Thursday night questions
1. Can you go back to Joseph Addai?
I think you can as a RB2, at least over other players with shaky matchups like LaDainian Tomlinson and Ryan Grant. We may not know Addai's status officially until gametime, but he's expected to start. The Colts should want him to get a decent workload tonight to get him ready for the playoffs. The Colts will rest their starters next week if they win. Jacksonville has played well against the run the last two weeks, slowing down Matt Forte and Ryan Grant, but they are mediocre overall.
2. Is this an Anthony Gonzalez game?
With Marvin Harrison out, it sure looks like it. Taking one option away from Peyton Manning is huge for Gonzo's targets, especially against a below average secondary. Gonzalez is up to No. 26 in my latest rankings. It helps Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark too.
3. Can the Jaguars protect David Garrard?
I took Jacksonville +6.5 because I don't think the Colts are good enough to be favored by that much against any half-decent team on grass. It's debatable whether Jacksonville is half-decent team, but they usually play the Colts tough. They beat the Colts in Week 3 and stomped Indy before their Super Bowl run. The thing that scares me most with this pick is that Jacksonville can't stop Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Their tackles are terrible and David Garrard is going to struggle to get any passing game going.
4. Can the Jaguars control the ball?
I watched the first game between these two; one of the most entertaining games of the season. Jacksonville possessed the ball for over 41 minutes that game. They had 70 offensive plays to 49 for the Colts. They will try to do the same thing tonight, which means a heavy workload for Maurice Jones-Drew. Look for 25+ touches.
Comments
Good stuff as always ... Are you going to post a Survivor pool update before the Thursday night game? By the grace of God, I could use the help!
Posted by: Rob | December 18, 2008 04:25 PM
Would anyone reading play Addai or Gonzo tonight (PPR) or wait for Boldin on Sunday which is sounding unlikely at this point? My options if I wait for Boldin and he doesnt play would be Fargas, Hester or Curtis.
Posted by: Roy | December 18, 2008 04:46 PM
Who to start? Pick two: Jones-Drew/Pierre Thomas/Matt Forte
Posted by: David | December 18, 2008 06:43 PM
Thomas/Forte--but not bad options. I have a superstition about playing on Monday. It is a good thing to have the last player playing.
Posted by: Roy | December 18, 2008 07:08 PM