Hello, football enthusiasts. How are you? Alles klar I hope on this fine early start to the tenth week coming directly from Deutschland. Berlin's Olympic Stadium to be precise where at 8.30am CST/9.30am EST and 2.30pm GMT the powerful Indianapolis Colts (seven wins and two losses) face off against the Atlanta Falcons (three wins and five losses). The fifth game played on soil in Germany and the initial in the capital city.
As sparkly jackets go that is an real standout from the Olympic figure skater on the opening flip. A minor slip from Sky Sports there as we hear “which team got the coin flip?” from the commentator with an unfortunately hot mic.
Well, the coin toss went to Indianapolis and have elected to receive. Daniel Jones and company will be taking the field soon. Will the QB bounce back after a rough one in their last game?
In a similar vein the vocalist performing the US national anthem has some of the largest shoulder pads you are ever likely to see. The fashion picks are impressive today. We are almost underway after a choir performance for the national anthem of Germany. Elegant.
Colts 0-0 Falcons 13:30, 1st quarter
Here we go! And we have an exciting start after the Colts running back catches a screen pass, gains 15 yards on the outside to the right then loses the ball … only for his offensive lineman to save his bacon with the recovery. Indianapolis quickly moves into Atlanta's half.
Still scoreless at 10:51
And the drama keeps coming as the Colts go for it on 4th down. The risk doesn't work out as Josh Downs fails to catch a quick pass from Jones. Prior to the failed attempt the Falcons defender put a massive tackle on the Colts' tight end. The Falcons have come out fighting on defense as they attempt to end their three-game losing streak. Next up Sauce Garner’s debut!
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 6-0 Falcons 8:36, 1st quarter
Was that a missed touchdown by Kyle Pitts? The tight end drops a clanger, he was very open but the ball just slips through his grasp. That play rather sums up the high draft pick's professional journey to date.
A disappointing start but it only gets worse for the Atlanta as they turn over possession to the Colts on the 23-yard line. Michael Penix Jr is sacked and fumbles the football.
An agile 22-yard rush from Ashton Dulin sets the running back up to roll in for the score on the next snap. The placekicker skews the extra point wide. Oops.
Falcons respond: 6-7 at 6:07
The quarterback recovers from the turnover by marching his Falcons down the field for a touchdown. The wide receiver makes some chunky receptions to put them in the red zone then the defense opens up for Tyler Allgeier to saunter on to the goal line through the middle of the defense for 13 yards. He completes the drive for a one-yard touchdown of his own. Advantage Atlanta.
Additionally, the jumbo package starting at 1 PM EST and 6 PM GMT (with home teams first) is as follows:
(5-4) Panthers v Saints (1-8)
(5-3) Bears v New York Giants (2-7)
(3-5) Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3)
(2-7) Dolphins v Bills (6-2)
(4-4) Vikings v Ravens (3-5)
(1-7) New York Jets v Cleveland Browns (2-6)
(6-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Patriots (7-2)
An exciting lineup. My pick for the best game is the Vikings and Ravens playing out the top contest of the day.
A passionate writer and traveler sharing insights on personal growth and lifestyle from a UK perspective.
