Sunday, December 02, 2012

Thoughts halftime, Colts, Lions

- The Colts' Andrew Luck and Lions' Matthew Stafford certainly have lived up to their advance billing in the battle of first overall draft pick QBs. They may not always be effective, but they sure are thrilling. It's not just the QBs, however, who have stood out in this game. There have been some tremendous catches. The one-handed grab by Calvin Johnson down the right side line (while holding off the defender with his off hand) was one for the ages. It was an exceptional play they will be replaying for years to come.
- Anbody who questions Stafford's toughness only needs to see the play in the middle of the second quarter when he scrambled right, stopped and then gunned the ball deep down the field toward Johnson. He could he was going to be clocked by two oncoming Colt defenders rushing at him at full speed. Johnson almost caught that ball. Perhaps he should have, but it was nonetheless a terrific effort by the Lions' QB.
- I don't know if Detroit tight end Brandon Pettigrew's specutacular touchdown reception in the first quarter was negated by his drop in the second quarter. I only know it wasn't good. It killed the momentum of a drive after cornerback Drayton Florence's interception. The Lions would have greatly benefitted from a TD rather than a FG in that situation.
- The most underrated aspect about Luck is not only his mobility (he is far more athletic than given credit) but he is very strong on his feet. There are precious few QBs in the NFL who could escape from the grasp of both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairely on the same play like he did during the second quarter. And the value of buying extra time like that, while still keeping his eyes down the field, can't be overstated.
- That was a horrible read by Stafford on Robert Mathias ' interception at the end of the half. He was duped into that pick by the Colts defensive call dropping Mathias' unexpectedly into coverage. It was a nice defensive stand after the turnover by the Lions.
- Jason Hanson is now 2-for-2 on FG attempts of 50 yards or longer this season. Now, if he were only 1-for-1 from 47 yards.
- Interceptions by Florence and Don Carey? Nobody could have seen that coming today? We'll see if the Lions take advantage of it.

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