Week 10: Colts Win as Time Runs Out On Big Ben

            The Colts are officially back in the hunt after a huge win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even more impressive than the win itself is the fact that the Colts were able to do it in Heinz field where the conditions and fans can make it a very difficult place to play for the visiting team. This game was definitely one of the most exciting games of the day and I can honestly say that it was the first game of the year where the Colts actually resembled their old selves from the last few seasons.

            On offense, the Colts struggled running the ball once again. Joseph Addai ran for 38 yards while Domenic Rhodes ran for 24 yards; the combined 62 yards was even under the 70 yards per game the Colts were averaging this season. To their credit, the Steelers have arguably the toughest defense in the league and it could not have been expected that the Colts were going to be able to run wild on the ground today. While the stats would disagree, today for me was the official statement game for Peyton Manning on the season.  While Manning has struggled all season, today he was faced with a defense that was covering his receivers like a blanket and found a way to get the win for his team with 3 td passes. Manning put some great passes to his receivers who for the most part were able to make the catches on the important downs. What impressed me the most today was the fact that no matter how well the receivers were covered today, Manning was patient and did not put too many throws in a position to be intercepted. The timing with receivers seems to be improving although there was one play in the first half where Manning had Harrison wide open on a post route and threw it too far inside on what would have been a definite touchdown. The Colts continued to have some issues with dropped passes that they have had all year but on the positive side, they did not commit a single turnover on the day.

            On the defensive side of the ball, the Colts were better today perhaps than they have been all season. The Colts allowed Roethlisberger to throw for 284 yards but also intercepted Big Ben 3 times including a last second throw into the end zone ( I suggest all of you watch that play to see how close the ball was to actually landing in a Steelers’ player’s hands in the back of the end zone before Melvin Bullitt snatched it in for the interception). The Colts also had a milestone game in the sense that they did not allow the run heavy Steelers offense to pass the 100 yard mark. In fact, the Steelers were only able to manage a total of 55 yards on the ground. Mewelde Moore has to be commended for his 2 running touchdowns and I felt he did a great job filling in for the injured Willie Parker. Also, Jennings and Ratliff get honourable mention for their interceptions at key times of the game which both led to touchdowns by the Colts. For the first time in 3 games, the Colts registered a quarterback sack when Dwight Freeney took down Roethlisberger twice. My final comments concern the incomparable Bob Sanders; watching this game, it is easy to see why he is the most valuable defensive player in the league. If the Steelers ran the ball, Bob Sanders would be the first man there attacking the line and if Roethlisberger is passing, Sanders is always right there in coverage. His instincts are phenomenal and as a safety that is imperative as he is never drawn in by a play-action; Sanders will need to be healthy going forward for this defense to continue this kind of play.

            At 5-4, the Colts have most likely conceded by now that division title may be out of the question. However, after a slow start to the season, the Colts are back in the fight for a Wild Card spot and in the next few weeks will play some struggling AFC teams in Houston, Cleveland and San Diego. Realistically, the Colts will need to go at least 5-2 to have a chance at the playoffs; to be safe, the Colts should make it with a 6-1 record the rest of the way out.

 

Stay tuned for my week 11 midweek blog,

 

Mike Crupi

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Last post (s) by Mike Crupi

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