NFL Ones To Watch: Always Expect The Unexpected
Week six certainly taught me a few lessons! I’m sure I’m not the only one to learn from it either. As the “underdog” Patriots defeated the previously undefeated Saints, Giants are still useless and the Jaguars look like they may get a win at some point.
The three games to watch this week are: Bears vs. Redskins, Browns vs. Packers and the Colts as they take on the Broncos at the Lucas Oil Stadium. While I am aware I’ve featured the Broncos two weeks in a row, the reasons for this feature are the return to Indy of Mr Peyton Manning. The Bye teams this week are the previously perfect New Orleans Saint (5-1) and the Oakland Raiders (2-4)
Firstly, Chicago Bears against a rejuvenated Washington Redskins. The last time these teams faced off against each other, the Bears won by a two-point margin. With the Skins vastly under-performing, or perhaps they are right where they should be, and last year, they over achieved, the stats point towards the Skins winning again, and with RG III finding his feet, he looks a very different QB from the one that got his team off to an 0-4 start. The bye week has certainly helped here. A telling stat here is the Bears are out TDing opponents 20-17; The Skins have just 13 on the year. That certainly helps to paint the early season picture, but I see no such issues about the team from The Nation’s Capital running (maybe not quite as literally as it translates) for the W.
Secondly, Cleveland Browns tackle the Packers from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Surprisingly, the league’s 2nd ranked O line has a 3-2 record, as it is the 18th ranked D which is letting down the Packers. Surprisingly also, is the Browns 3-2 record, which is completely opposite to the Pack, as it is their defence which is giving them a hope, and is in the top 10 overall, ranked 7. The O line of the Browns is outside the top 10, at 24. Green Bay also has the advantage on Passing and Rushing with 4 & 5 over 17 & 22 respectively. This is a classic example of bend but not breaking defence, and a battle of Aaron Rogers’ arm. F you could win merely by having 80 yards more per game, then this would be an easy W to the Pack, but this is the NFL, and sometimes, less equals more .
And the third game sees the return to Indianapolis of Peyton Manning as he leads his Bronchos into town. At first glance, it is unclear as to why the Colts elected to cut Peyton loose, as he obviously still has something left. His torrid TD rate cannot continue, and is certain to slow down, at some point. Will the Colts have luck on their side (and I don’t just mean the QB) as they aim to keep Peyton’s TDs for the season below 25 (he currently sits on 22). If they can limit him to three, then they have an excellent chance of winning the game. Trent Richardson (2 TDs from 191 rushing yards on 61 carries) will always be a threat, and as he matures will only grow in confidence and ability. Another factor will be the crowd and with Peyton a former Colt, they will be sure to give him a warm ovation and it could turn into a home game for the Bronchos. (See Andy Reid, Philadelphia and 6-0 Chiefs). Of course, with the number 1 O line, which is also number 1 in passing and mid ranged Rushing, the Bronchos D line (ranked 29) have it all to do to prevent Luck being against them (and this time I mean the QB) but the real weapon they can exploit here is the 8 Ranked Rush line. This won’t be easy for either team, and it could be very tense, and tight out there, which might come down to a FG or two.
Finally, just a friendly reminder (as if you needed it) NFL goes Wembley for the second time this season next Sunday, October 27th where the 49ers will look to get a W against the so far, winless Jaguars.