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Date: 9/10/2006
Indianapolis Colts At New York Giants
at Giants Stadium
Start Time: 8:24 PM EDT
Game Weather: Cloudy
Temp: 71° F (21.84° C), Humidity: 52%,
Wind: North East 7 mph
Played Outdoor on Turf: FieldTurf
Officials
Referee: Walt Anderson (66)
Line Judge: Gary Arthur (108)
Field Judge: Terry Brown (43) Umpire: Butch
Hannah (40)
Side Judge: Rick Patterson (15)
Replay Official: Dale Hamer
Head Linesman: Phil McKinnely (110)
Back Judge: Billy Smith (2)
September 10,
2006 marks the first time in NFL
history as
two brothers are at the helm against each other . . .
In the first
battle between siblings to start as opposing quarterbacks;
Peyton Manning
of the Indianapolis Colts and younger brother Eli Manning of the New
York Giants.
In a game that
has been on course for more than five months of Manning-vs.-Manning
hype, the little brother was every bit his more accomplished
brother's equal, Nevertheless, Peyton Manning's team came out on top
as the Indianapolis Colts defeated Eli Manning and the New York
Giants, 26-21, in an NFL Week 1 contest at Giants Stadium.
Sorry lil
brother . . .
Giants Stadium
is not yet Eli's Place.
Until further
notice, it is Peyton's Place.
Ray Stubblebine/Reuters
Peyton Manning threw for more
yards than his brother Eli Sunday night and left with the victory
both wanted.
The brothers
played well as so did their teams, though the Giants made far too
many mistakes to win this week, they in fact did a whole lot of
beating themselves, botching a handoff, committing penalties, missing
field goal opportunities.
The Giants
nearly matched the Colts drive for drive in the first half, but
didn't score a touchdown until late in the half.
A first
possession was set back by a false start penalty. A second ended with
place-kicker Jay Feely missing wide right from 40 yards out.
Giant's
defenders also had their chances. Three times they dropped potential
interceptions that would have killed Colts scoring chances. The first
two drops were by safety James Butler and cornerback Corey Webster.
The third, when Antonio Pierce just missed a short Peyton Manning
incompletion in the second quarter.
Besides the
Giants mishaps of mistakes and the reality that younger brother Eli
was outplayed by his older brother Peyton -
The New York
Giants think differently.
As far as the
Giants are concerned, Colts got a lot of help from the officials last
night when a few chances were stolen from them with two questionable
calls -- a late pass interference penalty against Tim Carter and an
illegal snap call against center Shaun O'Hara that ran 10 seconds off
the clock on the offense's final drive.
In fact,
the Giants left the "Manning Bowl" furious with
several questionable penalties they believed ruined their comeback
attempt on opening night. "They were "horse--- calls,"
receiver Plaxico Burress said.
Trailing 23-21
in the fourth quarter with 4:14 left in the game, Eli Manning tried
to drive the Giants for a late go-ahead score. A play after a
questionable offensive pass interference call against Tim Carter
denied New York a first down at its own 37.
Replays,
including one on the large video boards inside the stadium showed an
inadvertent nudge, at most, or perhaps a phantom bump. It was one of
10 Giants penalties totaling 64 yards, compared to just three for 20
yards on the Colts.
"It
was horse---, period," Burress added. "When Rick (Patterson,
the side judge)
is out there making calls like that, he just makes it hard for everybody."
OK! We all
know how The Officials can blotch a call up really bad and leave you
wondering the outcome of the game if such calls were or were not ever
called. We Colts fans have experienced this numerous times
(say a many
of Patriots VS Colts episodes).
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1. If the play
fell good, they would have been at their own 37 yard line with 4:08
left to play.
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A.) Would the
latter have happened any way on Giants next play that Eli got picked
off by Colts, Nick Harper?
B,) Do
you actually believe The Colts Defense would allow the Giants a
touchdown in less than 4 minutes of the game? Eli was too panicky! |
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2. As I said
above, Colts have lost a many of games to Officials and their idiotic
calls - but one thing remains - that's NFL Football - and that's a
"W" for The Indianapolis Colts. |
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Peyton
finished 25-of-41 for 276 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The
two-time MVP also led the Colts to scores on five of their first
seven possessions.
Sure, Peyton
Manning isn't any kind of a Michael Vick, but he sure showed more
pocket presence and elusiveness than he's shown in the past. Since
when does Manning roll out and find receivers?
(Photo by Jim
McIsaac/Getty Images)
Quarterback Peyton Manning #18
of the Indianapolis Colts scrambles out of the pocket against the New
York Giants during their game on September 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium
in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Rhodes
finished with 29 yards on 16 carries. Rookie Joseph Addai added 26
yards on seven carries.
(Getty Images)
Indy rookie Joseph Addai
The Colts'
longest gain was Addai's 9-yarder midway through the fourth quarter.
"It
was cool, man,'' Rhodes said. "We got a win and that's
all that matters.
"Win
first, yards later. I guess that's how it's going to be sometimes.''
Eli was
20-of-34 for 247 yards and touchdowns passes to Plaxico Burress and
Jeremy Shockey. He also had two costly second-half mistakes - a
fumble and an interception, both of which came with New York down two
points. Both led to Indianapolis scores.
ON
WITH THE SHOW
First Quarter
Colts win the
toss and elects to Receive as Giants elects to defend the East goal.
NY Giants,
J.Feely kicks 69 yards from Giants 30 to Colts 1 yard line as Colts,
Terrance Wilkins returns it to IND 34 for 33 yards.
Peyton Manning
and the Indianapolis Colts opened the game as if adequately showing
off the quarterback's arm, experience and savoir-faire. Facing a
Giants defense with three new starters in the secondary, he threw
passes on four of the first five plays, putting into motion a
methodical 17-play drive that lasted nearly nine minutes.
After two
incomplete passes; the Giants initiate the beginning of their errors
with regard to Giants backup safety James Butler dropping what should
have been an interception of a Peyton Manning pass that was right in
his hands.
Colts now at
their fourth down cap off the drive with a 26-yard field goal by
Vinatieri with 6:07 left in the first quarter. Colts
- 3 - Giants - 0
photo by MATT KRYGER
Colts, Adam
Vinatieri kicks 70 yards from thier 30 to Giants 0 yard line as
Giants C.Morton returns it for 15 yards and is met with Colts, Marlin Jackson.
The Giants
moved the chains consistently manufacturing four 1st downs in a row.
Then more of their errors began when Shokey is called for false start
leaving Eli to play with 1st and 15 yards. As the Giants were unable
to move the chains and facing 4th and 5, Tom Coughlin and the Giants
decide to go for it; failing and turning the ball over to The Colts!
On The Colts
next possession of the ball they were facing a 3rd-and-8 on the
Indianapolis 36 when Peyton Manning hit Dallas Clark for a 23-yard
pass for a first down to end the first quarter.
ROBERT SCHEER
The Colts Dallas Clark tries to
get extra yards on Antonio Pierce of the Giants during first quarter action.
Second Quarter
The Colts had
1st and-goal on the Giants 9, but a false start penalty, a rush for
minus-one and two incomplete passes forced the Colts into a field
goal as Vinatieri hit a 32-yarder for a 6-0 lead
with less than three minutes into the second quarter.
Colts kickoff
with Vinatieri kicking 71 yards from the Colts 30 to Giants 1 yard
line as Giants, Morton returns it to Giants 20 for 21 yards before he
is met up with Colts, Rob Morris and Darrell Reid.
More mistakes
kept the Giants off the scoreboard when Burress got called for two
illegal blocks. One on a Giants, left tackle - Jacobs 25 yard run
reducing it to an official 11 yard gain. The second when Giants Right
End, Tiki Barber ran for 17 yards reducing it to officially 3 yards.
New York had
an opportunity to get on the board as Eli Manning drove his team down
the field on the ensuing possession. However, the drive was hindered
at the Colts 22 with a Giants 4th down. Giants go for a field goal;
at what time more haunting Giants errors come to pass as Jay Feeley's
40-yarder attempt went wide left.
Indianapolis
took advantage of the Giants miscue as Peyton Manning was nearly
unstoppable. He converted all three third downs on the march,
including a 34-yard connection with wide receiver Reggie Wayne on a
missile over the middle to the Giants' 17.
ROBERT SCHEER
The Colts Reggie Wayne comes
down with a long first half reception against Sam Madison of the Giants
Three plays
later Wide receiver Reggie Wayne gave the Colts a temporary scare
when he was slow to get up after an 8-yard reception. The team
announced he suffered an injury to his right knee, but Wayne returned
for the final drive of the quarter.
Three plays
later, Peyton finished the series with a 2-yard strike to tight end
Dallas Clark.
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Indianapolis Colts tight end
Dallas Clark (44) catches a touchdown pass in the endzone over New
York Giants cornerback Sam Madison as Giants cornerback Corey Webster
(23) looks on during second quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept.
10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Peyton outran
blitzing safety Gibril Wilson on a rollout to the right and put a
deft touch on a pass over the outstretched hands of Pro Bowl
defensive end Michael Strahan, who was in zone coverage. to make it 13-0
with 2:25 left until intermission.
Again Colts
kickoff with Vinatieri kicking 63 yards from thier 30 to Giants 7and
Morton returning it for a mere 7 yards as he was hit by Darrell Reid.
The Giants
finally put points on the board as Eli Manning drove his team down
the field. Eli performed an enlightening drive, moving the Giants
86-yards in eight plays. Barber got it going with 17 reception and
two 11-yard runs. On 2nd-and-9 from the Colts 34, Eli Manning put the
ball up and Burress tipped it and pulled it down in the end zone.
However,
the bad news was the Giants lost guard Chris Snee to an ankle injury
on the drive, and he did not return.
The score got
New York within 13-7
with 32 seconds left in the first half, but that was just enough time
for Peyton to do some more damage.
Taking over at
his own 38 with 25 seconds to go, Peyton Manning hit Marvin Harrison
on three straight passes for 30 yards, setting up a 48-yard field
goal by Vinatieri as time expired in the second quarter to give the
Colts a 16-7 lead going into the locker room.
3rd Quarter
The Colts
kicked off with Vinatieri kicking 68 yards from Colts 30 to Giants 2
yard line and Giants, Morton returns the ball for 29 yards after
being hit by Rob Morris.
Again Eli
performed exceptionally, while moving the giants downfield with 11
plays for 69 yards to cap it off with a 15 yard touchdown pass to
Shockey making it a close game of IND 16
NYG 14.
On Colts next
possession we saw Hunter Smith for the first time to punt the ball
away for 52 yards - as the Giants ended up punting away also on their
next possession.
On Colts next
possession; Peyton threw a pass to Dallas Clark where Giants
cornerback, R. W. McQuarters actually kept hold of the ball and
intercepted on the play where Colts Rookie running back, Joseph Addai
brought him down.
The crowd
inside Giants Stadium is hyped as Eli and his offense takes to the
field after the Giants defense intercepted the Pro Bowl - All Star
Quarterback, Peyton Manning! Trailing 16-14, Giants appeared ready to
take their first lead of the game. Wasn't anything for Colts to fret
about. On the second play of Giants possession is when Eli Manning
made the first of two key mistakes as he fumbled away his big chance
to take the lead on Peyton with 1:31 left in the third quarter. Tiki
Barber, who took a wider angle than the young quarterback expected,
and instead of tucking the ball and taking a loss, Manning extended
the handoff, resulting in a fumble that Colts defensive end Robert
Mathis recovered.
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli
Manning (10) watches players attempt to recover his fumble as
Indianapolis Colts defensive back Antoine Bethea (41) signals the
turnover during third quarter NFL football Sunday night, Sept. 10,
2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Colts recovered
the fumble..
Peyton Manning
made the Giants pay for the mistake as he took the Colts downfield on
an eight-play scoring drive.
Peyton hit
Utecht for 6 yards, Wayne for 12 and a 5 yard run by Dominic Rhodes
ended the third quarter.
MATT KRYGER
Colts runningback Dominic
Rhodes (33) turns up field on the Giants defense in the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter
Dominic Rhodes
started the fourth quarter with a 7 yard run. Next play of the Colts,
Peyton connected with Marvin Harrison 20 yards out to the Giants one
yard line where Marvin ran out if bounds. Mind you, on this play was
another penalty on the Giants as C.Webster was called for a facemask.
positioned on the one yard line - no yards were enforced. On the
Colts next play Peyton handed off to Rhodes who was pushed out of
bounds for no yardage. Second and one, Peyton again hands off to
Rhodes, as to where Rhodes proceeds to go up the middle and dove over
the Giants defense line from the 1 with 13:13 left to give the Colts
a 23-14 advantage.
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Indianapolis Colts running back
Dominic Rhodes, right, dives into the endzone for a touchdown over
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce during fourth quarter NFL
football Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East
Rutherford, N.J. .
New York,
though, had an answer and much of that was Tiki Barber. He had a
22-yard run on 2nd-and-10 and an 11-yard reception got the ball to
the Indianapolis 14. Three plays later, Brandon Jacobs ran the ball
in from one-yard out to make it a 23-21
game with 8:01 left
On Colts next
possession, The Colts ended up calling on Hunter "The
Punter" to boot it away for 50 yards.
Momentum
appeared to be on the Giants' side when they got the ball back at
their own 10-yard line with 4:58 to play.
As the Giants
were faced with a third-and-2 from their 18. Eli completed what
appeared to be a first-down pass to Tim Carter for what would have
been a 19-yard gain, but the Giants' wide receiver was charged with
offensive pass interference.
Carter and his
teammates didn't believe it was because of a push by the fifth-year receiver.
SEE
ABOVE
On the
Giants next play of a third-and-11, Eli made big mistake No. 2 when
he lobbed a pass to the right that was intercepted by Nick Harper.
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Indianapolis Colts defensive
back Nick Harper, left, intercepts a pass intended for New York
Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer during fourth quarter NFL football
Sunday night, Sept. 10, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
"A bad
decision by me," Eli said. "I can't float it there."
The Colts
proceeded to milk the clock using Dominic Rhodes on numerous running
plays and then settling for Adam Vinatieri's fourth field goal of the
game and a 5-point lead making it 26-21
with 1:12 remaining.
New York,
though, had no timeouts left and was only able to get to around
midfield before time ran out after Eli Manning fired two completions
to get the Giants to the Indianapolis 49, but center Shaun O'Hara was
called for an illegal snap as Manning spiked the ball to stop the
clock with 18 seconds left. Because the penalty occurred in the final
2 minutes, there was a 10-second run-off. Eli Manning threw an
incompletion on the final play.
Colts -26
Giants - 21
Game Notes:
COLTS
Colts WR, Marvin
Harrison had nine catches for 113 yards
It marked the
54th 100-yard game of Harrison's career, extending his own club record.
Colts
Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai combined for 23 rushes for
55 yards in taking over for Edgerrin James as the Colts running back.
Colts Tony
Dungy improved to 3-2 against the Giants
Colts WR, Wayne
had four receptions for 67 yards.
Place-kicker Adam
Vinatieri, the Colts' major offseason free agent acquisition,
paid immediate dividends.
He was 4-for-4
with field goals of 26, 32, 48 and 32 yards
GIANTS
WR Sinorice Moss,
the Giants second-round draft pick, was inactive for the game. He
missed most of training camp with a quadriceps injury
Giants G Chris
Snee left the game late in the second with an ankle injury, the
extent of which is not known.
Giants Pro
Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora left in the second half with
leg cramps.
Giants, RB
Brandon Jacobs finished with eight carries for 54 yards
Giants Tom Coughlin
is 0-5 in his coaching career against the Colts
Brother
against brother
|
Comp. |
Att. |
Yards |
Avg. |
TD |
Int |
Rating |
|
Peyton Manning |
25 |
41 |
276 |
6.7 |
1 |
1 |
78.9 |
|
Eli Manning |
20 |
34 |
247 |
7.3 |
2 |
1 |
88.7 |
(AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants quarterback Eli
Manning, left, walks off the field with brother, Peyton Manning,
quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts after the Colts beat the Giants
26-21 in NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford,
N.J., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006.
UP
NEXT:
The Colts meet
all three of their AFC South opponents at home over the next four
weeks, beginning with Houston on Sunday at the RCA Dome. The Colts
are 20-4 in the division since realignment created the AFC South in 2002. |
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