The Frozen Tundra Awaits
The Pack, the cold, and 60 minutes stand between the Colts and win #8
written by Stephen Conway

The Colts will run onto the field that Lombardi built this week with a renewed sense of purpose. Coming off a tough and hard fought victory over the New York Jets, they stand a single game away from first place in the AFC East. While the Jets did mount a significant comeback in the second half of the game, the Colts' effort was much improved from the debacle in Chicago.  The offense failed to put the game away, but the defense stayed disciplined and stopped the Jets cold on four successive downs. 

Memories in the NFL, however, are all short term. It's time to build upon that  performance with an even better one this week.  More to the point, when oh when will the men in blue learn how to deliver the knock out punch, to go for the jugular, to [insert tired sports cliché of your choice here]? The Colts themselves are their most difficult opponent. Eliminate careless mistakes, especially when the team carves out a substantial lead, and the game will not be decided on the final play. No more nail biters! Yes, the other team is paid to play and they can and will make plays, but the Colts have shown time and again that they still lack the relentless aggression needed to put teams away. 

The Packers have had their own struggles with inconsistency and injury this season, but they remain a dangerous and talented foe. Early reports indicated that 3 time league MVP Brett Favre might miss this week's game with a broken foot. This would end his record setting streak of 135 consecutive starts. This has been the line in the past, though, and the resilient Favre has come back to start the next week. The Colts must enter this week's preparation assuming that they will face Favre and his special brand of impromptu magic.

With two division games versus first place Miami, the Colt's are still masters of their own destiny. Win in Green Bay and the Colts will have the chance to play the Dolphins next week to share the division lead. I'm not suggesting they will look past the Pack to the Miami game. Instead, I think it will provide the Colts with added incentive to return home with another win.

Matchups
Breakdowns of the key matchups on offense, defense, and special teams.

Game Prediction
Though in recent games the Packers impressive home record has been tarnished, beating Brett Favre in Green Bay has always been an intimidating prospect for ANY team. With the absence of a potent running game and a defense that has been lackluster at best, much of the pressure for the Pack falls squarely on Favre's shoulders.  The question will be, can the Packers keep up with the high scoring Colts? Look for the Colts to exploit the injury depleted Packers defense early and often with the no huddle. Defensively, if we can contain the running attack and limit Favre's opportunity to improvise, the Colts should hold their own.  

Of course all of this applies if we're playing in a nice warm Dome. No such luck. The X-factor in this game is the weather. The Colts' offense has struggled in cold climes in recent years (Buffalo at Buffalo and Cleveland at Cleveland last year). It's November and it's Lambeau Field, so this could be a HUGE factor. The Packers are certainly better equipped to deal with adverse field conditions. Let's just hope that doesn't tip the balance in their favor.

Score: Colts 24  Packers 17

Next Opponent
Green Bay Packers
11/19/2000

when: 1:00
where: Lambeau Field
TV: FOX

Team Record
7-3

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