Ever since last week, the Clan has sounded like we were getting dressed for a funeral on Monday night. Then, a few threads started popping up here and there about how the Colts were in for a fight. (thanks rambruce, GC, Rambos, RW and others!)
This morning, I jumped into my Sunday clothes (Bulger Jersey and old comfortable pants), poured myself a cup of nuclear coffee (one-half step below expresso) into my Rams mug, and opened up the Clan home page.
First thing I see:
Powerful Rams' offense will reveal the real Colts' defense
A few minutes later, I go to NFL.com. (I know, I must be a masochist....) I read this:
ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-3) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (5-0) (Monday, ABC, 9 p.m. ET)
Storyline: Harrison vs. Holt.
Let the fireworks begin! It's high-scoring offenses with outstanding passers (the Rams'
Marc Bulger and Colts' Peyton Manning) and two of the top three receivers in 100-yard games since 1999 (Indy's Marvin Harrison and St. Louis'
Torry Holt).
Harrison leads the league with 44 such games since '99 (Holt's first year). Next comes Oakland's Randy Moss (40), and then Holt (36). In the only other meeting between the two, Holt had a career yardage day with 203 yards (and two TDs) on December 30, 2001 in St. Louis. Harrison was "held" to 96 yards.
Outstanding stat: The Rams -- now led by interim head coach Joe Vitt -- lead the league in "big plays," those of 10 yards or more:
Big plays -- 2005 (10 Yards or More)
St. Louis 95
Arizona 88
Seattle 76
Philadelphia 75
Cincinnati 72
Then I click on another link....and read this:
"The Colts are overrated. Yes, I said it. Overrated! Their usually explosive offense has been seriously limited in the past few games, but more importantly, their supposedly awesome defense hasn't faced a potent offense yet this season. These guys are good, but not THAT great. I seriously think the Rams are going to put some things into perspective in a high scoring game on Monday night."
-- Justin Ngai, New Zealand
"We hear so much about the Colts defense this year. The last time I checked, four of five games this season were against Baltimore, Jacksonville, Cleveland and San Francisco -- all ranked 31st, 22nd, 23rd and 25th, respectively in points per game. So I ask myself, 'is the Colts "D" really that good?' No. It has been fortunate to have an easy schedule against some of the weakest offenses to start the season."
-- Brian Kerns, Baltimore, Md.
And, finally, this:
Adam Schefter's "Around the League" reports and commentaries can be seen regularly on NFL Total Access.
(Oct. 11, 2005) -- Don't look now, but the Colts have been more than the NFL's best defense this season. They've been one of the best defenses the NFL ever has seen after five games.
This season, the Colts have surrendered 29 points -- that's 5.8 per game. Compare that to some of the best defenses of all time.
The 1985 Bears, through five games, surrendered 88 points.
The 2000 Ravens, through five games, surrendered 55 points.
Granted, the Colts haven't played teams anything like the 1982 Chargers. Look at the offenses they've faced -- the Ravens, Jaguars, Browns, Titans and *****.
But we'll get an idea Oct. 17 of exactly how this Colts defense stacks up. Indianapolis will get the high-powered St. Louis offensive attack at home on Monday Night Football.
I know I haven't yet had my usual pot of coffee yet, but it looks to me like the Colts are not quite as tough as they thinnk they are....and our Rams might be able to put up one heck of a fight, and maybe even pull off an upset come Monday.
Naysayers: You guys remind me of the episode of South Park where Stan (I think...or Kyle) started hanging around with the Goth kids....all gloom and doom. Well, I won't guarantee it, but after the 4th quarter on Monday, you guys might just be smiling...
Linear Mode
