January 3rd, 2011 Monday
Monday’s Headlines
Colts Make It Back to the Dance
For the ninth consecutive season the Colts (10-6) will be making an appearance in the NFL post-season. It came down to the last game of the season and did not lack any drama as the Colts needed a last second field goal to secure the win and their place in the playoffs. Peyton Manning has endured a few struggles this season, but on Sunday he was sharp completing 27 of 41 passes for 264 yards with two touchdowns. Manning has been the focal point of the Colts offense all season passing for 4,700 yards (most of his career) with 33 touchdowns, but his 17 interceptions this season were the most since the 2002 season. Indianapolis will need the good Manning heading into the post season if they are to go deep, the same one that has thrown nine touchdowns and passed for 991 yards with just two turnovers in his last four starts. The Colts won their seventh AFC South title in eight seasons with their win on Sunday and will host the New York Jets next Saturday night.
Packers Earn Berth to Playoff
The Packers entered Sunday needing to win to earn a berth into the 2010 Post Season and behind the efforts of a strong pass rush, they did just that. A lot of analysts believe the Packers (10-6) could be a very dangerous team in the post season with the leagues 5th ranked passing offense. On Sunday however it was not the offense that led the way; behind the efforts of an aggressive and stingy defense the Packers shut down and limited to Bears offense to just three points and 230 yards. Defensive end Erik Walden (2 sacks, 10 tackles) and defensive back Charles Woodson (5 tackles, one sack) led the way for the defense, add linebacker Clay Matthews (13.5 sacks) to the mix and this could be a dangerous group that opponents will have to be concerned with in the playoffs.
Falcons Return to Form Win South
After dropping a disappointing Monday night matchup with the New Orleans Saints a week ago, the Falcons (13-3) quickly returned to form on Sunday easily dispatching the Carolina Panthers 31-10. The Falcons finished 7-1 at home this season and with the win clinched the NFC South and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. A big reason for the Falcons success this season has been the play of their third year quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan has been particularly effective at home this season; in his last five starts he has 8 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Falcons signal caller has also enjoyed a brilliant 2010 campaign setting career highs in passing yards (3,705), touchdowns (28), and passer rating (91.0). The Falcons will enjoy the bye this week and host their first home game in the post season since 2004 on Saturday, January 15th.
Rams Not Ready for Primetime
It was the first time in a very long time for the Rams to be involved in a meaningful game this late in the season and Sunday night it was clearly evident. It’s been quite the turnaround for a team that had only won one game a year ago, but with a lot of youth at some key positions it was clear their game plan was simple and conservative. The Rams took very few chances in their critical division-title-deciding matchup with the Seahawks and it the end it cost them the game. Defensively the Rams did a very good job of limiting the Seahawks and not giving up any big plays; a 61-yard pass play that set up the Seahawks only touchdown was their only big mistake. Offensively rookie quarterback Sam Bradford and running back Steven Jackson looked handcuffed all evening with a lot of short passes and safe run plays called. The Seahawks were only threatened downfield a couple of times and were able to crowd the line much of the night. The Rams generated only 221 yards of offense, 10, first downs, six points, and had to punt the ball away nine times; this will not get you to the next level. The good thing for St. Louis fans and bad news for the NFC West opoonents, the Rams are young and will only get better.
By David Ortega
For the ninth consecutive season the Colts (10-6) will be making an appearance in the NFL post-season. It came down to the last game of the season and did not lack any drama as the Colts needed a last second field goal to secure the win and their place in the playoffs. Peyton Manning has endured a few struggles this season, but on Sunday he was sharp completing 27 of 41 passes for 264 yards with two touchdowns. Manning has been the focal point of the Colts offense all season passing for 4,700 yards (most of his career) with 33 touchdowns, but his 17 interceptions this season were the most since the 2002 season. Indianapolis will need the good Manning heading into the post season if they are to go deep, the same one that has thrown nine touchdowns and passed for 991 yards with just two turnovers in his last four starts. The Colts won their seventh AFC South title in eight seasons with their win on Sunday and will host the New York Jets next Saturday night.
Packers Earn Berth to Playoff
The Packers entered Sunday needing to win to earn a berth into the 2010 Post Season and behind the efforts of a strong pass rush, they did just that. A lot of analysts believe the Packers (10-6) could be a very dangerous team in the post season with the leagues 5th ranked passing offense. On Sunday however it was not the offense that led the way; behind the efforts of an aggressive and stingy defense the Packers shut down and limited to Bears offense to just three points and 230 yards. Defensive end Erik Walden (2 sacks, 10 tackles) and defensive back Charles Woodson (5 tackles, one sack) led the way for the defense, add linebacker Clay Matthews (13.5 sacks) to the mix and this could be a dangerous group that opponents will have to be concerned with in the playoffs.
Falcons Return to Form Win South
After dropping a disappointing Monday night matchup with the New Orleans Saints a week ago, the Falcons (13-3) quickly returned to form on Sunday easily dispatching the Carolina Panthers 31-10. The Falcons finished 7-1 at home this season and with the win clinched the NFC South and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. A big reason for the Falcons success this season has been the play of their third year quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan has been particularly effective at home this season; in his last five starts he has 8 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Falcons signal caller has also enjoyed a brilliant 2010 campaign setting career highs in passing yards (3,705), touchdowns (28), and passer rating (91.0). The Falcons will enjoy the bye this week and host their first home game in the post season since 2004 on Saturday, January 15th.
Rams Not Ready for Primetime
It was the first time in a very long time for the Rams to be involved in a meaningful game this late in the season and Sunday night it was clearly evident. It’s been quite the turnaround for a team that had only won one game a year ago, but with a lot of youth at some key positions it was clear their game plan was simple and conservative. The Rams took very few chances in their critical division-title-deciding matchup with the Seahawks and it the end it cost them the game. Defensively the Rams did a very good job of limiting the Seahawks and not giving up any big plays; a 61-yard pass play that set up the Seahawks only touchdown was their only big mistake. Offensively rookie quarterback Sam Bradford and running back Steven Jackson looked handcuffed all evening with a lot of short passes and safe run plays called. The Seahawks were only threatened downfield a couple of times and were able to crowd the line much of the night. The Rams generated only 221 yards of offense, 10, first downs, six points, and had to punt the ball away nine times; this will not get you to the next level. The good thing for St. Louis fans and bad news for the NFC West opoonents, the Rams are young and will only get better.
By David Ortega
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