Week Thirteen

Owning Up

Chargers S Eric Weddle scores off a Manning interception.
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Where have the Indianapolis Colts gone? That is a question that seems to be resonating throughout the NFL right now. The Colts are sitting at 6-5, tied for the AFC South lead with Jacksonville. Usually, the Indianapolis is able to run away with the division. For quite a few years Peyton Manning and the boys have been a lock to win. People counted on it.

However, now the Colts are, as mentioned, tied for the lead at 6-5 with the Jags, followed close behind by both the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans at 5-6. For what reasons we don't quite know yet.

It is never easy to blame it on the great Peyton Manning and it still is, but their loss last week to the Chargers was not his best. Manning threw four interceptions with two being returned for touchdowns. The Colts defense only allowed one offensive touchdown, but the Chargers still managed to drop 36 to the Colts' 14. Therefore, although it is never easy to blame Manning, it is easy to say that without those four picks and two touchdowns the Colts would have had a much better shot at winning.

Moving forward, Indy simply needs to play like the Indy we know. It will be difficult with all of the injuries on offense including but not limited to Joseph Addai and Dallas Clark. However, as many have said before, Peyton Manning can make any offense look like an all-star team. Manning needs to cool down and continue playing at the high level he has played at his whole career.

Predictions

Last week went fairly well for me. I'm beginning to think I'm not too bad at making picks. Watch, this week I'll end up losing a large amount of games. Consider me jinxed. Last week I went 8-5 which leaves my season record at 78-63. I will try to improve on that this week with these picks:

Saints, Bears, Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs, Browns, Vikings, Giants, Chargers, Colts, Rams, Seahawks, Falcons, Steelers, Jets

p.s. I had a great time broadcasting the game last night. It's good to be back. Look forward to more high school basketball on ross.localsportsradio.com.

p.p.s. Shout out to my Phoenix Suns on winning a couple of games this weekend.

p.p.p.s. For more senseless babble, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.