Panic time for the Colts?
The Cowboys have tightened their hold over the NFC East in the last two weeks, with convincing road victories over two tough division opponents.
The Packers have kept pace, and are further validating themselves as contenders.
As we all know, the Patriots are 9-0.
As for the defending Super Bowl champions? Well, they’re looking a little…average.
After a 10-point lead disappeared in the final ten minutes of a 24-20 loss last week against New England, Peyton Manning had the worst game of his career, and Adam Vinatieri missed a seemingly routine chip shot late in the game, as Indianapolis fell 23-21 at San Diego to drop their second game in a row.
Give a lot of credit to San Diego for putting together a strong defensive performance after getting embarrassed by Adrian Peterson last Sunday. After allowing an NFL-record 296 yards to the rookie, the Chargers defense limited Joseph Addai to only 56 yards on 22 carries.
Even more impressive was the fact that they not only slowed Peyton Manning down, but they forced him into a half that he won’t soon forget.
If you ever thought Manning couldn’t throw six interceptions in one game, well, he‘s as human as the Minnesota Vikings‘ quarterbacks. At many times in the last couple of games, he has looked ‘normal’ or even less than that, when we’re so used to seeing him be at the top of his game. True enough, his numbers haven’t been what we’re used to seeing, while Tom Brady, Tony Romo, and Brett Favre are tearing it up statistically, but he’s still been efficient, at the least - until recently
Inevitably, he composed himself and rallied his team, playing as Peyton Manning should, giving his team a chance to win, but Vinatieri, who’s routinely drilled long field goals to win games throughout his career, missed a 29-yard kick to ruin the Colts’ chance for the win.
Right now, you have to wonder how Marvin Harrison feels. Helpless might be the first word that comes to mind.
While his team has not been at their best in the last few weeks, Harrison has been unable to play, just when his team could use his steady, consistent production, and more than anything, his presence. And along with his, Dallas Clark and rookie receiver Anthony Gonzalez are both dealing with injuries.
Nothing against Craphonso Thorpe, Aaron Moorhead, and Bryan Fletcher, but without those three targets, that offense lacks a little pop.
It’s a little strange that, now that the defense is actually playing well, that the offense is the unit having its struggles.
But, if there’s a team that knows how to get it together at the right time, it’s the Colts.
And with the Jaguars and Titans both breathing down their necks in the AFC South, and ready to pounce on any opening that Indy might give them, that time is now.