The Manning Bowl II

New York Giants @ Indianapolis Colts Preview

This is the match-up that we always look forward to, as brothers Eli and Peyton Manning prepare to face one another on the football field. There is a whole lot more to this game than just the brotherly rivalry, for instance the Colts are looking to dodge an 0-2 start since the 1998 season, something the Colts are definitely not used to as they lost to the Texans in week 1, but Peyton definitely put on a show passing for over 400 yards and throwing 3 touchdowns. The Giants are looking to go 2-0 on the heels of a big win against the Carolina Panthers last weekend, Eli found himself with a sub par performance, he did connect for 3 touchdown passes but he was also picked off a couple of times. The Giants strength has always been their running attack, this year with Jacobs and Bradshaw it looks to be no different. For the Colts it has and always will be the passing game, when you have #18 at quarterback you know he can do special things through the air, but in order to see success this season they must develop an average running game.

Keys to the game:

Colts defense vs. Giants running game

Coming off the horrible performance last game against the Texans where they gave up 231 yards (against just one back) they are looking to prove that they are a solid defense. The Giants will look at last week and try to pound the ball inside and out, establishing Jacobs up the middle and Bradshaw on the outside. It will be a battle to see who can outlast the other.

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Key Match-ups:

Peyton Manning vs. Eli Manning

This one is not about the stats it is about the one who can manage and lead his team the best on Sunday. The obvious choice would be Peyton, but I believe that Eli will be up for this game and it will be a lot closer than some feel. In order for Eli to shine he must not make early mistakes that put his team in the hole where they are battling from behind. Fact is Peyton will be Peyton on Sunday; he will run his team like clockwork; the question will be can the defense just contain the powerful Colts offense.

Players to watch:

Joseph Addai for Indianapolis

Brandon Jacobs for New York

For Joseph Addai he must get going to make the play action effective in this game. Addai is looking to have a big game as it has been a while since he has had any type of significant rushing yardage in a game. He will be the key to giving Manning time to complete the deep balls, if they can’t set up a solid running game the defense will pin their ears back and have a heavy rush every down.

For Brandon Jacobs he must put to use the battering ram running style he has to make way for Bradshaw to come in and try to out run the defense. As we know the Colts have a very fast defense but they have to deal with Jacobs for any amount of time they could tire and wear down. Jacobs will also be key on the play action pass for Eli to have time against the speedy defense.

This should be an amazing game that is why they have it in primetime on Sunday night, the Manning’s will definitely shine on Sunday night, and I look for Peyton and the Colts to edge out Eli and the Giants. The Colts and Manning should pick apart the Giants defense passing wise the only question will be the running of Addai and Brown, if they find their lanes and gain significant yards it will be a long night for the Giants.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer