There is nothing more captivating than watching two veteran quarterbacks going head to head in a pivotal game, and that’s exactly what will be in store this Sunday in Phoenix. With a combined average of 72.5 rushing yards per game and 278.25 passing yards per game between both teams, look forward to Sunday’s night cap to be a high scoring gun show.
Arizona is rolling. After a shocking loss in their opener against San Francisco, the Cardinals returned to form with a 31-17 effort against the Jags that wasn’t nearly as close as the final score might indicate. While Anquan Boldin’s health continues to be a subject of speculation, it was Kurt Warner who was the sure thing last week, going 24-26 for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. Though the passing game is what has fueled the offense, running back Tim Hightower has emerged as the leading receiver on the season racking up 133 yards over two games. Coupled with his 87 rushing yards, Hightower has proved to be a dynamic counterpoint to Arizona’s high octane aerial assault. Early reality check aside, Arizona has hit the ground running (or throwing, perhaps.)
Now, the Colts are no slouches either. Despite the loss of the experienced former receiver Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis hasn’t missed a beat, going 2-0 to start the season. However, after a shaky week one against Jacksonville, the true test for the Colts this week will be how they respond after an exhausting Monday night game in Miami, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Although picking up the win, the Colts defense was on the field for 45 of the 60 minute contest, being bruised for 239 rushing yards, and 403 yards all together. The hangover from a grueling defensive effort on top of a shortened preparation and restoration period due to the Monday night matchup leave Indy in a precarious position heading into Phoenix.
So who wins? Does Warner carry the Cardinals on his back to another victory, or will the Colts defense man up and keep their dramatic streak alive by pulling out another road win? The answer lies in Peyton Manning. The Colts quarterback seems to never know when his team is beaten. Although losing receiver Anthony Gonzalez in week one, Manning has proven that his remaining receiving core is more than up for the challenge, logging 600 passing yards over the first two games of the season, 300 yards last week alone on only 14 completions. Also, look for rookie running back Donald Brown to mix it up with the passing game. The 1st round draft pick showed flashes of brilliance with his hard hitting, smash mouth effort against the Dolphins that may be the x-factor for an Indy win this week.
While the “safe bet” might be on the rested Cardinals, you just can’t bet against Manning being Manning.
Final Score: 35 – 27 Colts
