Colts Weekly Matchups
2008
Week 10  Matchup
Colts (4-4) vs Texans (3-5)
    These two teams come in heading in opposite directions.  The Colts have climbed out of the basement with a 2 game win streak.  The Texans on the other hand have relinquished the division lead and fallen into the abyss with a 5 game streak heading down. 
     Despite that though the Colts are not looking at this as an easy matchup.  The Texans have had a relatively tough schedule over the past few weeks.  With the exception of the Titans game they have played teams at or near the top of their respective divisions.  Coach Tony Dungy emailed his team this week,  he made that very message clear: "  The Texans may be tough to beat this week.  They have a great team that takes care of business week in and week out."  Well, that may be a bit overstated for a team on a 5 game skid, but we definetly look for a gm like Chris Jones to turn this thing around.  Hopefully he'll wait until next week.
     How do these teams match up.  If you look at the rosters, I would give the edge to the Texans.  They have better safeties, a better defense line, they have the edge at linebacker as well.  Alot of areas these teams appear similar, though. 
     A look at the league rankings to compare these teams brings that to light:                    COLTS                             TEXANS
OFFENSE:         308.3 (25th)                       318.3 (22nd)
PASSING:         211.2 (24th)                       244.6 (13th)
RUSHING:        97.12 ( 15th)                      73.75 (31st)
POINTS:             20.7                                   20.3

DEFENSE:         322.1 (12th)                       349.1 (18th)
PASSING:         230.5 (19th)                       255.1 (23rd)
RUSHING:        91.62 (11th)                        94.0  (12th)
PTS. GIVEN:      23.1                                     25.8

TURNOVERS:      -2 (21st)                              -0- (15th)

    They look fairly even.  The Colts run a bit better, the Texans pass a bit better.  That seems to play to the strength of the Texans a bit more, as they are good against the run, and the Colts bigger weakness against the pass.  This will come down to the better gameplan and a little luck, once again. 
     The Houston media seems to be losing faith in their team, as are some of the players.  A quote from the Houston newspaper:  "Denver blew out the hapless Texans, who couldn't beat a college team right now. "  Pretty strong words.  Bubba Franks was also quoted saying, " If I don't start from now on, I'll really start.   Start looking for a new team that is. "  That kind of disruption can't be good as the Texans rep bar is sliding down to the bare minimum.  Only one block showing.  This seems to work in the Colts favor, as their Rep bar is maxed out after even production and 2 straight wins. 
     We come down now to the keys of the game, as picked by Madden himself:

For the Colts:
     1.  Don't let Senaca Wallace get comfortable.  He is dangerous when he has time.  Editors notes: Well unfortunately for the Colts, they havn't disrupted too many QB's this season.  In fact, they are allowing an alarming % completions this season, and most QB's are picking them apart.  The good news is they aren't giving up huge plays, so this will need to continue if they can't get inside to Wallace.

     2.  A safety like Shaun Stills will sometimes think he is a corner.  Have your slot receiver beat him deep.  (E.N):  Well, we do have a quick slot receiver, who has been making some big plays.  We'll continue to try that, and hopefully Stills will be caught a little out of position from time to time. 

   3.  Bring McFarland upfield on Passing plays, then throw a screen where he should be.  That may be easier said than done.  Though with Hennings and Evans catching more passes lately, it isn't entirely out of the question.  Look for Hennings to have at least one nice pass play on a sideline screen this week.

For the Texans:

     1.  HB Eric Hennings is probably not going to play this week.  That allows you to shut down the passing game. (E.N.)  Go ahead and plan on that.  I don't know what kind of crack Johnny was smoking when he wrote this up.

     2.  Seneca Wallace should be able to dominate their secondary.  Keep them guessing all day.  (E.N.)  Well, I can't argue much here.  The Colts give up on average 230 yards passing per game.  So he will probably pick apart the secondary.  Will they allow him the big TD plays.  That is a little more doubtful, though Gaffney could definetly slip through and make some big plays of his own.

   3.  Match up Torrence Wynn with one of the fastest receivers.  Let's get in his head.  (E.N.) Sound advice.  The Texans have a solid group of receivers, and Wynn is definetly undersized for covering good receivers.  Though you'll have to get by Lucas, Walker, and Carroll, who will be helping patrol against those passes, so singling out Wynn may be easier said than done. 

So the prediction this comes from the Indianapolis Star and the Houston Texan newspaper:  " This game is a true pick 'em.  Neither team has played to their potential so far.  Outcome:  Indianapolis wins: 24-21. " 
  
Good Luck to the Texans and Goooo Lions!! Beat Jags!!