Guten tag, fussball fans. How are you? Alles klar I hope on this fine morning kickoff to week 10 coming directly from Germany. Berlin's Olympic Stadium to be precise where at 9:30 AM EST and 2:30 PM GMT the mighty Indianapolis Colts (seven wins and two losses) take on the Falcons (three wins and five losses). This marks the fifth matchup played on German soil and the initial in the capital city.
Pregame Highlights
When it comes to glittering attire that is an absolute belter from Katarina Witt on the coin toss. A minor slip from Sky Sports there as we hear “which team got the coin flip?” from the presenter with an unfortunately hot mic.
Well, the Colts have won the toss and have chosen to get the ball first. The Colts' offense will be setting up shortly. Will the QB bounce back after a difficult performance in Pittsburgh?
Not to be outdone the vocalist performing the US national anthem has some of the biggest shoulder embellishments you are bound to notice. Loving the sartorial choices today. The game is about to start after a choir performance for the German anthem. Elegant.
First Quarter Action
Scoreless at 13:30 in the first
Here we go! And we have an exciting start after Jonathan Taylor catches a screen pass, gains 15 yards on the outside to the right then loses the ball … only for his center to recover the fumble with the ball retrieval. Indianapolis quickly moves into Atlanta's half.
Still scoreless at 10:51
And the drama keeps coming as the Colts go for it on 4th down. The risk doesn't work out as Josh Downs cannot reel in a quick pass from the quarterback. On the play before the turnover on downs Jessie Bates 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. Following that, Sauce Gardner makes his first appearance!
Score Updates
First score: Colts lead 6-0 at 8:36
Was that a missed touchdown by Kyle Pitts? The Falcons player makes a crucial error, he was very open but the ball just swishes through his hands. That moment reflects the first round pick’s career to date.
So far, so disappointing but it only gets worse for the Atlanta as they cough the ball back to the Colts on the 23-yard line. The Falcons quarterback is hunted down and fumbles the football.
An agile 22-yard rush from the Colts receiver sets the running back up to roll in for the score on the next snap. The placekicker misses the point after attempt. Mistake.
Falcons respond: 6-7 at 6:07
Penix Jr puts the fumble behind him by leading Atlanta on a long drive for a touchdown. Drake London makes some chunky receptions to put them in the scoring area then the seas part for the running back to saunter on to the goal line through the middle of the defense for 13 yards. He completes the drive for a one-yard touchdown of his own. The Falcons take the lead.
Other Week 10 Matchups
Additionally, the full slate starting at 12pm CST/1pm EST/6pm GMT (with home teams first) is as follows:
(5-4) Carolina Panthers v Saints (1-8)
(5-3) Bears v Giants (2-7)
(3-5) Houston Texans v Jaguars (5-3)
(2-7) Dolphins v Buffalo Bills (6-2)
(4-4) Minnesota Vikings v Baltimore 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 top contest of the day.
