Indianapolis Colts Take On Atlanta Falcons in Berlin – NFL Week 10
Hello, football enthusiasts. How are you? Alles klar I trust on this fine early start to the tenth week coming straight outta Deutschland. The Olympiastadion in Berlin to be exact where at 8.30am CST/9.30am EST and 2.30pm GMT the powerful Indianapolis Colts (seven wins and two losses) take on the Atlanta Falcons (3-5). This marks the fifth matchup played on soil in Germany and the first in the capital city.
Pre-match Key Moments
As sparkly jackets go that is an absolute belter from the Olympic figure skater on the coin toss. A slight fluff from the broadcast team there as we hear “who won the toss?” from the commentator with an unfortunately hot mic.
So, the Colts have won the toss and have elected to receive. Daniel Jones and company will be setting up shortly. Will the QB bounce back after a difficult performance in their last game?
Not to be outdone the vocalist performing the US national anthem has some of the biggest shoulder embellishments you are ever likely to see. The fashion picks are impressive today. The game is about to start after a choral number for the German anthem. Classy.
Opening Period Action
Colts 0-0 Falcons 13:30, 1st quarter
Here we go! And we have an exciting start after Jonathan Taylor receives a short throw, gains 15 yards on the outside to the right then fumbles … only for his offensive lineman to recover the fumble with the recovery. Colts are in Falcons territory already.
Still scoreless at 10:51
And the excitement continues as the Indianapolis attempts a fourth-down conversion. The gamble fails to pay off as Josh Downs fails to catch a quick pass from Jones. Prior to the failed attempt the Falcons defender put a massive tackle on tight end Mo Alie-Cox. The Falcons have come out fighting on defense as they try and snap their string of three losses. Next up Sauce Garner’s debut!
Touchdown Recap
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 6-0 Falcons 8:36, 1st quarter
Did Kyle Pitts just drop a touchdown? The Falcons player makes a crucial error, he was very open but the ball just slips through his grasp. That moment reflects the high draft pick's professional journey to date.
So far, so disappointing but it only deteriorates for the Falcons as they turn over possession to the Colts on the 23-yard line. Michael Penix Jr is hunted down and fumbles the football.
A nifty 22-yard run from the Colts receiver sets Jonathan Taylor up to easily run for a touchdown on the following play. The placekicker misses the point after attempt. Mistake.
Falcons respond: 6-7 at 6:07
The quarterback recovers from the turnover by leading Atlanta on a long drive for a score of their own. The wide receiver makes some substantial catches to put them in the red zone then the defense opens up for the running back to saunter on to the goal line through the middle of the defense for 13 yards. The running back finishes it off for a one-yard touchdown of his own. The Falcons take the lead.
Other Tenth Week Matchups
And for afters, the full slate starting at 1 PM EST and 6 PM GMT (home teams listed first) is as follows:
(5-4) Panthers v Saints (1-8)
(5-3) Chicago Bears v Giants (2-7)
(3-5) Houston Texans v Jaguars (5-3)
(2-7) Dolphins v Bills (6-2)
(4-4) Vikings v Ravens (3-5)
(1-7) Jets v Browns (2-6)
(6-2) Buccaneers v New England Patriots (7-2)
What a feast. My pick for the best game is the Vikings and Ravens playing out the game of the day.