Eagles vs. Broncos: Behind the Numbers 2013

First off, sorry this is late! I figured there wasn't much left in question after the shellacking the Eagles endured last Sunday, and I was right. The game went how everyone thought it would, so I won't be saying too much about this game and the numbers. The Broncos are who we thought they were. The Eagles? We'll see. On to the numbers!

Well one glance at this will show you the story of the game, as the score was clearly the most lopsided statistic above. It's hard to believe that the score was 21-13 after the first half, with the final score in mind and the fact that it never felt like the Birds were ever in the game. Everything else is surprisingly similar, with the Broncos gaining only 22 more yards than the Eagles. However, they were superior on third down percent (despite only having 8 opportunities all game) and converting 35 first downs compared to only 21. Both teams played fairly clean games (no turnovers) but Philadelphia committed 8 penalties for 62 yards; Denver had just 2 for 25.

Peyton Manning to be released by Colts

I have to say, I'm quite surprised to hear this, though it does make some sense.  The Colts plan to release 4 time MVP QB Peyton Manning on Wednesday, and will likely use the first pick in the NFL Draft on QB Andrew Luck.  I understand teams often replace their old players with younger ones, but Peyton was by no means experiencing any type of decline.  It will be interesting to see how both the Colts, and whatever team Manning signs for, finish the next season.

Vick #5 in QB Power Rankings

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: The reigning Super Bowl MVP is coming off one of the most remarkable postseason runs in recent memory. He's handled his business deftly on the field and off -- reference the way Rodgers navigated the local minefield when then-iconic Brett Favre was traded in 2008 -- can make plays with his head, arm and legs and is just 27. If you had to pick one guy to lead your team for the next decade, hard to argue against the man currently wearing the championship belt.

2. Tom Brady, Patriots: He's coming off his second league MVP campaign in the last four seasons. But he struggled in the playoffs, where he's lost his past three starts after seeming nearly bulletproof early in his career. Rodgers by a hair, as in Brady's now shorter locks.

3. Drew Brees, Saints: He's passed for 22,918 yards during his tenure in New Orleans, the most prolific five-year stretch in league history. Brees' leadership skills, accuracy and dedication are off the charts. And it takes a special guy to supplant Archie Manning as the most beloved player in franchise history.

4. Peyton Manning, Colts: Admittedly, ranking the four-time MVP this low doesn't feel right. But he's coming off a season slightly subpar by his ridiculously lofty standards and, more troubling, dealing with a surgically repaired neck at age 35 which throws a dent into what has been his nearly bulletproof persona.

5. Michael Vick, Eagles: Unlike the QBs listed in front of him (and a couple below him), he doesn't have a ring. What he does have is the scariest skill set of anyone (maybe ever) at the position and, now, the dedication and experience to maximize his gifts.

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