Whaler53
Join the Darkside, bitches
Epic Clash Not What It Seems
AOL
Posted: 2007-11-04 05:47:33
Filed Under: NFL
Sports Commentary
It's easy to paint the Patriots as the NFL's own Evil Empire - an unstoppable juggernaut that runs up the score and (possibly) cheats while laying waste to the league. It's also easy to view the Colts as an honorable bunch who stand as a gleaming example of what a true champion should be.
Yes, it's easy to call the Patriots evil and the Colts good. Too easy, in fact. An argument can be made that New England is a model of excellence for all to admire, while Indy's virtuous veneer covers up a tainted organization that deserves our scorn. The Pats are the good guys and the Colts are the villains in their eagerly anticipated showdown on Sunday. Find out why as we preview the game of the year.
How They Match Up
Offense: All eyes will be on the quarterbacks, and with good reason. New England's Tom Brady and Indianapolis' Peyton Manning are both sure-fire Hall of Famers who are in the midst of excellent seasons. Brady is on pace for the greatest season ever for a QB. At his current rate, he will finish with 60 touchdowns, only four interceptions and nearly 5,000 passing yards. Manning's numbers are not as glossy as usual, but he's still on track for his fourth straight year with a passer rating of over 100. Both teams rank in the top 10 in the league in rushing yards. One big factor could be the health of Marvin Harrison. The Colts' All-Pro receiver has been hobbled by a knee injury and is struggling through a subpar season. Edge: Patriots. It's hard to go against a unit that looks like it will go down as the best ever.
Defense: It's no big surprise to see the Pats with one of the top defenses in the league. But who could have predicted that the Colts would be right behind them in the rankings? Indy is fourth in total defense thanks in large part to a passing defense that has allowed only 165.4 yards per game. Still, the Colts have not played a team that can air it out quite like the Patriots. New England is not only stingy when it comes to allowing yards, it also is adept at forcing turnovers, with a total of 18 already. One potential weakness, however, is in run defense. Opponents are averaging 4.2 yards per carry against the Pats. Edge: Patriots. It's a close call, but New England has played slightly better against stronger competition this year.
Coaching: Bill Belichick deserves condemnation for the videotape controversy and for his overall surliness. But he should also be hailed for his amazing coaching job this season. The Patriots came into the year as the favorite of most experts to win the Super Bowl and have proceeded to exceed everyone's expectations with their historic domination. Partly because of the controversial Belichick and his amazing team, Tony Dungy once again is not getting the recognition he deserves. The Colts' quiet leader has been one of the finest coaches in recent history, but he repeatedly gets overlooked, perhaps due in part to his unassuming demeanor. The work that Dungy and his defensive coaches have done to revive that unit recently has been especially impressive. Edge: Patriots. The chip that Belichick has carried on his shoulder has never been bigger. He seems to be on a mission to not just win but crush his foes. Belichick will have his team well prepared for this showdown.
Cheerleaders: Their players and coaches aren't the only things that make the Patriots and Colts great. Both teams also sport two of the top cheerleading units in football. Edge: Who are we to say which team's bevy of beauties is better? Click through the gallery and decide for yourself.
Who Will Win?
Patriots -5 1/2 at Colts
Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning. Bill Belichick vs. Tony Dungy. Clam chowder vs. ... whatever food item Indianapolis is known for. The mega-matchup between the NFL's two unbeaten titans is much more than just a fascinating treat for pigskin lovers - it also could ultimately decide which club gets home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs.
The pick: Patriots. At this point, the Colts are the only legitimate threat to the Patriots. And New England still figures to wipe the RCA Dome turf with them. Indy has looked real good this season, but the Pats have looked historic.
More Week 9 NFL Predictions
Fantasy Advice
Regardless of how intimidating both defenses have been this season, you always start your "stud" players. But there are two players that aren't on the usual list of must-starts who should also come up big for fantasy squads in this game -- Patriots receiver Wes Welker and Colts tight end Dallas Clark. With both defenses likely keying in on the primary weapons, Welker and Clark should find plenty of open room down the seams to rack up their stats.
The two players to contemplate benching in this game? That would be Pats receiver Donte' Stallworth and running back Laurence Maroney. Both players are too inconsistent to rely on. Stallworth has been an up-and-down option all season, and Maroney is still working his way back into action after his injury. Also keep an eye on the injury status of Marvin Harrison. He's a game-time decision this week and the safe bet is to keep him benched until you hear the latest updates.
Finally, if you're desperate for a running back and looking for a last-minute option, take a chance on Pats rusher Kevin Faulk. Even with Laurence Maroney back in the lineup last week, the versatile Faulk had seven catches for 57 yards to go along with 32 rushing yards. Brady could rely heavily on Faulk as a check-down option if the going gets tough.
AOL
Posted: 2007-11-04 05:47:33
Filed Under: NFL
Sports Commentary
It's easy to paint the Patriots as the NFL's own Evil Empire - an unstoppable juggernaut that runs up the score and (possibly) cheats while laying waste to the league. It's also easy to view the Colts as an honorable bunch who stand as a gleaming example of what a true champion should be.
Yes, it's easy to call the Patriots evil and the Colts good. Too easy, in fact. An argument can be made that New England is a model of excellence for all to admire, while Indy's virtuous veneer covers up a tainted organization that deserves our scorn. The Pats are the good guys and the Colts are the villains in their eagerly anticipated showdown on Sunday. Find out why as we preview the game of the year.
How They Match Up
Offense: All eyes will be on the quarterbacks, and with good reason. New England's Tom Brady and Indianapolis' Peyton Manning are both sure-fire Hall of Famers who are in the midst of excellent seasons. Brady is on pace for the greatest season ever for a QB. At his current rate, he will finish with 60 touchdowns, only four interceptions and nearly 5,000 passing yards. Manning's numbers are not as glossy as usual, but he's still on track for his fourth straight year with a passer rating of over 100. Both teams rank in the top 10 in the league in rushing yards. One big factor could be the health of Marvin Harrison. The Colts' All-Pro receiver has been hobbled by a knee injury and is struggling through a subpar season. Edge: Patriots. It's hard to go against a unit that looks like it will go down as the best ever.
Defense: It's no big surprise to see the Pats with one of the top defenses in the league. But who could have predicted that the Colts would be right behind them in the rankings? Indy is fourth in total defense thanks in large part to a passing defense that has allowed only 165.4 yards per game. Still, the Colts have not played a team that can air it out quite like the Patriots. New England is not only stingy when it comes to allowing yards, it also is adept at forcing turnovers, with a total of 18 already. One potential weakness, however, is in run defense. Opponents are averaging 4.2 yards per carry against the Pats. Edge: Patriots. It's a close call, but New England has played slightly better against stronger competition this year.
Coaching: Bill Belichick deserves condemnation for the videotape controversy and for his overall surliness. But he should also be hailed for his amazing coaching job this season. The Patriots came into the year as the favorite of most experts to win the Super Bowl and have proceeded to exceed everyone's expectations with their historic domination. Partly because of the controversial Belichick and his amazing team, Tony Dungy once again is not getting the recognition he deserves. The Colts' quiet leader has been one of the finest coaches in recent history, but he repeatedly gets overlooked, perhaps due in part to his unassuming demeanor. The work that Dungy and his defensive coaches have done to revive that unit recently has been especially impressive. Edge: Patriots. The chip that Belichick has carried on his shoulder has never been bigger. He seems to be on a mission to not just win but crush his foes. Belichick will have his team well prepared for this showdown.
Cheerleaders: Their players and coaches aren't the only things that make the Patriots and Colts great. Both teams also sport two of the top cheerleading units in football. Edge: Who are we to say which team's bevy of beauties is better? Click through the gallery and decide for yourself.
Who Will Win?
Patriots -5 1/2 at Colts
Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning. Bill Belichick vs. Tony Dungy. Clam chowder vs. ... whatever food item Indianapolis is known for. The mega-matchup between the NFL's two unbeaten titans is much more than just a fascinating treat for pigskin lovers - it also could ultimately decide which club gets home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs.
The pick: Patriots. At this point, the Colts are the only legitimate threat to the Patriots. And New England still figures to wipe the RCA Dome turf with them. Indy has looked real good this season, but the Pats have looked historic.
More Week 9 NFL Predictions
Fantasy Advice
Regardless of how intimidating both defenses have been this season, you always start your "stud" players. But there are two players that aren't on the usual list of must-starts who should also come up big for fantasy squads in this game -- Patriots receiver Wes Welker and Colts tight end Dallas Clark. With both defenses likely keying in on the primary weapons, Welker and Clark should find plenty of open room down the seams to rack up their stats.
The two players to contemplate benching in this game? That would be Pats receiver Donte' Stallworth and running back Laurence Maroney. Both players are too inconsistent to rely on. Stallworth has been an up-and-down option all season, and Maroney is still working his way back into action after his injury. Also keep an eye on the injury status of Marvin Harrison. He's a game-time decision this week and the safe bet is to keep him benched until you hear the latest updates.
Finally, if you're desperate for a running back and looking for a last-minute option, take a chance on Pats rusher Kevin Faulk. Even with Laurence Maroney back in the lineup last week, the versatile Faulk had seven catches for 57 yards to go along with 32 rushing yards. Brady could rely heavily on Faulk as a check-down option if the going gets tough.