SB Nation User Blog: shake n bake

Random 11/10 Open Thread is Random

shake n bake — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:38:48 -0000

We need to get the LOLcats out of the Colts discussion threads, but obviously I don't want to take away you all's LOLcats and random chatter. So let's get it in an appropriate place

LOLcat away

Colts-Patriots matchup of AFC's best

shake n bake — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:28:27 -0000

Colts-Patriots matchup of AFC's best

DVOA ratings are out. I'll review them in-depth tomorrow along with Advanced NFL Stats ratings, and I'll have a FO heavy comparison of the Colts and Pats out before gameday. Until then, here's FO's data.

AFC Standings

shake n bake — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:54:37 -0000

AFC Standings

AFC SOUTH
1. Colts 8-0
2. Texans 5-4
3. Jags 4-4
4. Titans 2-6

AFC
1. Colts 8-0
2. Broncos 6-2
3. Patriots 6-2
4. Bengals 6-2
5. Steelers 6-2
6. Chargers 5-3

7. Texans 5-4
8. Ravens 4-4
9. Jets 4-4
10. Jaguars 4-4

Week 9 MNF second half Open Thread

shake n bake — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:25:05 -0000

The Steelers lead 14-10 5 minutes into the 3rd quarter. You know what that means...

Go Steelers and hopefully this thread will have less disturbing random pics.

Week 9: MNF open thread

shake n bake — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:07:58 -0000

Broncos-Steelers, two likely AFC contenders. Personally I'll be rooting for the Steelers to give the Colts a 2 game lead on the rest of the AFC, and because Smire-Time Hines Wald and HARF HARF Ben are two of my all time favorite characters in any medium.

Even more interesting is the battle for the leagues drunkest, beardedest, quarterback in the league.

vs.

Recap Week Nine: Colts 20 - Texans 17

shake n bake — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:04:52 -0000

More photos » by Tom Strattman - AP

Clark is on pace for the greatest TE season in NFL history, and before a reader e-mailed me I didn't even know it. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman)

Browse more photos »

A week after the 49ers contained the Colts offense by refusing to show their alignment or tip their scheme until the final seconds of the play clock the Colts countered, with their opening drive coming at a frantic pace running 9 plays in barely over 2 minutes to move from their 20 to the edge of field goal range.

The Colts D came out strong holding the Texans to 7 yards with a turnover on 3 drives in the first quarter and not allowing a first down until midway through the 2nd quarter. Unfortunately the Colts offense, despite crossing the Texans 40 on each of their 6 1st half drives they only converted it into 13 points (Downs, TD, FG, FG, Punt, INT).

After dominating the Texans O for a quarter and a half the tables were flipped with the Texans mounting three 80+ yard drives in addition to knocking in a field goal before the half to score 17 unanswered (which would have likely been 24 if not for Powers' heady fumble recovery for a touchback). At the same time the Colts O went 3 and out, and ended a promising drive with a Reggie Wayne interception on a terribly called and even more disastrously executed trick play (on which Pierre Garcon picked up his requisite penalty a game, again for OPI which was declined as he was unable to prevent the pick).

With the Colts trailing in the 4th quarter again both units stepped back up, with the D forcing a 3 and out despite having been on the field for 13 of the 17 minutes elapsed in the 2nd half and the O launching a 61 yard TD drive to retake the lead with 7 minutes to play.

Gary Brackett's pressure forced what should have been the game ending pick to Clint Session giving the ball over to the Colts with 2:13 left in the game. After a 2 yard run on 1st down, Ryan Diem committed a false start putting the Colts into a passing situation where Peyton was stripped of the football while stepping up in the pocket. Ryan Diem saved the game he had almost cost the team by falling on the fumble. Addai's 13 yard 3rd down run wasn't enough and the Colts punted away having drained just 24 seconds from the clock (but having forced the Texans final 2 timeouts).

Soft zone and a miraculous scramble and dumpoff from Schaub to Slaton allowed the Texans to move down to the Colts 24 yardline with 1 second remaining to kick the fieldgoal. Kicking for overtime Kris Brown's 42 yarder was just left and the Colts came away with the victory.

The Colts gameplan was very pass heavy early with 25 dropbacks in the first quarter, 16 in the second. Peyton Manning finished with 50 pass attempts, with 55 pass plays being called (50+ 3 sacks, a Peyton scramble and the Wayne pass). The main beneficiary of the pass heavy tilt was Dallas Clark who caught 14 of 16 official targets for 119 yards plus a defensive holding call and a personal foul for a forearm to the head on an additional 2 passes thrown his way. He also took an end around for 4 yards. Clark is now on pace to 120 receptions and 1,406 receiving yards, both of which would smash the previous records of 102 receptions held by Tony Gonzalez and 1,290 yards by Kellen Winslow (Senior, not his punk son).

The other big offensive mover was Joseph Addai with 14 rushes for 63 yards (4.5 YPC) and a TD along with 5 receptions for 49 yards and a TD receiving. As BBS talked about this morning the Colts running game has shown improvement over the last 3 games.

Not converting yardage into points well the last two games is concerning, but it's a much easier fix than not being able to get into scoring position consistently. The return of Donald Brown, allowing a more run heavy gameplan without risking breaking Addai, and of Anthony Gonzalez giving a boost from the inconsistent Garcon (or possibly injured Austin Collie) should go a long way to fix the Colts recent red zone hiccups.

The Colts now hold a 3.5 game lead in the AFC South (with a 3-0 divisional record that makes them likely to take tiebreakers in the division) and could gain a 2 game lead on the entire AFC with a Steelers victory tonight. It's still a bit early for playoff talk but the Colts could clinch a 8th straight winning season with a win in PATRIOTS WEEK.

Let the rivalry hype begin

Chiefs to release Larry Johnson

shake n bake — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:54:42 -0000

Chiefs to release Larry Johnson

Johnson will hit waivers (unlikely he's claimed according to Schefter) before becoming a free agent.

Todd Haley is not a man to cross apparently (and obviously Larry Johnson is a moron).

The Colts week 10 opponent, The Patriots, have been rumored to be a landing point for the disgruntled back.

Week 9: Sunday Night Open Thread #3

shake n bake — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:49:00 -0000

Eagles lead the Cowboys 13 to 10.

West coasters, Diehards and Night Owls, this is your open thread.

Week 9: Sunday Night Football, Open Thread #2

shake n bake — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:13:31 -0000

More photos » by Tom Strattman - AP

Peyton Manning scrambling. Possibly even more awkward looking that you'd imagine. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman)

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The Cowboys lead the Eagles 7-0 after one quarter. Talk about the game, the last few games, or (more likely) just random vaguely football related stuff.

Today's Scores

Colts 20, Texans 17
Falcons 31, Redskins 17
Cardinals 41, Bears 21
Bengals 17, Ravens 7
Jaguars 24, Chiefs 21
Patriots 27, Dolphins 17
Bucs 38, Packers 28
Saints 30, Panthers 20
Seahawks 32, Lions 20
Chargers 21, Giants 20
Titans 34, Niners 27

Week Nine Sunday Night- Open Thread

shake n bake — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:57 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

Tim Jennings celebrates the Colts win seconds after the Kris Brown missed FG (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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The late games are wrapping up and within a score late in the 4th quarter.

Saints up 3 on the Panthers
Seahawks leading the Lions by 5 after a major comeback
Giants up on the Chargers by 6 at the 2 minute drill
Titans leading the Niners by 4.

Your Sunday night game is Dallas-Philly.

Go Eagles (but not McNabb or DJax)

[UPDATE]: Philip Rivers just sent the Giants to 5-4, throwing a TD pass to Vincent Jackson with just 15 seconds left. -bbs