31-38sponsor.gif (1186 bytes)

The Horseshoe

Current Issue

Web Design

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Scriptwriting

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

 

Stop-Motion Animation
Things Literary
Games
Etcetera
search2.gif (1097 bytes)

Updated:
04/19/06

©1999, 2000