However, in the end I think Young comes out with something to prove, and the Titans get their first win on the season.
Titans 24 Jaguars 21
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Friday, October 30th, 2009
This week will mark the first week that the Colts will have to take the field with several key banged up players. Although they did get a boost from the return of Bob Sanders, the Colts will be without Anthony Gonzalez, Adam Vinatieri, and Marlin Jackson, who are still suffering from knee injuries, and could also be without Dwight Freeney, Eric Foster, Donald Brown, and Reggie Wayne. All four play major roles in this team’s success, and even if only one of them is out Sunday’s game it could have a big impact on Sunday’s game against the 49ers.
Maybe the most crucial player on the injury report this week is Reggie Wayne. Colts.com reports that Wayne is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with a groin injury, however, he was listed as full participation Friday so I expect him to play. Dwight Freeney and Eric Foster were also listed as questionable, but both were listed as full participation on Friday so they look like they will each be able to go. However, if either one of these defensive lineman can’t play Sunday, it will be a big blow for the Colts. With the Colts already struggling to stop the run this season, the last thing they need is an injury that would weaken this already questionable line. Another key player who is banged up this week is running back Donald Brown. Brown is listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury, and it doesn’t appear that he will be available against the 49ers. With Joseph Addai struggling this season, only averaging 3.3 yards per carry for a total of 274 yards through 6 games, the loss of Brown could really effect the ability for the Colts to run the ball, which in turn would hurt the play action game for Manning. Brown was clearly on pace to take away more and more carries from Addai each game as the season went on, but this may prove to be a large setback.
This will be a gut-check game for the Colts against a young and physical 49ers team who appears to be coming into their own. With injuries on both sides of the ball the Colts must find a way to put things together and win this game. Every team faces injuries throughout the season but the teams that contend for the Super Bowl find ways to overcome these difficulties, and simply win football games.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Coming into this season there were a number of questions surrounding the Indianapolis Colts offensive line, and specifically the major concern pertaining to the left tackle situation. Granted the Colts still haven’t completely solved their issues with Tony Ugoh and the left tackle position, but for the most part they have received more than they expected from Charlie Johnson. With an offensive line that many viewed as very questionable coming into the season, it is fair to wonder whether or not the line will continue to perform at its current level for the remainder of the season.
Going into week 8 the Indianapolis Colts have surrendered a total of 2 sacks through nearly half of the year. Last season the Colts only gave up 14 total sacks, and are on pace to be significantly under that number this season. However, looking at the upcoming schedule for the Colts, it would be fair to assume that the rate of sacks given up by the offensive line will increase. The next four opponents for the Colts are the San Francisco 49ers, the Houston Texans, the New England Patriots, and the Baltimore Ravens. The 49ers, Patriots, and Ravens are all teams that love to get after the quarterback and apply constant pressure. Especially the Ravens and Patriots who tend to draw up new and unique blitzes strictly designed for the Colts. The Texans on the other hand bring one of the best defensive ends in the league to the table, Mario Williams, who has 3 sacks on the season. However, along with those four teams the Colts must also face the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos, two teams that love getting pressure on the quarterback and have success doing it. So far this season the Broncos have posted an impressive mark of 21 sacks, and although the Jets only have 8 sacks this season Head Coach Rex Ryan is known throughout the league for his aggressive 3-4 defense led by linebacker Bart Scott.
So far this season the offensive line for the Colts has played above all expectations, with only two sacks given up through 7 weeks it is fair to say that they are performing at an elite level. However, it will be very interesting to see how this line continues to perform as the season goes on. If they can continue to play at their current level, this Colts team will be in serious contention to make another run at the Super Bowl.
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Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
Mike Singletary has announced that Alex Smith will start for the San Francisco 49ers this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts, replacing Shaun Hill as the starting quarterback. This move came after Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans when Smith entered the game for a struggling Shaun Hill. Smith then went 15-22 for 206 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception, and displayed the pose and potential that many scouts believed he had coming out of Utah. Unlike his past performances Smith seemed to have increased velocity on the ball and showed that he may have developed the necessary “touch” on the ball to succeed at this level. However, it is still to early to announce the success of Smith, and declare him worthy of the first overall selection. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out for Smith, and whether or not he can live up to the hype surrounding him coming out of college.
However, Smith is not the only fresh first round face that the Colts will be seeing this Sunday, Michael Crabtree will be playing his second game of the season this Sunday. In his first game as a pro Crabtree caught 5 passes for 56 yards, nothing spectacular but solid numbers for his first game being halfway through the season. Vernon Davis, also a first round selection, really seems to have bought into Singletary’s message and is performing on an extremely high level. This season Davis has 355 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, and is on pace for 947 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Davis has already set a career high for touchdowns, and has become a leader on this 49ers team.
For the 49ers to have success, not only this season but in the future, it is necessary that these high first round selections all produce and help set the foundation of this team for years to come.
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Monday, October 26th, 2009
According to new data collected by the Harris Poll the Dallas Cowboys are still known as America’s favorite team to the nation. However, the Indianapolis Colts are continuing their stay near the top, this year being voted America’s fourth favorite team. This raises the question, are the Indianapolis Colts joining the “gold-standard” of NFL teams? Usually when you think of tradition rich franchises you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys. However, the Colts have been so good for so long, an unprecedented amount of consecutive years, it may be time to finally place this franchise among the elites. Gary Brackett seems to think that the Colts are only continuing to grow in popularity, and become even more well known throughout the country.
“When we travel, you always see a lot of Colts jerseys out there,” he said. “We feed off that. On third down, you could feel the crowd get going when we made a play.”
Brackett is not alone, many people feel that this Colts team is finally a legitimate “gold-standard” franchise. However, it is yet to be seen how the fans will react once they lose Peyton Manning, and return to the age of up and down seasons. Although the Colts are certainly a model franchise that is run incredibly well and sets the blueprints for teams throughout the league, I feel that they still cannot be placed with the Packers, Steelers, Cowboys, and even the 49ers. These franchises have so much tradition it isn’t even funny, and unlike the Colts these franchises have been planted in their cities for decades.
The true test for this Colts franchise will be how the fans react, how ownership reacts, and how the team reacts once there is no more Peyton Manning. As important as Tony Dungy, Edgerrin James, and Marvin Harrison have been to this franchise, Manning simply sets the bar at an all new level. A level that can only be reached by the elites, the Michael Jordan’s, the Magic Johnson’s, and the Tiger Woods’ of the world. Manning has spoiled the fans, as well as, the franchise as a whole. In order to truly be America’s team a franchise cannot be founded upon the shoulders of one man. The franchise must use the legacy left by that man to continue to grow and create new history that the franchise will be remembered by. Now whether or not the Colts can step into this elite class, will not be seen for quiet a few more years.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Colts Injury Report: Colts.com
Notables: Out- WR Anthony Gonzalez, CB Marlin Jackson, K Adam Vinatieri. Questionable- CB Tim Jennings, RB Chad Simpson
Rams Injury Report: stlouisrams.com
Notables: Questionable- DE James Hall, CB Justin King, WR Ruvell Martin
The Colts seem to have more problems in terms of injuries, and in the NFL attrition because a key for teams looking to make Super Bowl runs. However, even with significant injuries effecting the Colts I still see the Colts managing to get the win in this one.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2009
AFC South Prediction Record: 14-9
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3): Bye Week
Tennessee Titans (0-6): Bye Week
Indianapolis Colts (5-0) @ St. Louis Rams (0-6)
The Indianapolis Colts head west to St. Louis this weekend to face a Rams team that is certainly in rebuilding mode. Peyton Manning is having an MVP caliber season and will face a Rams defense that is surrendering 252 passing yards per game. The Colts will also receive a boost with the return of Bob Sanders, something Colts fans have been looking forward to for weeks. If the Rams cannot get Steven Jackson going and if they struggle to stop Manning, it could be a very long day for this outmatched Rams team. I expect a big day from Manning and this offense, and with the return of Sanders this defense should have some extra bounce in their step. This should be an easy win for the Colts, but coach Jim Caldwell has to make certain that the players don’t underestimate the Rams and come out flat.
Colts 31 Rams 10
San Francisco 49ers (3-2) @ Houston Texans (3-3)
The Texans are coming off a big win against the Bengals, and are putting themselves into a position to possibly contend for a playoff berth. San Francisco is off to a somewhat surprising start and are in first place in the NFC West division. This game is big for each team, and could affect each teams playoff chances greatly. On one hand you have a high octane offense for the Texans that is putting up 370 yards per game and averaging 23 points per game. On the other you have a 49ers team that wants to play physical football, and take on the attitude and character of their coach, Mike Singletary. However, I feel that the Texans offense with Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, and Steve Slaton, may be to much for this 49ers team to keep up with. I feel that the Texans will continue to ride their winning ways and get a big win at home.
Texans 27 49ers 17
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Friday, October 23rd, 2009
The Fanball Sports Network offers insight and expert advice on all 32 NFL teams, and has in-depth information regarding all aspects of weekly games. This week the Indianapolis Colts head to St. Louis to face a team that is clearly having its troubles this season. However, Colts fans may not know as much about this NFC West foe as they would like, and to help gain an insight into this Rams team we talked to Will from Rams Herd.
Will is the Fanball correspondent for the Rams, and he simply knows the ins and outs of Rams football. Here is a Q&A session with Will:
Colts Chatter: How are the Rams adjusting to the new coaching staff, and based on the pace of the season how has the mentality and atmosphere surrounding the team been affected?
Rams Herd: I think the Rams are generally responding very well to the coaching staff, in terms of buying in. The Rams completely cleaned house, from ownership all the way down, and are now resolved around the mission of rebuilding. There are no mixed messages within this franchise that we’ve heard — the message essentially boils down to “team first,” and ”patience/belief.”
We have players like Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, that have never really
been seen as “leaders” that are suddenly really playing with passion, with
fire. We have a draft pick, James Laurinaitis, that should be on the short
list for rookie of the year. And we have an emerging cast of role players
who are competing like mad. This week, following the trade of Will
Witherspoon, will be a big test for the group, and we’ll see how much
weight he might have carried in the locker room, but my intuition is that
the team will still come out and play hard.
The problems that are emerging are twofold — firstly, we are dealing with
an obvious void of talented playmakers. Bulger said this week that he
feels they would need a “perfect game” to beat the Colts. That’s true
almost every week, no matter who the opponent. Any mistakes by this unit
turn out to be killers. Secondly, the coaching staff themselves are
showing a lot of growing pains, in terms of play-calling, game management
issues, and the like. We could easily have two wins now, over the Redskins
and Jaguars, but for coaching letdowns. But that’s to be expected with a
rookie HC, OC, and DC.
Colts Chatter: What have been some of the bright spots this season, and will the Rams be able to take advantage of the suspect run defense for the Colts?
Rams Herd: As far as bright spots, I think you have to start with Laurinaitis. He
has stepped into a very demanding position as a rookie middle linebacker,
and completely owned it from day one. He showed up early, before his
contract was done, to learn the playbook. He makes the defensive calls, he
moves players around if they’re not lined up right, and most importantly,
he flies to the ball and makes plays. On draft day, I admit I was pining
for Aaron Curry, or even Rey Maualuga when he fell to the 2nd round, but
Laurinaitis has been a revelation. And to think he might get even better
… we’re all salivating over the prospect.
Steven Jackson has been getting his yards all season, when the OC
remembers to give him the ball. He’s been running against eight man fronts
and still making plays. However, the cautionary note here is that he has
still not gotten into the end zone, seven weeks into the season. I for
one, as a fantasy owner of SJ, hope he breaks that bad streak in a big way
this week. More likely, it won’t be the Colts run defense that takes
Jackson out of the game, it will be the Colts’ offense — if they bust out
a big lead, Jackson’s role in the offense gets (unfairly) minimized.
Be sure to check out Rams Herd this week to see key news concerning the Rams, Will offers great insight into the game of football and truly knows his stuff.
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Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
For the St. Louis Rams, bright spots have proven to be few and far between this season. However, one constant this season has been the solid play of Steven Jackson, and his ability to almost carry this lackluster offense. Jackson has accounted for 671 yards this season, 501 rushing and 170 receiving, and has been one of the exciting players on an otherwise dull offense. Granted Jackson has no touchdowns thus far and his 671 yards do not exactly scream out “top notch running back,” but for the Colts, Jackson is the man that they must key on in order shut down this Rams team.
On the year Jackson is averaging about 38 percent of the Rams total offense, in comparison Joseph Addai has 363 total yards and averages only about 18 percent of the Colts total offense. If the Colts can stop Jackson and hold him to under 100 total yards for the game, then they should be able to stop this Rams offense and prevent them from hanging around and staying competitive late into the game.
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Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
According to CBS Sports Bob Sanders will try to return to the Colts starting lineup this weekend against the St. Louis Rams.
“He’s improving,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “He’s been ramping up his activity over the last three weeks and we anticipate he will be able to do something for us (Sunday).”
This is fantastic news for the Colts, because Sanders may prove to be the final piece of the puzzle that allows the Colts to once again reach the Super Bowl. However, I hope that Caldwell limits the amount of time Sanders plays and keeps a very close eye on him. In all honesty the Colts should be perfectly fine without Sanders in the lineup this weekend, and with or without him playing this Rams team should not pose much of a threat. Although it will be great to finally see Sanders out on the field, the Colts should not risk his health and rush him back to soon.
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