Somebody has to slow Dumervil, who leads the NFL in sacks (15) and could tie the team record by nailing Peyton Manning. Colts left tackle Charlie Johnson returned to practice and, presumably, health this week after sitting out the Tennessee game. Tony Ugoh played well in Johnson’s place last week. Look for Joseph Addai and Dallas Clark to have some additional pass-blocking duties to try to contain Dumervil. Stopping him completely might be impossible, as he attacks from all angles.

Edge: Dumervil

Colts LB Clint Session vs. Broncos RBs Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno

The Broncos will run the football, first and foremost. Buckhalter ranks third in the NFL in yards per carry (5.4) and Moreno leads all rookie backs with 744 yards rushing. Session is having his breakout season, averaging 11.7 tackles per game over the last five weeks after being moved to weak-side linebacker. Session credits the defensive front with slowing things up and allowing him to roam free. It’s definitely working.

Edge: Session

Colts WR Reggie Wayne vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey

The matchups don’t get much more classic than this between two players who have ranked among the best in their positions the last few years. Wayne’s numbers have been modest the last few weeks as teams have focused on covering him – allowing Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie to deliver some big catches in single coverage. However, when Manning needs a critical first down, he often looks to Wayne. Somehow, despite the attention, Wayne finds the seam in defenses for the quick catch.

Edge: Wayne

Colts QB Peyton Manning vs. Broncos secondary

Manning has his work cut out for him this week, not only with Bailey, but also with his longtime nemesis, backup cornerback Ty Law, who has made a second career out of picking off Manning passes. Law is no longer in his prime, but he knows Manning’s tendencies better than any defensive back in the league. Cornerback Andre Goodman and safeties Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill help make Denver’s secondary one of the best in the league. Manning relishes the challenge, however.

Edge: Manning

Colts coach Jim Caldwell vs. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels

It’s a battle of the rookies, as the older, presumably wiser Caldwell matches wits with the younger, brasher McDaniels. They’ve been in the battles before when Caldwell was an assistant with the Colts and McDaniels was with the Patriots. Caldwell reflects the calm, calculated, controlled approach of the Colts as a franchise. They stay focused in the moment. McDaniels tends to be more emotional, more excitable and perhaps a little more of a gambler. Then again, one guy has Manning, one doesn’t.

Edge: Caldwell

The pick: Colts 28, Broncos 24

by Reggie Hayes

Tagged with: Breakout Season • Brian Dawkins • Champ Bailey • Charlie Johnson • Clint Session • Colts Qb • Correll Buckhalter • Dallas Clark • Joseph Addai • Knowshon Moreno • Longtime Nemesis • Peyton Manning • Pierre Garcon • Qb Peyton • Reggie Wayne • Renaldo Hill • Session Credits • Tennessee Game • Tony Ugoh • Ty Law

Filed under: NFL

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!

Possibly related posts