Michael Vic played liked his did before he injured his ribs. He was awesome. This was probably his best performance because it came against one of the fastest defense lines and linebackers in the league. Although the Colts do play faster on their faux turf at home. They are still plenty fast on grass. Vic made them look slow at times. Vic spun out of several sack situations for most mortals and his forty yard run reminded people he can still be the human joy stick when he has too. Vic also showed arm strength with his a flick or his wrist and touch. His fifty yard laser strike to DeSean Jackson from his own end zone with a thing of beauty. He couldn't have handed it to him better than that. Vic also did not turn the ball over which is huge against a team that creates turnovers by nature. Vic would be the NFL's most valuable player halfway through the season, even with the missed games.
Vic's effort alone was not the reason the Eagles won. Their much maligned defense pressured Manning sacking him three times, which is rare. They forced two interceptions which also is rare. They even confused him with changing their blitz look and making him audible into running plays that was stuffed. That never happens. Their defense gave up yards but tackled well and limited the run after catch yards. They even overcame a couple of suspect penalties. The shoulder hit that safety Kurt Coleman made on Colt receiver Austin Collie which knocked Collie out was about as textbook as you can get, yet was ruled a personal foul. It should have been a no call and actually a fumble. Coleman should appeal the upcoming fine. Also Trent Coles hit on Manning on 4th and eighteen. I know that you can't hit the quarterback in head, especially Payton Manning, but Cole was going for the ball, missed and glazed Manning's head. Manning was about to go down anyway and the game would have been over at that point. The Eagle defense hasn't played this well since Jim Johnson was their defensive coordinator.
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Oakland over Kansas City. Jason Campbell was fantastic in the fourth quarter after being held in the check for most of the game. Before this year that would have been an automatic loss for the Raiders, but Campbell came through. His biggest and best pass was the fourth down throw to Jacoby Ford who made a better catch by basically taking the ball from the Chief defensive back. Ford's kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half ignited the Raiders and the Raider crowd got them back into the game. Ford has defiantly earned more playing time. The Chiefs played well for most the game, but could not apply the knockout blow. They are very young and will learn from this loss. The rematch in Kansas City will tell who wins the division.
New York Jets edging Detroit. Nick Folk game tying and game winning kicks were clutch but Mark Sanchez willed the Jets to victory. Another tough loss for the Lions who play hard each week but can't seem to close. They are an amazing 7-1 versus the point spread.
San Diego edging Houston. Phillip Rivers has to be the most underrated quarterback in the league. He won without all his top receivers. The Chargers are making their midseason push again. The Texans are cursed to be 8-8 again.
Baltimore defeating Miami. The Ravens style is too just slowly grind teams in submission. The Dolphins were unbeaten on the road until this game. They should have stayed at the Holiday Inn again.
Chicago beats Buffalo. Jay Cutler was only sacked one time in the win and threw two touchdown passes. He must have had flashbacks of being in Denver. Buffalo loses another close game. It may be time for the team to meet with Dr. Phil.
Cleveland running all over New England. Peyton Hillis runs like a bull with nifty moves. He and Colt McCoy have made the Browns future look bright. New England's defense played as soft as marshmallows. The post game hand shake between Belichick and Mangini was about as cold as a handshake between German and Russian generals during the battle of Stalingrad.
Atlanta edges Tampa Bay. The Falcons win with a goal line stand the end of the game. Tampa Bay is petitioning the NFL to be placed in the NFC west so they make the playoffs.
Minnesota edges Arizona. Brett Farve saves the Vikings season and Coach Childress job with another Brett Farve in his prime performance. Childress should stay away humor in his post game press conference. He was begging for even a courtesy laugh. Arizona needs Donovan McNabb and forty-five hugs.
New Orleans whips Carolina. The Saints have discovered it's good to have a scrimmage in the middle of the season. The Panthers are wishing Dallas was on their schedule so they can win another game.
New York Giants slapping Seattle. The Giants were dominating in every phase of the game. The best pass thrown by Seattle was the fan who threw the beer at Steve Smith after a touchdown.
Green Bay routing Dallas. The Packers did whatever they wanted against the Cowboys because the Cowboys quit at the coin flip again. Now Cowboy fans can focus on the East Dillion Lions who have a good chance to win state and Head Coach Eric Taylor whose contract expires at the end of the year.
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Week 9 - Indianapolis Colts and the Philadephia Eagles and Mini Reviews of the Rest
A long time fan and recent writer of the NFL
INDIANAPOLIS