NFL Divisional Round Preview: Indianapolis vs. Baltimore

If the Indianapolis Colts are to justify their decision to rest players in a loss to the New York Jets in week 16, they will have to get to the Super Bowl. Their division round match-up against a rejuvenated Baltimore Ravens squad will be a big enough test in itself.

Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense have been ridiculed all season because of their lack of diversity. For much of the year, they have relied on Ray Rice’s running ability. While he is a instrumental part of their offensive attack, many were wondering why Flacco has performed like a shell of the player he was in his rookie season. The truth is that he has out-performed his numbers from last year. He has thrown for 700 more yards and 7 more touchdowns while completing a higher percentage than what he did in 2008.

The problem with this Baltimore team has been on defense. Ray Lewis and company are starting to show signs of aging as they have allowed over 600 more yards of offense against them this year compared to last. They have been susceptible to big plays, and have trouble making a big stop when necessary. However, making the playoffs on the last day of the season seems to have given this crew new life. Even with several key injuries to the New England starting line up, Baltimore looked as if they were out for blood, and would not be stopped regardless of who they were playing. It will be interesting to see if they can carry that momentum into Indianapolis as they face one of the greatest quarterbacks of our generation.

Peyton Manning has seen this all before. Questions about resting players in during the regular season and sacrificing momentum were brought up in 2006 when the Colts were undefeated and looking to run the table. They decided to keep their players fresh, and it back-fired. This time around they feel like it was the right decision as many of their starters on both offense and defense needed a breather from what has been a grueling year. After starting the first half and part of the 3rd quarter, head coach Jim Caldwell took most of his offensive and defensive starters out. This led to a Jets comeback that resulted in Indy’s first loss of the season. Many skeptics feel as though this was a bad move, but only time will tell.

Don’t miss what is sure to be a battle Sunday as the Colts and Ravens look to take one step closer to the Super Bowl.

Related posts:

1. AFC North Divisional Round Battle: Pittsburgh v. Baltimore
2. NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview: New Orleans vs. Arizona
3. 2010 NFL Predictions: Baltimore Ravens
4. AFC Championship Preview: Indianapolis Colts v. New York Jets
5. Super Bowl XLIV Preview: Indianapolis Colts v. New Orleans Saints

Comments