Just in the Vick of time…not if the Colts have anything to say about it Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles Game Preview

For Indianapolis the injury bug has played a big key in knocking out many offensive starters, well just starter’s period on offense and defense but it has not stopped Indy’s winning ways. On Monday night the Colts welcomed the Texans in to town and were able to pull out a huge divisional win and they continue to gain momentum. Peyton Manning has been on top of his game continuing to be a strong and steady leader no matter the difficulties that face the Colts. Reggie Wayne is the constant in the offense for the Colts as he has been able to be Manning’s Mr. Reliable, with injuries hitting Dallas Clark and Austin Collie, Wayne has been the go to guy in a strong passing attack. The Colts understand that going into Philadelphia is no easy task but with Manning at quarterback and the way the defense is motivated it will be a fight in Philly. For the Eagles injuries have also plagued the team from injuries to Michael Vick, who is expected to play, to DeSean Jackson the Eagles have found it tough sledding in the NFC. There is no doubt that with Vick in the lineup it makes it more difficult to prepare because he can do it all as a quarterback run and pass all over the field. As we know DeSean Jackson passed the concussion test that is given to all players coming off any type of concussion but only time will tell if he is ready to go on Sunday. No doubt this is a big game for both teams as each are looking to ride the momentum and build off of it.

Key match-ups:

Michael Vick vs. Freeney and Mathis

Colt Receivers vs. Eagles secondary

As we all know Vick is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy, the question is how much can he be hit? We know that he likes to run but will he be gun shy with his injuries, I think not he has played all out and will continue to play all out no matter his injuries but he must be aware of the speed of the Indianapolis defense. Freeney and Mathis will be chasing Vick all afternoon, coming off a big night on Monday against the Texans, they will be looking to track down Vick and make big plays and create turnovers. The key will be decision making, if the ends can make Vick rush his decisions and make bad throws it will be a long day for number 7 and if the Eagles get behind look for the rush to be fast and furious.

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Indy’s receiving corps is not the traditional set that we have seen from last season, but they are still good. With Wayne and Garcon on the corners they have the deep threat and the steady play maker, the big change is with Jacob Tamme at tight end but Tamme proved on Monday that he can be a reliable source for Peyton Manning and the offense. The Eagles will be looking to force turnovers but the corners must not underestimate the receivers of the Colts if they do Manning will make them pay. To help the secondary the Eagle offense must score early and often, this will help create more passing situations and more opportunities to create turnovers.

Keys to the game:

Michael Vick decision making

Colts receivers’ consistency

For Vick playing all out will not be the question, the question will be will he make good decisions that will not hurt his team? Vick has been known to throw a few interceptions when forced to pass the ball, and that is what the Colts will be looking to make happen. Vick must be smart with the ball, he must know when to run and when to pass, if he doesn’t force the ball he could have a good afternoon.

In the game with Houston early on the receivers for the Colts dropped a couple of easy receptions that cannot happen on Sunday, they must be consistent. That will be the key for the Indy offense on Sunday; if they are consistent they will set up the rushing attack which in turn will open up more opportunities for those receivers.

Prediction:

For the Eagles Vick must play at his best and his decisions must be top notch, look for McCoy at running back to have a big game rushing and receiving against Indy, I believe that the defense for Indy is playing well and that will be the difference in this game. Indianapolis has been riding high and it seems that even though injuries have hit that Manning is still Manning and he is still the best in the game at preparation. If he can prepare himself and his team for the Eagles they will win by double digits.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer