Indianapolis Colts (3-2) @ Green Bay Packers (3-3)
By djlombardi
Sorry it’s been a while. I was on vacation last weekend and a miscommunication deprived all of my loyal readers a synopsis of the Packers 27-17 win against the Seattle Seahawks. This week the Packers face a much stiffer opponent in the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts 3-2 record is rather deceptive, and they have a momentum coming off of a 31-3 thrashing of the Baltimore Ravens. The Packers need to use the momentum from the Seattle game and parlay it into a great performance against the Colts.
Matchups To Watch
Colts Wide Receivers vs. Packers Defensive Backs
The Packers defensive backfield has been shaken up in recent weeks while Marvin Harrison has shown he is back, totally owning up on Chris McAlister in last week’s game. Charles Woodson better leave his McAlister-impression at home. Reggie Wayne is in the league’s top three receivers on any given week, while Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark are dangerous out of the slot. Basically any wide receiver or tight end put out their by the Colts can easily be hit by Peyton Manning and should be considered dangerous. Atari Bigby is doubtful for the Packers while Woodson and rookie Pat Lee are listed as probable. They will need to be on top of their game to shut down this potent passing attack.
Packers Defensive Line vs. Colts Offensive Line
One of the best ways to get to Manning is to knock him around and harass him to force him to not get the ball if when he wants to. Baltimore could not get to him last week and he was given all day, so it is imperative that he does not get all day to stand around. This gets harder for the Packers, as Cullen Jenkins is done for the year, Jason Hunter is doubtful, Michael Montgomery is doubtful, and Ryan Pickett is questionable. This leaves it up to Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila to put the squeeze on Manning. And even then, KGB is not the sure thing he once was.
Packers Offensive Line vs. Colts Defense
Aaron Rodgers isn’t Joe Flacco, but the Packers need to keep Rodgers upright for good to happen. Rodgers will need time to get the ball to Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, but he can’t do that with Dwight Freeney in his face. He needs to be standing for the Packers to win.
My player to watch is rookie wide receiver Jordy Nelson. The Colts secondary is mildly banged up and James Jones is listed as doubtful for the game, giving the rookie from Kansas State a chance to shine.
The Verdict: Colts 27, Packers 24