NFL preview: Michael Vick returns as the Philadelphia Eagles host the Indianapolis Colts
Two different quarterbacking styles will be showcased on Sunday, 7 November, when Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts head to Philadelphia to take on Michael Vick and the Eagles.
Previous meetings and recent games
The Indianapolis Colts have the best record in the NFL over the last decade and have won the AFC South six times over that span. After defeating the Houston Texans by a score of 30-17 last Monday Night,
the Colts once again took sole possession of their division. They are also currently riding a three-game win streak.
The Philadelphia Eagles have had an up and down season, what with having trouble keeping their starting quarterbacks healthy. They've had the benefit of an extra week's rest as they are coming off their
bye week with a fully recovered Michael Vick prepared to start. He'll be taking over for Kevin Kolb who got the start in the Eagles' last game, two weeks ago, when they were defeated 37-19 by the Tennessee Titans.
How they matchup
The meeting between the Eagles and Colts is a matchup of two of the highest rated passers in the NFL – Manning and Vick. But both quarterbacks play vastly different styles. Manning is a technician, and
one of the best pocket passers in NFL history, while Vick is quick and likes to rush out of the pocket. It's Vick's scrambling style that got him hurt when the Eagles met the Redskins back on week 4. Still, when he was healthy, Vick was extremely efficient
completing over 60 per cent of his passes and not throwing a single interception. Vick has only played in only four games this season, but is the Eagles second leading rusher behind LeSean McCoy.
Manning's reputation as one of the NFL's most dominant players was in evidence never more so than in the Colts' victory over the Texans last week. Despite being without two of his most reliable targets,
tight end Dallas Clark and wide receiver Austin Collie, Manning was still able to throw for over 250 yards and two touchdown passes, and led his team to victory. Manning continues to show everybody that it doesn't matter who he's throwing to, he knows how
to dissect any opposing secondary.
What to expect
The Eagles have a slight edge on the defensive side of the ball, but not enough to tip the balance drastically in their favor. The outcome of Sunday's matchup will come down to which quarterback can be
most effective running the game their own way.
The Colts defence can sometimes have difficulty stopping opposing offences, but they do have a decent pass rush led by Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. If they can get at Vick it could cause real trouble
for the Eagles. Eagles coach Andy Reid will probably expect this, and could opt to run more than a few quarterback draw plays, which means Vick could be out of the pocket often.
Manning operates a far more stable style of game, and although the Eagles have forced 11 interceptions this season – good for fourth in the NFL – Manning is too consistent throwing the football. No matter
how many times he gives the ball away, he'll find a way to put it in the end zone one time more.
Prediction:
Colts win 27-20.
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