The thing I hate most about the bye week in the NFL is the week before the Packers have a bye. Lose and you suck for two weeks, win and everybody is in a great mood for two weeks. At first glance it would appear that the Packers would have a hard time generating that good mood for two weeks because of the opponent they face Sunday. The Indianapolis Colts all of a sudden “found their stride” while beating the lowly Baltimore Ravens for their first win their new stadium and third overall. This after overcoming a 17 point deficit in the final five minutes at Houston the previous week.
Like the Packers, the Colts have beat a bunch of sissies in the Vikings, Texans and Ravens. Pretty much the same as the Packers’ trio of Vikings, Lions and Seahawks. The Colts and Packers are very similar to each other this season. Both have been hit with injuries and both have gotten off to slow starts as a consequence. Both teams have no problem passing the ball, the Colts are seventh in the NFL and the Packers tenth, both struggle running the ball, the Packers are 21rst and the Colts are dead last at 32nd.
On paper this game is dead even, the Packers are 20th on defense and the Colts 21rst, the Packers are 14th on offense and the Colts are 17th. It is hard to even pick a paper champion in this game. The Colts are the exact opposite of what the Packers faced last week in Seattle. The Colts can pass the ball but simply cannot run it. On paper, this plays right into the Packers’ hands. You would think the Packers defense would be able to stop the Colts running game. Of course the Colts are looking at the Packers and thinking this might be the week they can finally get some yardage on the ground. To me, this is where the game will indeed be won.
I think Aaron Rodgers will be able to keep pace with Peyton Manning in a shootout if it comes to that. I doubt either defense will be able to really stop the other. However, if the Packers can muster just enough of a running game to keep the chains moving a few times and keep Manning off the field, things would be much easier. Ryan Grant appears to be healthy, carrying the ball 33 times against the Seahawks, so all we need now is that breakout game he had so many times last year. Sunday would be great time for Grant to have his first 100-yard rushing game this year.
I guess I am nervously confident the Packers will prevail. Going to come out with the early prediction and say 27-24 Pack. Can’t wait to take me seat.