Tale of the tape

Week 5: Green Bay Packers At Indianapolis Colts

Packers

Colts

The Packers got back into the win column against the Saints and Aaron Rodgers had the kind of game his coaches, teammates and fans are used to seeing from him. He threw four TD passes and completed 31-of-41 passes. As long as his offensive line gives him adequate protection, Rodgers should be razor sharp.	Quarterback	Andrew Luck is proving to be everything the Colts thought he would be in last year’s draft. He has exceptional understanding of operating an NFL offense and is already solid when it comes to reading opposing defenses. He is an excellent athlete who can make all the throws that are demanded of the position.
The Packers have been a high-powered passing attack under head coach Mike McCarthy and Rodgers. Any semblance of a running game is designed to buy Rodgers a little bit of time. Cedric Benson is a decent back, but he is not a real threat. Greg Jennings has not been at full strength due to injuries, but Jordy Nelson and James Jones are both explosive.	Offense	The Colts are happy to put the offense in the hands of Luck, but running back Donald Brown is a hard-running threat who can help diversify the attack. Reggie Wayne is still an explosive wideout and T.Y. Hilton is also a big-play threat who is becoming one of Luck’s favorite receivers.
The Packers are a high-pressure defense thanks to the presence of linebacker Clay Matthews. His goal is to pressure opposing quarterbacks and force them into mistakes. B.J. Raji is a big-time run stuffer who can cut off the interior running game. Charles Woodson has lost a step but he is still a solid cover man who can break up passes.	Defense	The Colts are trying to rebuild a defense that has been a classic cover-2 unit. However, they are now a much more aggressive unit led by linebacker Paul Posluszny. He has the ability to make big plays in the running game and he also drops into the coverage lanes to break up the passing game. The Colts are becoming more athletic but they still make a lot of mistakes.
The Packers are happy with Mason Crosby. He is regularly one of the league’s top scorers as a result of playing behind such a productive offense. The Packers are not afraid to try trick plays out of special teams and punter Tim Masthay’s pass out of punt formation helped secure a win against Chicago in Week Two.	Special Teams	The Colts are solid but not extraordinary on special teams at this point. While they have veteran placekicker Adam Vinatieri, he’s not quite as consistent as he once was. Pat McAfee has a big leg and knows how to drop the ball inside the 20.

The winner is

Packers

3 out of 4

The obvious hook to this matchup is Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers going to Indianapolis to teach rookie gunslinger Andrew Luck a lesson on how to play quarterback. Forget it. Rodgers is only concerned with getting the Packers on track. They barely climbed back to .500 with a one-point victory over winless New Orleans while the Colts are coming off a bye and should be ready to play their best game.

More Tales of the tape

NCAA Championship Game: #1 Louisville Vs. #4 Michigan
Rick Pitino has been here before, after making his 7th Final Four appearance, he’s now in his third go-round in the title game. He’s got plenty of experience on the big stage and he has the Cardinals playing high level basketball at the right time.
NCAA Tournament Championship Weekend: #4 Michigan Vs. #4 Syracuse
No. 4 Michigan and No. 4 Syracuse square off in Atlanta this weekend with the winner getting a shot to play for the National Title.
NCAA Tournament Championship Weekend: #1 Louisville Vs. #9 Wichita State
Rick Pitino and No. 1 Louisville take on No. 9 Wichita State in Atlanta this weekend for a shot to play in the National Title game on Monday.