Game of the Week

Colts 24 Eagles 26

The 'Game of the Week' and the late game on Sky from week 9 came from Philly.  It was a clash between the best QB in the league (Colts - Peyton Manning) and one that is probably the most exciting on his day (Eagles - Micheal Vick).  Vick was returning following a month out sidelined with a rib injury.  The Eagles were on their bye last week and had therefore had plenty of time to prepare for Manning and co.  The Colts, who had played against the Texans on Monday night, had plenty of injuries all over the field, and there was concern at the fact they had only had a short week.  The first play from scrimmage in the game seemed to show the difference in conditioning between the 2 teams as Eagles RB Lesean McCoy scampered for 62 yards, to the Indianapolis 10 yard line.  Just 2 plays later Vick found the other returning superstar WR DeSean Jackson, for a 9 yard TD pass.

The Eagles were concerned all week leading up to this game about the ability of Peyton Manning, but on just his 2nd pass of the game, CB Asante Samuel picked him off, and the Eagles turned that into a K David Akers FG, 10 - 0 Eagles, with just over 3 minutes off the clock.  The Colts did manage to sustain a bit of a drive on their next possession, but eventually had to punt.  Vick and the Eagles answered with another big play to WR Jackson, this time for 58 yards, and the Eagles were back within striking distance.  The Eagles were unable to get a TD here, even though they were in the redzone, but still had a commanding 13 - 0 lead after just 1 quarter.

Manning and the Colts then started to drive as Manning continually found TE Jacob Tamme (in for injured star TE Dallas Clark) and WR Reggie Wayne.  He eventually found Tamme from 3 yards, 13 - 7.  The Eagles though answered straight back.  Vick scrambled for 24 yards, before finding WR Jason Avant for 34 yards, and moved into the red zone.  Their red zone woes continued though and they had to settle for a 2nd David Akers FG, to give them a 9 point lead.  Manning though was in no mood to be out done, as he returned to the field with just 6 minutes till the half, but drove down field before RB Javarris James (cousin of former Colts RB Edgerrin) punched it in from the 6 yard line.  He also managed to get into position, after a poor series from the Eagles, for K Adam Vinateri to kick a FG.  17 - 16 Colts at the break.

The 3rd quarter didn't quite live up to the play in the first half, as there was only one score, another FG from the Eagles, from 44 yards.  There was quite a lot of good defence from there on in as punts rained in from both teams.  The Eagles did though start the 4th quarter with a bang as QB Vick went in on a QB keeper from 1 yard out.  Both teams had long drives that resulted in punts, before the Colts got back to within 2 points thanks to RB James going in for his 2nd TD of the day from 1 yard, but we were already after the 2 minute warning.  The Colts did get the ball back for one last chance though, but on a 3rd and 10 from their own 41 yard line, Manning was picked off for a 2nd time by CB Samuel, and the game was over.

The Eagles were very impressive in this game.  They showed they have big play ability, and can stop even the best teams.  They need to work on their red zone offence, but now have a legitimate shout at being the best team in the NFC.  The next 2 games should tell the tale for them as they play the Redskins and Giants in 2 HUGE NFC East games.  The Colts don't need to worry to much about this loss.  Even though they are banged up, and were nowhere near as fresh as the Eagles, they still managed to hang around.  Manning will win a lot of games for this team the rest of the way.

Week 8 Highlights

Take a look at the key plays and big moments from week 8, around the NFL

NFL London Game Review

Broncos 16 49'ers 24

After the long wait, the NFL finally arrived back in the UK on Sunday, and after a slow start, the game turned out to be an exciting showdown.  The day started with a performance by 'My Chemical Romance', and then 'The Star-Spangled Banner' by former 'Destinys Child' member Michelle Williams, and a strange version of 'God Save the Queen' by guitarist Jeff Beck.  Just a quick hint to the NFL, if you want to get the full effect of our national anthem, you do need a singer to help the crowd come in at the right time.  If you do this, the crowd will bring the hairs on the back of your neck up, with a thunderous rendition.  The 'home team' 49'ers took the field to the usual fireworks show, and the 83,941 fans in attendance were ready for the show to begin.

The first half was very slow, with the 49'ers trying to move the ball on the ground through RB Frank Gore, and the Broncos struggling to get anything going either through the air or on the ground.  The score at the half was just 3 - 0 49'ers, thanks to a Joe Nedney 34 yard FG. 

The 2nd half began with the Broncos kicking to the 49'ers.  They managed to move the ball from the 20 yard line, before it stalled on the half way line.  This movement was mainly down to Gore, who finished the game with 118 yards and a TD.  After they punted to the Broncos, they managed to get their first big play of the day, a deep throw from QB Kyle Orton, to WR Brandon Lloyd for 71 yards, down to the 1 yard line.  The Broncos bought in back up QB Tim Tebow, who took the ball in on a QB keeper.  This but the Broncos up 7 - 3.  The 49'ers started to show life and QB Troy Smith was heating up as he found Josh Morgan for 30 yards.  They were left to try a 52 yard FG, which Nedney hit the post.  After a few short possessions, the Broncos managed to get into field goal range, which Matt Prater hit from 32 yards, 10 - 3 Broncos.

The last 14 minutes were what will be known as, Troy Smith time.  He made a play were he scrambled right and completed the pass to Delaine Walker for 38 yards, before running the ball in himself, levelling the game up.  The play to Walker was described by HC Mike Singeltery as ' Farve like'.  The Niners defence got the ball back and Smith found WR Michael Crabtree for a 28 yards TD, 17 - 10 Niners.  The 49'ers defence came up big again as LB Manny Lawson forced Orton to fumble, and it was covered up by LB Takeo Spikes at the Denver 18.  Gore ran in another TD, and the 49'ers were up 24 - 10 with just under 4 minutes left.  The Broncos managed to score another TD, Orton to Bandon Lloyd, but the game finished 24 - 16 Niners.

The game was a huge success again, and I can't wait for next years specticle.  Keep in touch with nflgbview to find out all the latest NFL information, including next years Wembley game.  Keep in touch through this blog, twitter or facebook.