Colts' Offense vs Bears' Defense
The first signs of
real trouble on offense showed up last week versus Detroit in the form
of four second half turnovers. Manning threw two ill advised passes
that seemed as though the Lion defenseman was the intended
receiver. Edgerrin James fumbled twice, both on drives that would have
assuredly led to points.
Its
not time to panic just yet. The interceptions were the result of
mental mistakes on the part of two receivers (they failed to recognize
the blitz and change their routes). And James' fumbles came on plays
where he had made excellent gains and was struggling for an extra yard
when a third or fourth tackler managed to knock the ball out. These
are not excuses, but they do offer obvious solutions. James will learn
to go down with more experience. He will learn that a 19 yard gain is
better than a 20 yards gain if it greatly increases the chance of a
fumble. Manning and the receivers can and no doubt will redouble their
efforts to avoid mental lapses resulting in gift turnovers.
The
Colts sit atop the AFC in total offense and #2 overall in the league.
Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James lead the league in receiving and
rushing respectively and Peyton Manning is ranked second in the league
behind Kurt Warner in passing yards per game. Stacked up against the
Bears defense which is giving up nearly 140 yards on the ground and
213 through the air, the Colts should move the ball effectively and
consistently. Provided they make a more concerted effort to
protect the ball, that is. Look for the Edge to help the Colts
dominate the game and time of possession and for a well protected
Manning to pick the inexperienced Bear secondary apart.
Advantage: Colts
|
Next Opponent
Chicago Bears
11/05/2000
when:
1:00
where: Soldier Field
TV: CBS
Team Record
6-2
New Feature!
Weekly Picks
compete
against the resident football nerd picking the results of each week's NFL games |
Colts
Roster
Game
Prediction
Archive:
1999 Season
Issue #1
Issue #2
Issue #3
Issue #4
Issue #5
2000 Schedule
Issue #6
Issue #7
Issue #8
Issue #9
Issue #10
Issue #11
Issue #12
Issue #13
9/03 |
at
KC |
W
27-14 |
9/10 |
OAK |
L
31-38 |
9/17 |
BYE |
|
09/25 |
JAX |
W 43-14 |
10/1 |
at
Buff |
W
18-16 |
10/8 |
at NE |
L
16-24 |
10/15 |
at SEA |
W
37-24 |
10/22 |
NE |
W
30-23 |
10/29 |
DET |
W
30-18 |
11/05 |
at CHI |
|
11/12 |
NYJ |
|
11/19 |
at GB |
|
11/26 |
MIAMI |
|
12/03 |
at NYJ |
|
12/11 |
BUFF |
|
12/17 |
at MIAMI |
|
12/24 |
MINN |
|
|