Anyone think if Addai and Sanders play its only because its New England?

[ICSB]

Marvin Harrison reminds me of our Troy Brown - He was always there to make a catch at a tough time late in his career and in his mid 30s but you can clearly see he has slowed down big time when in the past he would be far seperated from his defender.

Troy went through that his final few years where you could see his skills diminishing little by little and Harrison is in pretty much in the same boat

Gonzalez has emerged as the #2 threat behind Wayne at the WR position IMO and if Wayne does not play tomorrow then it could be Gonzalez getting alot of action

Well a Harrison in his prime was amazing. So, I don't love the comparison even though I feel Harrison still has juice left in him and Brown was always reliable and had a ton of heart and is one of the few Patriots I like. But, I get your comparison. When you can see the downside it is obvious.

Gonzalez for sure needs more looks in games. He is speedy and just beats defenders. Hell, when we lost to SD Gonzalez was one of the bright spots.

Wayne said he is playing. I believe he plays. I do wonder if we will not play in the slot though like he has much this year and instead they throw Clark there full time if Wayne is too dinged up. And if Wayne is limited Gonzalez will take his place.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Well, other than the Rams and 49ers, the Colts are the softest team the Pats have faced yet this season too. So we have something in common. The Pats will not face a team this season that is going to have any real hope of advancing in the playoffs until they play the Bills next week.

I fixed your post for you.

After all, unless you think Joakland or the Kansas City Herms are going to have a late-season renaissance, either the Donkeys or the Classers do have to make the playoffs, even if they're both teh suck.

 

[ICSB]

So you think if it were a team playing the Colts with a record of say 1-6 ,0-8 or 2-5 these 2 would be playing this week?

Any game from here on out is a must win so I say yes. If we were playing the Seahawks or Lions that is no gimmie.

I am sad since I likely won't be able to watch the game tomorrow night. I will be traveling and will be landing on the west coast maybe in the 4th quarter so I can keep track on me cell phone. So, if I am not back here again for a while good luck to the Pats and I wish for no new injuries to either team tomorrow night. May the better team in this game win. I will try to make it back early next week. I strangely have not much against the Pats this season.

 

[fgssand]

The Pats are the softest team the Colts have faced yet this season.

I am not lying.


quote]

If New England is so soft, in your eyes, how come they are the ONLY team in the AFC to have a winning record made up of two victories over teams that are above 500.

 

[ICSB]

The Pats are the softest team the Colts have faced yet this season.

I am not lying.


quote]

If New England is so soft, in your eyes, how come they are the ONLY team in the AFC to have a winning record made up of two victories over teams that are above 500.

Denver and the Jets?

Oh come on....

I must go. I am losing too many brain cells here. See ya later everyone.

Face it people. The AFC is average again. The NFC is the better conference, it has been some time.

 

[JoePats]

The Giants almost lost to the Bengals at Giants stadium - While the Giants are a very good team they are not distant from the rest of the league - A great team beats the Bengals by 30 not by a last quarter decision.

The Giants can be beaten by any team at any time,I do not think they are anywhere near infallible and if the Cowboys upset them this week I for one would definately not be shocked.

You're talking about one game. Every team has a few headscratcher games like that. If nobody every played down to their opponent there would be a lot more undefeated teams over the years. Of course they can be beaten by a team like the Eagles, Dallas with Romo, I don't know, maybe Washington. But they'll have to win just two home games to get the Super Bowl.

I don't see how in a million years the Cowboys can beat the Giants tomorrow with Brad Johnson. They can't protect the qb from a good pass rushing team, and they have absolutely no offense with Johnson.

 

[ICSB]

You're talking about one game. Every team has a few headscratcher games like that. If nobody every played down to their opponent there would be a lot more undefeated teams over the years. Of course they can be beaten by a team like the Eagles, Dallas with Romo, I don't know, maybe Washington. But they'll have to win just two home games to get the Super Bowl.

I don't see how in a million years the Cowboys can beat the Giants tomorrow with Brad Johnson. They can't protect the qb from a good pass rushing team, and they have absolutely no offense with Johnson.

I said I was leaving but this is a great post.

And after being a Colts fan I am a football fan and I really hope the conference power is not switching. I hope like hell the Colts can make the postseason and make some noise. I think Manning could possibly beat a great defense from the NFC and by that time he should be 100% and so would our o line and overall offense. I think it would take a great AND healthy QB.

Cassel would not, sorry but he wouldn't. If you think Brady got banged up a lot in the SB Cassel would leave in a body bag. And no the NFC West sucks so thats no measuring stick. Pats have done it before but I still don't believe you can compare Cassel to Brady no matter what fans think.

The Titans? I see a team like the Giants throwing multiple blitz packages at Collins that would confuse him. They would stop their run and make Collins beat them and I don't think he would.

The Bills? oh please.

The Broncos? Perhaps but they might have the single worse D I have seen in years.

The Jags? The Jets? Dolphins? Ravens? No way.

Steelers? Not unless they learn to give Ben some more time in the pocket they won't and I think Ben is already hurt.

Chargers? Possibly if they made it. But, I am not sure their bread and butter which is the running game is up to the challenge.

 

[Deus Irae]

I said I was leaving but this is a great post.

And after being a Colts fan I am a football fan and I really hope the conference power is not switching. I hope like hell the Colts can make the postseason and make some noise. I think Manning could possibly beat a great defense from the NFC and by that time he should be 100% and so would our o line and overall offense. I think it would take a great AND healthy QB.

Cassel would not, sorry but he wouldn't. If you think Brady got banged up a lot in the SB Cassel would be leave in a body bag. And no the NFC West sucks so thats no measuring stick.

The Titans? I see a team like the Giants throwing multiple blitz packages at Collins that would confuse him. They would stop their run and make Collins beat them and I don't think he would.

The Bills? oh please.

The Broncos? Perhaps but they might have the single worse D I have seen in years.

The Jags? The Jets? Dolphins? Ravens? No way.

Steelers? Not unless they learn to give Ben some more time in the pocket they won't and I think Ben is already hurt.

With the loss of Brady, there's not a single "great" team in the NFL, and that includes the Titans and Giants. This notion that Cassel couldn't beat one of the NFC defenses is something that should be better answered in the Patriots/Steelers game, given that the Steelers' defense is allowing fewer points than any NFC defense other than the Buccaneers.

 

[Rob0729]

What I am saying here is Addai and Sanders could not have played against the Titans last week because they were still in a situation where it would have been impossible for them to play but since they are probably a little bit healthier out there this week with a few more days to get better they may play but the question is are they really in good enough condition to play even near 90% healthy? or is it because they want them out there to have a better chance to beat their #1 nemisis for the past decade despite them not being in top shape?.

Besides what many of you think, My opinion remains the same that if the Colts were playing the Lions,Raiders,Bengals or 49ers or any other crappy team this week - Addai and Sanders are sipping Gatorade on the bench and staying there.

First, Sanders was always scheduled to come back this game. Addai was scheduled to come back around this time.

Second, just because they practicing doesn't neccessarily mean either will play Sunday night no matter what the Colts are saying. Last year, Harrison practiced and "might play this week" for 2 1/2 months. The same thing happened to Sanders in 2006.

I think Hayden (who was also supposed to come back this week) is probably out for this game. Same with Keiaho. I think Sanders will play. I give Addai 50-50 shot assuming the report that the NFL Network supposably reported about Addai pulling himself out is correct. I give Reggie Wayne less odds of playing, say 40-60. I think it is likely that the starters that are scratched from the line up could be worse than last wee.

 

[JSn]

Face it people. The AFC is average again. The NFC is the better conference, it has been some time.

Pat Kirwan would like to respectfully point out that you might be a little premature in your thinking here.

Impressive rookies and divisional battles among Week 9 storylines

AFC East is on the rise

Everyone likes to talk about the strength of the NFC East or the NFC South, which is fine, but the AFC East is emerging as a division to be respected. The AFC East already is 17-11, going 5-2 against the NFC and 12-9 vs. the AFC. No AFC division has more wins overall, more wins against the NFC, or more wins against the AFC. None of the four teams has more than one loss in the division. The divisional race is going to go down to the wire. Keep your eye on the AFC East!

 

[fgssand]

Denver and the Jets?

Oh come on....

I must go. I am losing too many brain cells here. See ya later everyone.

Face it people. The AFC is average again. The NFC is the better conference, it has been some time.

So, tell me who the other "great" teams with records over 500 have beat??

Records are what they are and facts are facts - sorry if they don't fit your pigeon hole.

It's not just the AFC, there is not a team in the NFC that scares me....all football is "average" it's parity at it's best.

 

[ICSB]

First, Sanders was always scheduled to come back this game. Addai was scheduled to come back around this time.

Second, just because they practicing doesn't neccessarily mean either will play Sunday night no matter what the Colts are saying. Last year, Harrison practiced and "might play this week" for 2 1/2 months. The same thing happened to Sanders in 2006.

I think Hayden (who was also supposed to come back this week) is probably out for this game. Same with Keiaho. I think Sanders will play. I give Addai 50-50 shot assuming the report that the NFL Network supposably reported about Addai pulling himself out is correct. I give Reggie Wayne less odds of playing, say 40-60. I think it is likely that the starters that are scratched from the line up could be worse than last wee.

Anyway Wayne said he is playing. I believe he plays, Harrison last year is the one who pulled himself out of games at times. Often the vets are the ones who decide like Manning was to start the season I heard and Saturday.. If he is limited he likely will split time with Gonzalez and you see Clark in the slot at all times.

Hayden, no idea. I hear he is playing, maybe limited or not who knows.

Sanders will for sure play.

Addai will split carries with Rhodes. Maybe Rhodes gets more carries, which likely won't hurt us actually.

In the end though the injuries for either team don't matter likely in this battle. The show must go on.

 

[ICSB]

Pat Kirwan would like to respectfully point out that you might be a little premature in your thinking here.

Impressive rookies and divisional battles among Week 9 storylines

All that says is the AFC East is more competitive than in years past. Which, is true.

Does not mean they are great teams though.

 

[fgssand]

With the loss of Brady, there's not a single "great" team in the NFL, and that includes the Titans and Giants. This notion that Cassel couldn't beat one of the NFC defenses is something that should be better answered in the Patriots/Steelers game, given that the Steelers' defense is allowing fewer points than any NFC defense other than the Buccaneers.

I agree, Steelers game will be a very good test for Matt C and the "O" lines ability to keep him off his butt.

This week should tell a lot as well, given the edge rush ability of Indy.

 

[ICSB]

With the loss of Brady, there's not a single "great" team in the NFL, and that includes the Titans and Giants. This notion that Cassel couldn't beat one of the NFC defenses is something that should be better answered in the Patriots/Steelers game, given that the Steelers' defense is allowing fewer points than any NFC defense other than the Buccaneers.

Brady himself has nothing to do with the shift IMO. The Pats even with Brady may have lost to the Dolphins and Chargers if the overall team played like they played in those games. The Giants beating the Pats reminded me of when the Pats beat the Rams to be honest.

Steelers have lost to two teams so far. The Giants and Eagles. If they lose the Skins as well that only proves my point.

 

[ICSB]

I agree, Steelers game will be a very good test for Matt C and the "O" lines ability to keep him off his butt.

This week should tell a lot as well, given the edge rush ability of Indy.

Agree. Our pass rush in this game is key. We need crowd noise and lots of action by Freeney and Mathis. I don't think the Colts will respect your running game as much as previous opponents at all.

Steelers have a horrible o line though, they have to work on that or else Ben will get hurt more.

That Steelers D can knock heads lately.

 

[jmt57]

No.

If they were going to do that with either player it would have been last week against the Titans.

You took the words right out of my mouth, or off my keyboard.
In past year's the Colts-Pats game was the most important game of the regular season, as it determined home field in the playoffs. This year is different; a division title is no longer a given so therefore games within the division are more important. The Colts-Titans game was more important to Indy, and the next three games are more important to the Pats than this game is to either the Pats or Colts this year.

Face it people. The AFC is average again. The NFC is the better conference, it has been some time.

For this year, yes, but I don't think it is going to be a prolonged shift of power like it was in the past. If San Diego wins two games they could have - should have won (Carolina and New Orleans) the non-conference won-loss record is an even 13-13. I think there's more talk about the AFC being down due to the injuries to Brady, Manning and Merriman than a monumental shift of power.

The front offices of the Colts and Patriots, and even the Steelers, have sound philosophies on how to succeed in the current NFL. I can see these teams recovering from injuries with an infusion of new talent very quickly. I would expect there to be a balance of power in the two conferences over the next few years - the Titans, Colts, Pats, Bills, and Chargers in the AFC and the Giants, Eagles, Panthers, and Packers in the NFC.

Still a lot of great football to be played, this NFL season should be very interesting and fun to watch, even if it is completely different from last year.

 

[spacecrime]

Disagree. This game is huge for the knockout punch and mentality needed to salvage the season. A lot of players with mild aches and pains who may not have played if we had a winning record will likely play.

That was last week. Last week the Colts needed a win to salvage the season and Manning played like Jeff George.

The Colts have already tanked their season and the only thing left for them is to salvage a bit of pride by beating the Pats.

That will not be enough motivation as the Colts absoutely suck this year and except for horrible fourth quarter play by the Vikes and Texans would be 1-6.

Anyone watching Manning's fluttering passes must realize that his knee is not healed.

Better luck next year.

 

[Rob0729]

Anyway Wayne said he is playing. I believe he plays, Harrison last year is the one who pulled himself out of games at times. Often the vets are the ones who decide like Manning was to start the season I heard and Saturday.. If he is limited he likely will split time with Gonzalez and you see Clark in the slot at all times.

Hayden, no idea. I hear he is playing, maybe limited or not who knows.

Sanders will for sure play.

Addai will split carries with Rhodes. Maybe Rhodes gets more carries, which likely won't hurt us actually.

In the end though the injuries for either team don't matter likely in this battle. The show must go on.

I don't believe anyone from the Colts when it comes to injuries. If you listen to the Colts, Harrison only had a knee bruise last year and Manning didn't have a second surgery. I will believe any of these guys playing when they actually take the field.

As for Hayden, it was said he was expected to play before they practiced on Wednesday. He didn't practice Thursday or Friday. When a player returning from an injury practices the first day and doesn't return the rest of the week usually means that he gave it a shot the first day of practice and realized his injury still wasn't healthy enough for him to return. I just don't see the logic of practicing him on Wednesday and sitting him Thursday and Friday if he is ready to go.

 

[Deus Irae]

Brady himself has nothing to do with the shift IMO. The Pats even with Brady may have lost to the Dolphins and Chargers if the overall team played like they played in those games. The Giants beating the Pats reminded me of when the Pats beat the Rams to be honest.

Steelers have lost to two teams so far. The Giants and Eagles. If they lose the Skins as well that only proves my point.

A few people have made this assertion about the Patriots losing with Brady, and all it takes to do it is a complete failure of memory from last year. However, the reality is that even with Cassel, the Patriots were in the Chargers game until the failure on 1st-and-goal and the subsequent letdown.

As for the Steelers having lost to 2 teams so far, so what? The Giants have lost to a team too. You may recall the Browns kicking their ass all over the field a few weeks back.