BEARS – COLTS OVER 44
9/7
This matchup is loaded with speculations and questions on both teams. Will Peyton Manning be ready for real Game time action as well as Marvin Harrison? Colts QB Peyton Manning practiced without a brace on Tuesday {Aug, 27th}. It was his 1st practice since undergoing surgery on his knee last month. As for Harrison, he should be fine for tonights opener. However, Colts C Jeff Saturday is out “at least 6 or 7 weeks” per his agent, Ralph Cindrich. That’s different than the 3 weeks that was originally reported. Saturday sprained his right knee in the 3rd exhibition Game. Now as for Chicago, can Kyle Orton be a better quarterback than Rex Grossman? How well will rookie running back Matt Forte do in his first NFL start?
Through the preseason Games, Orton has completed 22-of-36 passes (61 pct.) for 246 yards (6.8 yards per attempt) and the two scores vs. San Fran. He hasn’t looked bad at all, and he’d look real nice if his receiving corps was better. Forget about the Orton we came to know as a caretaker as a rookie starter in 2005. He’s got a firm grip on Chicago’s offense and should post some good numbers so long as the O-line in front of him doesn’t break down. Bears rookie RB Matt Forte was solid in his third preseason Game (vs. the 49ers). He had 44 yards on 11 carries (4.0 avg.) and a 7-yard reception. Through three preseason Games, Forte has 86 yards on 25 carries (3.4 avg.) with 24 receiving yards on five grabs (4.8 avg.). We see Forte used 90 of the time with his power, speed and slashing ability to out GAin the defenders. His size and quickness are his weapons. The Bears’ receiving corps is wide open.
What can we say about Devin Hester? He has 11 kick return TDs in his first 2 years in the league. Thats just 2 behind Brian Mitchells all-time record. Hester may be more valuable to Chicagos special teams than Tom Brady is to New Englands offense. Hes that good.
Colts coach Tony Dungy downplayed the fact QB Peyton Manning will be working with a new center Sunday night with starter Jeff Saturday out against the Bears. But reality will set in when he gets banged around by Chicagos hard knocking defense. In two seasons, Joseph Addai has fully materialized as the running back as the Colts’ rushing weapon. He’s topped 1,000 rush yards in each of his two years and nailed down 15 total TDs last season, although he spent the second half of the year struggling (3.3 yards per carry in the second half vs. 4.7 per carry in the first half). The Colts brought back RB Dominic Rhodes to aid in the running Game, which will cut into Addai’s overall production, but he’s still expected to be a high-yardage, high-touchdown running back. Marvin Harrison is 36 with an injury to his knee and some off the field issues. Reggie Wayne will be the No. 1.
T.J. Rushing is expected to take care of the return-Game for the Colts this year. Rushing posted respectable numbers last season23.0 yards per kick return and 13.1 yards per punt return. If rookie WR Pierre GArcon makes the team, he could mix in on a few returns.
There are too many substantial issues for both teams to make a straight play. OVER 44
2 of 3 Games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1992
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