The best chance for the Cleveland Browns to make the postseason this year will have to stem from several quick strikes from Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning from anywhere between one series and one half. Today, the IndyStar had some reports/rumors as to how the Colts will play this Sunday:
Marvin Harrison May Dictate Manning's Time:
This is definitely the biggest factor of all. It wouldn't be ideal for Harrison to have his first live game action since the beginning of the season come in the postseason. Also, I'd doubt that Harrison and Manning would be able to accomplish everything they'd want to accomplish in just one series.
Joseph Addai May Not be Worth Playing:
I don't expect Addai to play, quite simply because they have already given backup running back Kenton Keith enough snaps this season to the point where he is well acclimated with how things are run. On top of that, the Colts know that the Titans can stop the run very well with Albert Haynesworth anchoring the line and could be more apt to taking quick strikes down the field. After all -- the chemistry the Colts would be worried about losing would involve their passing game, not their running game.
Rookie Anthony Gonzalez to Stay Hot:
The more the merrier if Gonzalez looks "ok" in practice this week. Obviously not having Utecht play is a negative, but better him than Dallas Clark.
Antoine Bethea and Robert Mathis (Two Series):
Neither Bethea nor Mathis have played since Week 14. 15 plays would equate to either one very long drive, or two average-length drives. Bethea has four interceptions this season and Mathis is the Colts' best pass rusher with Dwight Freeney out for the season. Having either of these guys available for the start of the game could be key in giving the Colts a larger cushion before the backups come in.
0 recs | 7 comments
Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything
I hate to say it, but I think our season might be over. I hope the Titans get blown out in round one.Lets go Jags.
Estonianzulu - December 24, 2007
Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything
C'mon, the Titans aren't that good, are they? Even a half-assed Colts team should be able to handily dispatch that flash-in-the-pan Vince Young and those carpet-bagging former Oilers.Turkmenbashi - December 24, 2007
Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything
That's absolutely right. People think that just because the Colts will play their backups early that the Titans are an automatic win. However, Tennessee is far from flawless on offense; in fact, I'd consider them one of the worst offenses in the NFL.And, it's not like the Colts' backups are going to mercifully give up points...the backups want to win. However, since the Titans' defense is solid up front, the Colts' backups on offense may have a hard time scoring.
Which, again, is why it's critical that Manning put up points when he's in.
Chris Pokorny - December 25, 2007
Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything
Well, let's see. A playoff team wins at least one of these road games....at Oakland
at Pittsburgh (had 15 point lead)
at Arizona
at Cincinnati (knowing playoff birth on the line)
Same ol Browns. I'm sick of it.
arnie019 - December 25, 2007
Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything
I would hardly say this Browns team is "same old." If they don't make the playoffs at 10-6 I'll still be more than happy considering we were releasing our starting QB after week 1.gentryholdem - December 25, 2007
Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything
If Tenn wins on Sunday than a playoff team will have won none of those games. Wouldn't that just ruin your day.Brad D - December 25, 2007
Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything
Gonzalez wants to play because he was a Browns fan growing upRoger Dorn - December 25, 2007
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