NFL Week Five Bold Predictions: Sack City for Tom Brady
By Erik Lambert
Sep 22, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (right) during the first NFL half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
A lot of critical games headline week five of the NFL season. Bold predictions are here again and there are plenty to make with reasonable chance of success.
Drew Brees will throw three interceptions against Chicago Bears
As well as the New Orleans Saints offense has played, they’ve done so with a lack of a running game. Mark Ingram is hurt and Darren Sproles is not a full-time back. Heading into Soldier Field it should be cool and wet, making an aerial attack by Drew Brees dicey. On top of that the Chicago Bears are especially adept at forcing turnovers. While their pass rush hasn’t looked great, it has shown improvement lately and if they can rattle Brees enough he could have some errant throws. Here’s saying the opportunistic Bears pick off three of his passes.
Reggie Bush won’t top 50 total yards against the Green Bay Packers
All the talk about how great Reggie Bush is belies the fact defenses haven’t had time to adjust to him in the Detroit Lions offense yet. With two weeks to prepare and a chance to get healthy, the Green Bay Packers will get a chance to show the league how. Not only will they stifle Bush on the ground, but they’ll also make it difficult for Matthew Stafford to find him on check downs. At the end of the day Bush will have a touchdown, but he won’t have more than 50 total yards for the game.
The Indianapolis Colts will score 17 points and still beat the Seattle Seahawks
Walking and talking have been the Seattle Seahawks through the first four weeks as they continue to find ways to pull out wins on the road. Their toughest of the season may be at hand against the Indianapolis Colts. Their offense hasn’t played well, especially Russell Wilsona and the Colts defense hasn’t allowed double digit points since week two. This is going to be a classic NFL defensive slugfest with field position playing a huge deal. Look for the Seahawks to ride Marshawn Lynch while Andrew Luck feeds Trent Richardson and dumps it to Coby Fleener. Best bet is if the Colts score 17 points they have a good chance to win.
LeSean McCoy will top 200 yards rushing against the New York Giants
Chip Kelly has turned the Philadelphia Eagles into a creative and effective rushing attack headlined by LeSean McCoy. He had a productive game against Denver, the best run defense in the league. So what can the New York Giants expect with their 28th ranked rush defense? Philadelphia has improved their offensive line from last year while the Giants have struggled to control the line of scrimmage at all. They did recently trade for linebacker Jon Beason which may offer help but since they haven’t seen Kelly’s offense before it could become a long night for a struggling defense. McCoy should be at the center of it, as he goes over 200 yards.
The Cincinnati Bengals will sack Tom Brady four times
Not a lot of things disrupt the New England Patriots. One that does is strong defensive lines. During the preseason fans got an eyeful as Tom Brady and the Patriots offense was thoroughly mugged by the Detroit Lions powerful defensive front. Fast forward to week five and the story may be about to repeat. The Cincinnati Bengals have a great line of their own, headlined by All-Pro Geno Atkins and ends Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson. As great as Brady is he only does his best when he has a clean pocket and plenty of time. He starts becoming errant when pressure frequently enough. Cincinnati can do that, especially if Andy Dalton and the offense can grab an early lead. Providing that happens, expect Brady to not only get pressure, but sacked at least four times.