Game of the Day Sunday, November 24, 2002
Colts vs. Broncos
By Dean Myers
In a battle of first-place teams, the Colts visit the Mile High City for an AFC showdown with the Broncos on national television in the Sunday night game.
Indianapolis (6-4 SU, 3-7 ATS) has managed to wiggle its way to the top of the AFC South for a first place tie with the resurgent Tennessee Titans. Indy won its last two games straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS), including an impressive 35-13 pounding of the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia.
The Colts' defense has bucked their porous past and performed well for them this season, especially when it comes to stopping the opponent's passing game. The defense is allowing only 168.5 yards per game in the air, which is the NFL's second-best mark.
Indianapolis' offense has relied heavily on its Peyton Manning led aerial attack, which is averaging 258.2 yards per game. That's good enough for fourth in the NFL. Manning has taken every snap for the Colts this season, throwing for 2,695 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on his resume.
Tonight, Manning and company face an extremely quick and athletic defense in Denver. The Broncos defense ranks second overall in total yardage (274.4) and first in the league against the run, allowing a miserly 68.1 yards per game on the ground.
Denver (7-3 SU, 5-4-1 ATS) is in a dogfight in the AFC West and cannot afford to slip up at home, with the likes of the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders lurking.
The Broncos will have to do without the services of starting pivot Brian Griese, who is out with an injured knee. Backup Steve Beuerlein was perfect in replacing him last weekend, as he completed an astounding 100 percent of his passes, including two touchdowns and no picks. He now sports a QB rating of 137.50.
Against a strong Colts' pass defense however, the Broncos offense will focus on their strong ground game. Running backs Clinton Portis and fullback Mike Anderson have combined for over 1000 rushing yards already this season, including seven touchdown rushes.
If Beuerlein uses his experience and keeps mistakes to a minimum, Denver's west coast offense should do the job.