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Measure them for rings

Measure them for rings

By Thurman Thomas

Questions or comments for Thurman? Send him a note at Thurman@nflcanada.com

The Indianapolis Colts bid to defend their Super Bowl title took a serious blow, with the injury to Dwight Freeney.

Freeney’s fantastic pass rushing skills were one of the main reasons the colts were able to keep the game with the Patriots close. With him out of the line up (Freeney was put on season ending injured reserve) for the rest of the year, I don’t give the colts much of a chance against the Pat’s.

Marvin Harrison has also been out five games with an ailing knee. The Colts will probably have to wait until next year to compete for the Super Bowl. They have struggled since the loss to New England, with a loss at San Diego and a lack luster win against Kansas City. They got off to a slow start against the Falcons on Thursday, but they turned things around in the second quarter with the help of an improving Anthony Gonzalez (6 catches – 105 yards). Peyton Manning looked sharp again, and their offense rolled to a 31-13 victory. That being said, I don’t believe they can compete with the Patriots without Freeney.

So who will slow down New England?

No one else in the AFC.

That leaves the NFC. Dallas and Green Bay continue to roll at 10-1. Both teams were very impressive on Thursday. Brett Favre is the NFL feel good story of the year and should win comeback player of the year and possibly NFC offensive player of the year. Green Bay has a good pass rush and has talent in their secondary, but I think they would be 14-point losers to the Pat’s in the Super Bowl, if they made it there.

That leaves Dallas, whom the Patriots already manhandled at home. Dallas kept it close, and was leading at half time, but New England flexed their offensive might and easily pulled away to a 48 – 27 pounding. All this points to a New England Super Bowl victory.

There is one thing that can stop the New England juggernaut. And that is Coach Bill Belichek’s stubborn refusal to take Brady out of Blow out games.

I not complaining about running up scores, but when the game is out of reach, Brady should be safely seated on the sidelines wearing a Patriots parka. A player can be injured at any point during a game, but when the out come has been decided, one of the greatest players to ever play the game should be on the bench, just my opinion. I would really like to see Brady complete his and the teams historic season. Without him, they don’t win the Super Bowl.

Thurman Thomas

Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas rushed for 1,000 yards in eight consecutive seasons, was selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls, and was named NFL MVP in 1991. Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, and is now an NFL ambassador in Canada and will be making community and charitable appearances on behalf of the league north of the border.