Top Teams in NFL Poised for Big Second Half
Colts and Saints Look to Keep Unblemished Records
Nov 13, 2009
Lead by Drew Brees and a revamped defense under coordinator Gregg Williams, the Saints beat quality teams like the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons. With the rest of the schedule, there's a possibility that the Saints could enter the playoffs at 16-0 if they continue to perform so well. Their offense is first in yards and points per game.
The defense is led by veteran safety Darren Sharper. Sharper shares the league lead with seven interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. The defense is in the middle of the pack, ranking 16th in yards allowed per game and 19th in points per game. It looks like the Saints will have home field throughout the NFC playoffs.
Colts Continue to Be Best in AFC
There was a lot of offseason uncertainty in Indianapolis. Tony Dungy left, along with offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Tom Mudd. These two were instrumental in making the Colts the dynasty team that's won a Super Bowl.
They weren't the most important part of the success. That lies with their quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning lost his favorite reciever from the past 11 seasons in Marvin Harrison. Harrison and Manning hold many QB/WR records and it was hard on Manning to see Harrison leave the team.
It hasn't stopped Manning from including new players provided by general manager Bill Polian. Polian found some draft gems working at wide reciever for the Colts. Austin Collie is having a solid rookie season for the Colts. It also helps to have Reggie Wayne, the new number one reciever after Harrison left. Tight end Dallas Clark leads the team in recieving with 703 yards and three touchdowns.
Another AFC team that leads its division are the New England Patriots. The Patriots are looking to rebound after missing the playoffs last season. Quarterback Tom Brady returns after missing most of last season with a knee injury. He's had some bad games where he got used to playing every week. He continues to get better each week. It also helps to have arguably the best coach in the league in Bill Belichick.
The AFC contest that most fans enjoy is happening on Sunday November 15, when Manning's Colts host Belichick and the Patriots. The game is in primetime on NBC. It should give the advantage to the Colts because teams find it hard to play in domes. It's going to be loud.
Going Forward, Look for Same Teams to Continue Success
Look for the Steelers, Chargers, Broncos and Bengals all in the playoffs in the AFC come late January. It should make for some quality games, with the Steelers continue to show why they're the class of the league, with quality defense and a solid running game. The Broncos surprised a lot of fans with a rookie head coach, but look for them to grow and learn in a short playoff run this season.
The Saints will continue to be the best in the NFC, along with the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys. It should be a good bunch of Wild Card games, but the NFC Championship game should pit the ageless Brett Favre against Brees and the revamped defense of the Saints.
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