Luck Vs Manning: Act III

Is It Luck Vs Manning, Or Colts Vs Broncos?

This Sunday, the Colts and the Broncos will square off in one of the AFC Divisional games. This will be the second time these two teams face each other this season. We all know this game will be about one big matchup, and that is Andrew Luck versus Peyton Manning. Although both QB's insist the game is bigger that this matchup and not about the two of them, it still should be a great game. Now, I will give my take for what is set up to be a classic.

Which Offense Will Prevail? 

Both of these have teams have a high-powered offense, which features the 3rd ranked Colts, and the 4th ranked Broncos. As we all know, the majority of the offense has come from the Quarterback position. Luck has provided Indy with 4,761 passing yards and Manning, 4,727 passing yards at the helm for the Broncos. With the given prior statistics, the majority of the game will definitely be about Luck and Manning. 

The Colts will try to stick to their style and brand of football, which is the passing game. They will come out establishing the play action, and they will show the Broncos defense that they are not afraid to throw the ball. I can also assure you one thing: getting the ball to T.Y Hilton and company is on the game plan. Look for T.Y on underneath and out routes. Indy will look to get him the ball in space so he can utilize his speed. Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen will also be a main part of the offense. You can find them splitting the seams and looking for check-downs. Now, the running game be minimal during this game, but whoever does it best might win. The Colts will go with a 'Boom or Bust' type of running game, and yes, that pun was intended. They will look to Herron to provide big plays that will jump-start the offense. However, he can't turnover the ball, or else Trent Richardson or Zurlon Tipton will enter the game. The Colts offense will definitely move the ball aggressively, looking to score as many points as possible. 

The Denver Broncos are looking to prove that they are the better offensive team. Denver will use their experience and knowledge to their advantage, starting with Peyton Manning. Peyton and the offense will look to confuse Indy by playing head-games. They will use all of the play-clock, read the coverages, and shout audibles. This will reveal Indy's youth and lack of experience. At the age of 38, Peyton still utilizes all of his targets, just like he did when he was with the Colts himself. Peyton has plenty of targets of his own, including Demaryius and Julius Thomas. But Peyton will shift his focus to guys like Emmanuel Sanders and Wes Welker. They will spread out the Colts defense, revealing Indy's weak secondary. Then, you must throw in C.J Anderson. Peyton loves to run the draw quickly to catch the defense off-guard. If all the pieces of Denver's offense comes together, they will be hard to stop. 

Which Defense Will Prevail?

Here is where the game will be won. These defenses have both seen great improvements. In the offseason, Denver signed S T.J Ward, DE DeMarcus Ware, and CB Aqib Talib. These three players have led Denver to 3rd in Total Defense. The underrated Colts defense, led by CB Vontae Davis, 

LB D'qwell Jackson, and LB Jerrell Freeman, has seen great improvement from their young draft-picks, such as LB Bjoern Werner and DE Jonathan Newsome. Now, they are ranked 11th in Total Defense.

The Colts defense is up for a big task on Sunday in Mile High. Peyton Manning, known for picking apart defenses, is seeking redemption on the Road to Super Bowl XLIX. Indy will try to do their best to confuse Manning. HC Chuck Pagano and DC Greg Manusky have already devised some disguise packages to throw Manning off. Although it is very hard to do, getting into Peyton's head, if done correctly, can happen. Just take a look back at Super Bowl XLVIII. Seattle took Peyton right out of the game on the very first play. This can happen by playing smart and physical ball. Playing smart will be vital to succeeding. The Colts can not try to do too much, or else Peyton will pick them apart. Denver, nor Peyton Manning, is perfect, and he can easily lose this game. 

The Broncos defense has been stellar all year. They have played to the best of their ability. Their pass rush and secondary has been one of the best all year. But in order to win on Sunday, they will have to contain Andrew Luck. Luck looks to the deep ball very often. So, to stop it they must have safety help over the top and great play from CB Aqib Talib and CB Chris Harris Jr. In addition to the deep ball, Luck likes to check down and scramble out of the pocket, especially on 3rd down. Broncos LB's and DT's must create pressure to contain Luck. Overall, the Broncos must put Luck on the hot seat. In only his 5th playoff game, they must get in his head. They can do this by getting a great pass rush and by stopping the run.

Overall Prediction

Whatever the outcome of this game is, it will be one for the ages. The ultimate battle of Teacher vs Student, the battle between Luck and Manning, is only getting started. Therefore, my final prediction is: Colts - 35, Broncos - 31. Winner will advance to the AFC Championship Game, where they will be one game away from the Super Bowl. 

Follow Me on Twitter

@_SwagggyT