SportsGirl

That is, a slight pause from my depression to enjoy the start of a new NFL season. And the game last night, a great way to open the season in my opinion, was something of a blow out, though it didn’t appear it would be that way at the start.

I don’t have any particular affinity for either team playing last night, the Colts or the Saints. I like Peyton Manning, despite his constant over-exposure on my television, but I’m a Patriots fan so I can’t root too hard for him. Bottom line is, I just like to see a good game if I don’t have a rooting interest in either team playing. And last night delivered. Here are some thoughts…

1. Indy’s D looked pretty sharp. I know they lost their two corners to other teams, but it didn’t appear to hurt them at all. They even have a few rookies starting, by design or by injury, and I was impressed. Between Dwight Freeney’s pass rushing ability and Bob Sanders’ quickness, I think we’ll hear less this season about how the Colt’s D holds them back compared to that offense.
2. Neither Jason David nor Drew Brees is going to enjoy watching game film today. Brees looked uncharacteristically lost at times last night, throwing more picks that I’d expect from him. And those Indy receivers absolutely lit David up, consistently gaining two and three steps on him in the route. You’d think being an ex-Colt he’d have a leg up on that team, but clearly that was not the case.
3. Matt Giordano can book it! His 82-yard interception return for a touch down at the end of the game was awesome. I had toyed with the idea of turning the game off before it happened, since Indy pretty much had this one wrapped up. Now I’m glad I didn’t! That guy was truckin’. And he read that pass beautifully. Maybe the Saints ought to study that play to beef up their offensive weapons…
4. Joseph Addai will have no problem carrying the load as the only real option at running back. Although Kenton Keith had a couple of really nice carries throughout the game.What’s amazing to me is that everyone knows that Addai is the go-to back in that offense and he still easily gained over 100 yards. I did get tickled at hearing how many times Al Michaels felt the need to mention that Addai was shaken up on the first play of the game and how that was a tense moment. This of course led to Michaels reiterating that Addai is really the only option at running back and there isn’t a great back-up plan. You know, I love Al’s commentary most of the time, but after the second quarter, I’ve got it. Addai’s the featured back, he was shaken up on the first play and that could have been devastating had it been an injury…

So, all in all it was a good game. I’ve heard a lot of people talking about how they think Indy will only go about 11-5 this season and after the game last night, I think I’d raise that projection. Which makes me wonder if New England will be able to keep up. I was reading this morning about how Tom Brady’s shoulder has continued to plague him. As if I need another reminder that this season could be a long one for me. Just when I was starting to smile again…