Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything

by Chris Pokorny on Dec 24, 2007 6:18 PM EST in General News

The best chance for the Cleveland Browns to make the postseason this year will have to stem from several quick strikes from Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning from anywhere between one series and one half. Today, the IndyStar had some reports/rumors as to how the Colts will play this Sunday:

Marvin Harrison May Dictate Manning's Time:

He says he doesn't know if receiver Marvin Harrison will be back this week. Old No. 88 has missed nine in a row and 10 of 11, but Dungy held out hope Harrison could return to practice. And, as an added Christmas bonus, if Harrison does return, that means Peyton Manning may get to play a little more, he said.

This is definitely the biggest factor of all. It wouldn't be ideal for Harrison to have his first live game action since the beginning of the season come in the postseason. Also, I'd doubt that Harrison and Manning would be able to accomplish everything they'd want to accomplish in just one series.

Joseph Addai May Not be Worth Playing:

That Dungy didn't specifically say running back Joseph Addai would play leads me to believe he won't. Addai took a shot to what looked like the upper back area and the Colts played it safe and sat him in the second quarter.

I don't expect Addai to play, quite simply because they have already given backup running back Kenton Keith enough snaps this season to the point where he is well acclimated with how things are run. On top of that, the Colts know that the Titans can stop the run very well with Albert Haynesworth anchoring the line and could be more apt to taking quick strikes down the field. After all -- the chemistry the Colts would be worried about losing would involve their passing game, not their running game.

Rookie Anthony Gonzalez to Stay Hot:

Rookie receiver Anthony Gonzalez wants to play and the doctors have told Dungy he should be able to go, but the coach wants to see him practice. Tight end Ben Utecht (shoulder) is not expected to play.

The more the merrier if Gonzalez looks "ok" in practice this week. Obviously not having Utecht play is a negative, but better him than Dallas Clark.

Antoine Bethea and Robert Mathis (Two Series):

Safety Antoine Bethea and defensive end Robert Mathis are expected to play some this week to get their timing back. Don't expect them to be on the field for too much game action - Dungy threw out a general estimate, ideally speaking, of 15 plays.

Neither Bethea nor Mathis have played since Week 14. 15 plays would equate to either one very long drive, or two average-length drives. Bethea has four interceptions this season and Mathis is the Colts' best pass rusher with Dwight Freeney out for the season. Having either of these guys available for the start of the game could be key in giving the Colts a larger cushion before the backups come in.

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Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything

I hate to say it, but I think our season might be over. I hope the Titans get blown out in round one.

Lets go Jags.

by Estonianzulu on Dec 24, 2007 9:33 PM EST reply actions

Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything

C'mon, the Titans aren't that good, are they? Even a half-assed Colts team should be able to handily dispatch that flash-in-the-pan Vince Young and those carpet-bagging former Oilers.

by Turkmenbashi on Dec 24, 2007 10:53 PM EST reply actions

Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything

That's absolutely right. People think that just because the Colts will play their backups early that the Titans are an automatic win. However, Tennessee is far from flawless on offense; in fact, I'd consider them one of the worst offenses in the NFL.

And, it's not like the Colts' backups are going to mercifully give up points...the backups want to win. However, since the Titans' defense is solid up front, the Colts' backups on offense may have a hard time scoring.

Which, again, is why it's critical that Manning put up points when he's in.

by Chris Pokorny on Dec 25, 2007 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything

Well, let's see. A playoff team wins at least one of these road games....

at Oakland
at Pittsburgh (had 15 point lead)
at Arizona
at Cincinnati (knowing playoff birth on the line)

Same ol Browns. I'm sick of it.

by arnie019 on Dec 25, 2007 12:16 AM EST reply actions

Re: Harrison's Return Could Dictate Everything

I would hardly say this Browns team is "same old." If they don't make the playoffs at 10-6 I'll still be more than happy considering we were releasing our starting QB after week 1.

by gentryholdem on Dec 25, 2007 7:55 AM EST up reply actions