Dominance of the AFC South

The AFC South has only been in existence for a mere eight years, but in that short time the Indianapolis Colts have clearly established dominance amongst their fellow AFC South Competitors. Consisting of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Indianapolis Colts, the division was formed in 2002 after the NFL realigned all of the divisions. For the eight years that the division has been in existence the Titans have won two championships and the Colts an astonishing six.

Yesterday’s victory over the Houston Texans allowed the Colts to clinch the division with five weeks left in the season, and allowed them to stay in the driver’s seat for home field advantage in the AFC. However, yesterday made me realize how lucky Colts fans are to have such a dominate team year in and year out. The AFC South is by no means at all a cakewalk, having produced six wild card teams in its eight years of existence, the South has proven to be one of the toughest divisions in all of football. Yet the Colts have managed to hold off surges from the Jaguars, Titans, and now the Texans, and with the exceptions of two seasons, have earned a top four seed in the playoffs. 

However, it is becoming clear that the teams from the AFC South are only getting better. The Colts are clearly the veteran team in the division, and with young talent the Jaguars, Titans, and Texans are in position to challenge the Colts for years to come. Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Mario Williams, and Andre Johnson are all elite players at their positions, and Vince Young, Brian Cushing, Owen Daniels, Mike Sims-Walker, and DeMeco Ryans are clearly coming into their own. This division is primed to be solid for years to come, however, until someone can knock off the Colts and keep them down, everyone is still on the outside looking in.

Posted in Colts News | No Comments »

AFC South Predictions: Week 12

AFC South Prediction Record: 30-10

Indianapolis Colts (10-0) @ Houston Texans (5-5)

The Indianapolis Colts are becoming known as the “cardiac colts,” having won their last four games by a total of only ten points. The Houston Texans have also been in close contests, however, they have lost their last two games by a total of 3 points in each game. Neither team has looked dominate over the past few weeks, but unlike the Texans the Colts have found ways to win. This game could make or break the Texans season, with a loss dropping them to 5-6 and more than likely out of the playoff picture. Each of these teams are still putting points up on the board the Colts still averaging 27 points per game, and the Texans 23 points per game. However, the last time these two teams met the Texans lost a heartbreaker on a missed field goal, and this game looks like it is going to be just as tight. The Texans are desperate for a win, and Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub, and a slew of running backs for the Texans must step up. The Colts will need another strong performance from their defense in this one, and Peyton Manning must be efficient, as he usually is. I expect a close game in this one, but in the end I feel like the Colts may suffer their first loss of the season. 

Texans 24     Colts 20

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) @ San Francisco 49ers (4-6)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have silently clawed their way back into playoff contention on the shoulders of Maurice Jones-Drew. Jones-Drew is having a fantastic season, rushing for 926 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also averaging 4.8 yards per carry. However, the 49ers have slowed down significantly after coming out of the gates hard and fast at the start of the season, losing five of their last six. On a positive note each of these teams has found bright spots at the receiver spot, Jacksonville’s Mike Sims-Walker has 694 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns and Crabtree is showing why he was the most highly thought of receiver in this years draft. The 49ers struggled to stop the run last week against the Green Bay Packers, and that could pose significant problems coming into this game against the run oriented Jaguars. I expect Jacksonville to stay in the playoff hunt and pull out a hard fought victory.

Jaguars 21     49ers 17

Arizona Cardinals (7-3) @ Tennessee Titans (4-6)

After losing six consecutive games to start this season, the Tennessee Titans have righted the ship and reeled off four victories in a row. Jeff Fisher’s team has proven in the past few seasons that they are a team of “streaks” both good and bad ones. However, with the reemergence of Vince Young and the explosion of Chris Johnson, some people are suggesting that the Titans may be able to make a run at the playoffs. Without a doubt that would be one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history, and Chris Johnson would surely vault himself right into the mix for the MVP of the league. The Cardinals have also been playing good football as of late, and with an emergence of a running attack this season the Cardinals are as dangerous as ever. Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower have combined for 899 rushing yards this year, and Kurt Warner has thrown for 2,718 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. However, I believe the Titans will be able to pull this one out, and continue their march towards an unlikely playoff berth. 

Titans 27     Cardinals 24

Posted in Colts News | No Comments »

Let Us Give Thanks

On this Thanksgiving I feel that it is appropriate to give a special thanks to several special people who have played important roles in establishing the Indianapolis Colts Franchise that we have come to know and love: 

1. Peyton Manning- Ever since the Colts drafted this southern boy out of Tennessee University, we Colts fans have fallen in love with this strong armed quarterback on and off the field. From his comical commercials to his fantastic play on the field, Peyton Manning has been embraced by the Colts community, and in return has rewarded this city with multiple MVP awards, as well as, a Super Bowl trophy. Manning shifted this franchise from years of NFL irrelevancy to the modern day blueprint on how to create a dynasty. 

2. Tony Dungy- After Dungy left Tampa Bay for clearer skies here in Indianapolis, the Colts community have been beneficiaries of great football teams. However, more importantly than that, anyone who knows Tony Dungy or what he is about knows that this man is just a great person. He is not caught up in his fame or fortune and does not seclude himself from the public. Dungy is a family man who preaches life lessons that have made all of us better people. 

3. Jim Irsay- The owner of the Colts franchise, is a community oriented man who has built a small economy that helps support the Indianapolis area. He has helped put together a winning organization that is mindful of the Indianapolis faithful, and unlike other owners you can tell that he is not just a great business man, but simply a great man as well.

4. John Elway- Now I bet a bunch of you are wondering, “why is John Elway on here, did he ever play for the Colts?” Well no he didn’t, but without his refusal to play for the Baltimore Colts we might not even have the Indianapolis Colts. If Elway had agreed to play for Baltimore after being drafted by them, then the team would have had their franchise quarterback and that may have just saved the team from moving to Indianapolis in the black of the night. Regardless Elway won two rings with Denver, Indianapolis got the Colts, and Baltimore got the Ravens, so in the end all three ended up with Super Bowls. 

These are just four individuals who have shaped our Indianapolis Colts into the team that we know and love. Granted there are many others who could be on this list, but these are four of the most important to ever be affiliated with the Colts franchise.

Posted in Colts News | No Comments »

Manning On Top

Peyton Manning enters week 11 as the current leader for passing yards (2872), passing touchdowns (20), and is quarterbacking the league’s top team (tied with Saints at 9-0). Manning has put himself in the center of the MVP mix this season, and is in serious contention to obtain his second super bowl ring. This season is proving to be another trademark year on Manning’s resume, a resume that is shaping up to be one of the greatest of all time. 

If Manning can continue his rate of production throughout the season, and if the Colts can finish with two or less losses, Manning should be able to add some more hardware to his collection. Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, and Maurice Jones-Drew headline this year’s MVP race, and along with Manning this season will have multiple candidates who should prove to be more than worthy for the award. 

This Sunday will be another matchup of legends, with Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning squaring off in what should be a another difficult matchup for the Colts. Last Sunday Manning faced off against his nemesis, Tom Brady, in a game that became in instant classic. Sunday’s game against the Ravens will be another important game on Manning’s MVP resume, and a big performance Sunday would only improve his chances of adding another MVP trophy to his already impressive career.

Posted in Colts News | No Comments »

AFC South Predictions: Week 11

AFC South Prediction Record: 26-10

Buffalo Bills (3-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)

The Bills have parted ways with head coach Dick Jauron after a season that has not lived up to expectations for many Bills fans. After reeling off two big wins in a row, the Bills have dropped their last two games, and management thought it was time for a change. On the other hand the Jaguars are above the .500 mark for the first time this season, and they are currently on a two game winning streak. The Jaguars are led by All-Pro running back, Maurice Jones-Drew, who has 860 rushing yards this season and 12 touchdowns. This is bad news for a Bills defense who is surrendering an average of 173 rushing yards per game, and with the loss of their head coach the Bills may put up a “white flag” for the remainder of the season. I expect the Jaguars to pound away at this questionable Bills defense and find ways to get MJD as many touches as possible. This could be another long day for the Bills, but another big win for the Jaguars who look to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

Jaguars 28     Bills 17

Indianapolis Colts (9-0) @ Baltimore Ravens (5-4)

Coming off of the biggest win of the season, the Indianapolis Colts must now travel to their prior city to face a hungry Ravens team looking for an upset. Ray Lewis and Peyton Manning will face off again this weekend in a matchup that has “spoiler game” written all over it. For the Ravens a loss would prove to be a big blow for their hopes of reaching the playoffs this season, and drop them to 5 total losses on the season with 6 games left. Although this game could be a spoiler for the Colts, it does not have quite as drastic implications. With a loss the Colts would no longer be in the hunt for the next perfect season, and it would give the Texans an outside chance to catch the Colts in the division. However, unlike prior seasons this game should feature two offenses that are very capable of putting up points. Although the Ravens still have a solid defense, this season Joe Flacco and this young offense have been able to put plenty of points up on the board. Averaging around 25 points per game this Ravens offense does not rely as heavily on Ray Lewis and this defense as it has in the past. The Colts have never had much of a problem putting up points, and this season is proving to be the same story. I expect this game to be very competitive, but it will be very difficult for the Colts to get the right mindset coming off of their huge win against the Patriots. 

Colts 21     Ravens 20

Tennessee Titans (3-6) @ Houston Texans (5-4)

The Houston Texans come off of their bye week in a strong position for their first playoff berth in their young history. However, the Titans have been playing fantastic football over the past three weeks, putting up over 30 points in all three weeks. This game is huge for the Texans who look to move two games over .500 and frontrunners for a wild card berth, but the Titans are looking to spoil the Texans season. With Chris Johnson and Vince Young, this Titans offense has come to life and opposing defenses are struggling to stop this team at all. Like the Titans, the Texans are relying on their offense to win games this season, and so far it has worked out nicely. However, the loss of Owen Daniels was a big blow to the Texans offense, and it has forced Matt Schaub to rely more heavily on his receiving core and running backs. The Titans are pounding opposing defenses with the run, averaging 162 yards per game on the ground, and will look to take advantage of a Texans defense who is surrendering 109 yards per game on the ground. Although the Texans have proven to be a good team this season, I think that the Titans will pull the upset here. 

Titans 24     Texans 20

Posted in Colts News | No Comments »

Let Down Game?

After a huge win against the New England Patriots, the Indianapolis Colts will travel to their original city to face the Baltimore Ravens. At 5-4 the Ravens are trying to stay in the hunt for a playoff birth, but with the Bengals and Steelers ahead of them the Ravens are facing an uphill struggle. On the other hand, the Colts have all but secured a playoff birth, and more than likely and AFC South division title. However, as good as this season has gone for the Colts this season, Sunday’s game may be more difficult then people are expecting. 

Traveling to Baltimore to face a team that is in desperate need of a win, would be a difficult task in itself. Pair that with the fact that the Colts are coming off of their biggest win of the season, and you have the makings for an upset. Although the Ravens have always been known for the dominant defense, this season they have received quality play from Joe Flacco and the offense. When the Colts and Ravens matchup against one another the headline is usually, “Ravens defense against Colts offense.” This season I expect the Ravens offense to play a much bigger role in the outcome of this game. Ray Rice and Joe Flacco have injected this offense with a shot of youth and talent and have managed to put up 30 plus points in five games this season. On Sunday the Colts defense will have to perform better than they did against the Patriots or this game will turn into another shootout. 

There is no question that Peyton Manning and this high potent offense can put points on the board. However, if the Colts come out stagnant and flat against a good Ravens defense and an improved Ravens offense, then the Colts may find themselves in an early hole that they cannot dig themselves out of. Jim Caldwell has done a good job this year of keeping his players focused on each game, regardless of the opponent, and on Sunday he will need to make sure that his team does not come out with a hangover from last Sunday’s game.

Posted in Colts News | No Comments »

Colts Prevail

Analyst and media outlets throughout the country were building up Sunday night’s game between the Patriots and Colts, as the biggest game of the season. With two of the AFC’s elite teams once again facing off in prime time and Brady and Manning facing off in another epic matchup, this game lived up to the all the hype. This game couldn’t have been scripted any better, from amazing catches, stressing coaching decisions, and elite players performing at elite levels all over the field, this game had it all. Even though Sunday’s win against the Patriots was a great win for this Colts team, the Patriots did expose many of the problems that Colts fans have been fearful of all season. 

The Patriots knew coming into this game that the Colts were banged up on the defensive side of the ball, and it definitely showed. The Colts surrendered 113 rushing yards and 375 passing yards, but more importantly they gave up a whopping 34 points. Granted the Patriots have one of the best offenses in the league, and coming into this game both sides were expecting a shoot out. Even with the porous effort by the defense much credit should go to Melvin Bullitt who made the key tackle at the end of the game to set the Colts up for the game winning drive. However, the Colts cannot afford to play like that through the rest of the season and into the playoffs. They cannot always rely on Manning to win games for them and constantly outgun opponents. 

This is the second week in a row that the Colts have been able to pull out victories in games where they could have lost very easily. Last weekend a missed field goal at the end of regulation gave the Colts a big division win against the Texans, and this weekend they managed to pull out a win after a questionable coaching decision. You want to see the Colts pull out big wins in close games, however, the “cardiac colts” may not be able to pull out these wins in the playoffs. Coming off this week you would like to see the Colts correct their problems and come out with another big win against a tough Baltimore Ravens team.

Posted in Colts News | 1 Comment »

AFC South Predictions: Week 10

AFC South Prediction Record: 24-9

Buffalo Bills (3-5) @ Tennessee Titans (2-6)

The Tennessee Titans, led by new starting quarterback Vince Young, have rolled off two wins in a row, and look to be headed in the right direction. Led by a potent running attack this Titans team is back to playing smashmouth football, and this weekend they will face a Bills team that is giving up 174 rushing yards on the ground to opposing offenses. Both of these teams have failed to live up to the hype coming into this season, but both are looking to get another victory this Sunday. Marshawn Lynch and Chris Johnson should be two key players coming into this game, and I expect both teams to come out trying to establish the running game. However, I expect the Titans to extend their current win streak to three games, and Chris Johnson should be a big contributor for the Titans in this game.

Titans 24     Bills 17

Jacksonville Jaguars(4-4) @ New York Jets (4-4)

The New York Jets began this season with hopes of competing with the Patriots for a possible division title. However, with their current record of 4-4 the Jets have failed to live up to expectations, and Sanchez has proved very inconsistent throughout the year. For the Jaguars, Maurice Jones-Drew is leading the way for this offense posting 737 yards and 11 touchdowns thus far, and has really flourished as the one and only running back in Jacksonville. Come Sunday both of these teams will be looking to move one game above .500 on the year, and keep the hopes of a possible playoff berth alive. In this game I expect the Jets to try and force Garrard to beat them throwing the football, and try to keep Jones-Drew in check. If they can do this then the Jags will have trouble moving the football, and although Sanchez has struggled this season the Jaguars defense has also had difficulties slowing down opposing offenses. 

Jets 24     Jaguars 21

New England Patriots (6-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (8-0)

The Colts-Patriots rivalry has grown to be the biggest NFL matchup of this decade, and after Sunday another chapter of this epic battle will be written. Once again this game will be headlined by quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, both of whom are putting up MVP like statistics this season. However, more importantly than the quarterbacks in this game, will be how well each team can fill in the holes left by injured players on each side of the ball. The Patriots will be without left tackle Matt Light, and the Colts without Bob Sanders, Anthony Gonzalez, and a slew of other members from the secondary. Both of these teams have managed to play very well defensively, the Colts only surrendering 13.5  points per game and the Patriots only 14.4 points per game. With two quarterbacks coming into this game with 16 passing touchdowns on the year, I expect both of these defenses to struggle to stop the opposing quarterbacks. However, in the end this game will come down to how well each team gets pressure on the Brady and Manning. With the loss of Light I think the Patriots will struggle stopping Mathis and Freeney coming off the edge, but the lack of depth and experience in the secondary will certainly hurt the Colts. This game could easily go either way, but with home field advantage and Peyton Manning under center I think the Colts will be able to pull this one out. 

Colts 27     Patriots 24

Posted in Colts News | No Comments »

Key To the Game: Pressure

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are, without question, one of the best pass rushing duos in the NFL. This season Freeney leads the team with 9.5 sacks, and Mathis is a close second with 6.5. However, come Sunday the Colts will need these two pass rushing studs to step up and play at an elite level. Tom Brady, Wes Welker, and Randy Moss are more than likely coming into this game salivating at the lack of depth and experience in the Colts secondary. That is why it is vital that the Colts get a heavy pass rush from their front four on Brady throughout the game, because if Brady gets time in the pocket it could be a very long night for this Colts defense. 

However, a big positive for the Colts is the fact that the Patriots should be without starting left tackle, Matt Light. Instead it looks like the Colts may face rookie tackle Sebastian Vollmer, and although this line has only surrendered 10 sacks this season you have to expect the loss of Light to hurt the Patriots in this game. Even with the loss of Light at tackle the Colts must also find ways to get pressure up the middle. The Colts can get pressure from the edges all night long, but if Brady has room to step up in the pocket and step into his throw, then it won’t matter who the left tackle is. Indianapolis needs to get pressure up the middle and collapse the pocket from the inside out, this way they can flush Brady to the outside where Freeney and Mathis will be waiting. Also getting pressure up the middle should make Brady uncomfortable, and if you can keep his mind on the defensive lineman instead of the secondary and his receivers, then the Colts will have a much better chance of slowing him down. 

There is no question that the Patriots receivers are among the best in the NFL, and having Tom Brady throwing to you doesn’t hurt either. On Sunday it would be foolish to expect our secondary to shut down these receivers, mainly Moss and Welker, without help from the front seven. The less time the secondary has to cover the better, and the more times Brady hits the turf the better. Thus, my key to the game this Sunday will be the ability of the Colts to get pressure on Brady. Even if he is one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, he can’t throw the ball when he is on his back with Mr. Freeney or Mr. Mathis laying on top of him.

Posted in Colts News | No Comments »

Colts vs Patriots: Behind Enemy Lines

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. Once again we delve into an opponent’s locker room to gain insight into the foe facing our Indianapolis Colts. This week the New England Patriots come to Indianapolis in what will be one of the biggest games of the season. However, in order to gain more insight into this tough AFC rival I had a Q&A session with Patriots expert, Bruce Allen.

Bruce is the Fanball Sports Network writer for the Patriots, and he writes at Patriots Daily. So here is some insight from Bruce that will hopefully give us a better idea of what to expect come Sunday: 

ColtsChatter: The Colts and Patriots have become two of the marquee franchises in the NFL, but do Patriots fans view their annual game against the Colts as one of the biggest games of the year? Or is it just another AFC opponent on the schedule?

PatsDaily: Patriots/Colts is definitely THE game of the season this decade for Patriots fans. While we’ve got the strong rivalries with the Jets, Dolphins and to a lesser extent the Steelers, fans always circle the Colts game on the schedule. (Even if most can’t figure out the scheduling logic that had the Colts coming to Gillette for the first several years, and now the Patriots going to Indy for the last few, even when it is explained to them.)  This game has even more added importance, giving the Patriots standing in the AFC and trying to prove they’re back to being a contender.

ColtsChatter: How good can this Patriots team be this season? I know that they are 6-2 this season, but is this team still a super bowl contender?

PatsDaily: They’re in their toughest stretch of games right now, (Miami last week, Indy this week, Jets next week, Saints week after, and then in Miami) so we’ll know pretty quickly. In fact, we might know after this game whether they can be a contender. It’s their biggest test of the season, especially since it seems like Brady might be back to his old self after struggling early in the season. If they can win this one, 13-3 is a pretty good possibility. If not, 12-4 or even another 11-5 season seem likely. They’re still coming together as a team, so it should be fun to watch. 

ColtsChatter: The Patriots lost several key defensive players this offseason, many of whom Colts fans have grown accustom to facing at least once a season. However, with the losses on the defensive side of the ball, will Bill Belichick still be able to put together a defense that can slow down Peyton Manning?

PatsDaily: Rebuilding the defense was a necessity, though perhaps Belichick might not wanted to have done it quite this quickly. It really started with that AFC Championship game loss to the Colts three years ago. They were exposed as aging and slow in that game, and have been rebuilding with (mostly) youth and speed since. Jerod Mayo, Brandon Meriweather, Darius Butler, Gary Guyton, Patrick Chung, and Myron Pryor, are all good young defensive players that have been a part of this rebuilding project, and the fact that Belichick has done it “on the fly” without really taking a step back in the standings is pretty remarkable. 

ColtsChatter: What must the Colts do this weekend in order to come out with a win against this tough Patriots team?

PatsDaily: The formula for beating the Patriots is fairly simple…pressure up the middle. When pressured from the side, Brady steps up in the pocket, where he is most comfortable, pressured up the middle, he has to step outside and is much less comfortable out there. You can’t have single coverage on Randy Moss, gotta have that safety help over the top. On the other side of the ball, Denver showed that the Patriots were vulnerable to the short/swing passing game, and they had problems wrapping up tackles in that game…something that has plagued them from time to time this season. 

I would like to thank Bruce Allen for contributing to this weeks edition of Behind Enemy Lines. Make sure you give Patriots Daily a look this week to get news and happenings on this weekends game between the Colts and Patriots.

Posted in Colts News | No Comments »