Colts Battle Falcons in Berlin – NFL Week 10

Guten tag, football fans. Wie gehts? Everything good I hope on this fine early start to the tenth week coming straight outta Germany. The Olympiastadion in Berlin to be precise where at 8.30am CST/9.30am EST and 2.30pm GMT the mighty Indianapolis Colts (7-2) face off against the Falcons (three wins and five losses). The fifth game played on German soil and the first in the nation’s capital.

Pre-match Highlights

As sparkly jackets go that is an absolute belter from Katarina Witt on the coin toss. A minor slip from the broadcast team there as we hear “which team got the coin flip?” from the commentator with an unfortunately hot mic.

Well, the coin toss went to Indianapolis and have elected to receive. 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 Star Spangled Banner has some of the biggest shoulder embellishments you are ever likely to see. Loving the sartorial choices today. We are almost underway after a choir performance for the national anthem of Germany. Elegant.

Opening Period Action

Colts 0-0 Falcons 13:30, 1st quarter

And we're off! And we have early drama after the Colts running back receives a short throw, sweeps out for 15 yards to the right side then fumbles … only for his center to recover the fumble with the recovery. Colts are in Falcons territory already.

Still scoreless at 10:51

And the excitement continues as the Colts go for it on 4th down. The gamble fails to pay off as Josh Downs fails to catch a quick pass from the quarterback. 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 three-game losing streak. Following that, Sauce Gardner makes his first appearance!

Score Updates

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 wide 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 gets worse for the Falcons as they cough the ball back to the Indianapolis on the 23-yard line. Michael Penix Jr is sacked and fumbles the football.

A nifty 22-yard run from Ashton Dulin sets the running back up to roll in for the score on the next snap. The placekicker misses the point after attempt. Oops.

TOUCHDOWN! Colts 6-7 Falcons 6:07, 1st quarter

The quarterback recovers from the turnover by leading Atlanta on a long drive for a score of their own. Drake London makes some substantial catches to put them in the red zone then the defense opens up for Tyler Allgeier to saunter on to the goal line through the middle of the defense for 13 yards. The running back finishes it off for a short scoring run of his own. Advantage Atlanta.

Additional Week 10 Matchups

And for afters, 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) Chicago Bears v Giants (2-7)

• (3-5) Houston Texans v Jaguars (5-3)

• (2-7) Miami Dolphins v Buffalo Bills (6-2)

• (4-4) Minnesota Vikings v Ravens (3-5)

• (1-7) New York Jets v Cleveland Browns (2-6)

• (6-2) Buccaneers v New England Patriots (7-2)

What a feast. I’m planting my flag on Minnesota and Baltimore playing out the game of the day.