By:Sam Mendelsohn
If there is anything to analyze about week five it’s that the NFL is the most unpredictable sport there is. Drew Brees finally led the Saints to victory, passing the great Johnny Unitas for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass. The Indianapolis Colts however, were the story of the week.
First Down: “The Indianapolis Colts” After receiving the emotional news that new HC Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with Leukemia, the game against the Green Bay Packers seemed to be put on the back burner. Right out of the gates the Colts fans showed their emotions, with a huge ovation as the team entered LucasOil Stadium, but the first half belonged to Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was nearly perfect with two TD passes leading his team to a 21-3 halftime lead. Bruce Arians or (BA) as he is referred to by the Colts, had to motivate a team in the spot of his ailing friend and down eighteen points. Whatever Arians said helped flipped the game 180 degrees. Quarterback Andrew Luck threw two touchdown passes and ran one in, while Reggie Wayne had a career high 13 receptions for 212 and a score. The Colts got help from Packers kicker Mason Crosby who shanked the tying 51-yards Field Goal and gave the Colts the win. The Colts may not make the playoffs but that game will be remembered by Colts fans for all the heart that was laid out on that field.
Second Down: “Easy Brees-y” Ok. I mentioned my man crush on Brees last week but can you blame me? This guy is a machine and has managed to stay cool, calm and collected through a four game losing streak. A win against the team that drafted him and passing legend Johnny U all on the same night was purely spectacular. The Saints pulled a Plaxico and shot themselves in the foot going 0-4 and the Atlanta Falcons seem to be on a freight train heading towards the playoffs. Every win is huge in the NFL and the Saints can now head into their bye week with a good feelings about themselves. However, the record that Brees broke on Sunday night means just a little more then the win, even if he won’t admit it. Brees has always been overlooked, even in San Diego when he had never reached his prime. He came to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, revitalized a city, won a Lombardi trophy and Superbowl MVP. Last year he passed one of the longest standing records in the NFL held by the great Dan Marino. Sunday night’s performance further showed that Brees is one of the best to play the position.
Third Down: “Jeff Fisher” The last few years the St. Louis Rams have been brutal. To put into perspective since 2004 when they last made the playoffs the Rams have not had a season over .500. They had a chance in 2010 to win a do-or-die game against Seattle at home, but stunk up their own place and were booted from the playoffs. This year they hired one of the all-time greats in Jeff Fisher. Fisher has a great Win/Loss record as a coach and had been successful for many years in Tennessee. On Thursday night against the division leading and undefeated Arizona Cardinals, the Rams defense combined for nine sacks against the Cards offense. After the game Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb looked like he had just gone five rounds in the octagon. The Rams now sit just one game back in a close NFC West.
Fourth Down: “Da Bears” Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman became the first duo on the same team to return an interception to the house in two consecutive games. The Bears clobbered the Jacksonville Jaguars 41-3 and the fact that the Packers (2-3) and Lions (1-3) are struggling, leaves the Bears as the team to beat in the NFC North. Matt Forte isn’t 100-percent from an ankle injury but he’s managing, and him and Brian Urlacher will get healthier as the season goes along. They have old reliable Robbie Gould has proven he can kick in pressure moments, but most of all Jay Cutler is playing well. The team looked poised for the playoff last year before Cutler suffered an injury and seem to be on the right track this year.
Week 6 has a major Sunday Night Showdown with defense going against offense. J.J Watt against Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay at Houston 8:20. Enjoy.
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