CALLING THE SHOTS!

After the Colts whooped up on the Panthers today (31-7) and the Patriots rolled over the Redskins (52-7) all the talk has been about the matchup of unbeatens next week. No matter what happens before, during or after the game there is one thing that we all know for sure, there will only be one undefeated team in the NFL. If you can find the time to analyze every small portion of each teams game plan you could find positives and negatives to each teams style. Fortunately, I have already been thinking about the outcome of this game and will save all of you the trouble. No need to thank me now, just comment back when the results play out next week. Anyway, I will simply come out and say that I predict the Colts to win. We all know that Tom Brady has gathered up the majority of the hype this year but that is only because undefeated streaks have become a regular occurence in Indianapolis. And not to mention the possibility of Brady having the chance to already break Peyton's record for most touchdown passes in a season. So, why the Colts you ask? Let me try to break it down so you can see the genius that is working inside my head....

When comparing quarterbacks, Brady and Manning are probably the most identical in the entire NFL. The only difference would be that in past years Manning has always had the better receivers to bail him out of tough situations. Well, ever since Randy Moss put on the blue and silver that scenario has changed. Now, Tom has a top-tier reciever in Moss and another big play maker in Wes Welker. When it comes to quarterbacks, neither team has the edge considering Manning and Brady are both on the same level when it comes to arm strength, wits, and competitive nature.    EDGE: EQUAL

Now, looking at the running backs can prove a little bit of a differnet story. I have to give the slight nod to the Colts considering they have the best running tandem in the NFL right now with Joseph Addai and Kenton Keith. The Patriots would have put up a little more of a fight in this category if Laurence Maroney never would have suffered an injury but an injury can slow up even the strongest of runners. Plus, the Colts use the short screen passes much more effectively than the Patriots which makes Addai a huge threat.  EDGE: COLTS

The last offensive unit I will judge is going to be the wide receivers and this one should be fun. In past years this category goes to Indianpolis without question. But with a quick glimpse at an updated roster and injury report all of a sudden ones mind can be filled with doubt. Not only will you see the Patriots sending Randy Moss and Wes Welker out wide, but you will see the Colts pro-bowl Marvin Harrison nursing an injury. Now, fortunately for Indianapolis they do have Dallas Clark who is one of the top tight ends in the NFL and the Patriots counter part to Clark, Ben Watson, has not been active. These are two teams that utilize the tight end position a lot so this category should have some asterisks surrounding it. I say, the Colts get the edge if Ben Watson is not playing but the Patriots get the edge if Marvin Harrison is still out. And if they are both out, then expect Dallas Clark to be a huge factor in this game. Not to mention how much it will help out Reggie Wayne if Peyton can get some passes off to the rookie slot receiver Anthony Gonzalez. EDGE: EQUAL

Now, for the one you all have been waiting for: defense. New England's defense has been very solid as they are usually known for but who have they really had to worry about? They have not faced a Peyton Manning or a Reggie Wayne yet and that can be a big factor. Now, the Patriots may have a little secret that I do not know about but trust me when I say you cannot simulate a Peyton Manning. Even if you are in practice with Tom Brady, you CANNOT simulate a Peyton Manning. I mean, this guy should be in a league of his own or a new position at least. A team could be made up of a quarterback, runningback, wide receiver and then a Peyton Manning. Indianapolis' defense has been playing fast and spreading the wealth (9 INT's this year by 8 different players). Led by safety Bob Sanders and defensive tackle Dwight Freeney, I am not too sure that there is any more solid of a defense than the Colts. They have done their job all year and kept opponents out of the endzone and has gotten their offense on the field as much as possible. After all, that is how you win football games is it not? But, if any defense can compete with the Colts' it would be the group of Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Asante Samuel and Rodney Harrison.  EDGE: EQUAL (with a slight Colts nod)

Please, feel free to leave your predictions for next week's Battle of the Titans....

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• #1 Comment from monponsett 
  11/22/07 9:36 AM | Permalink

  Happy Thamksgiving!!