🔗 Share this article

Guten tag, fussball enthusiasts. How are you? Alles klar I hope on this fine morning kickoff to the tenth week coming straight outta Germany. Berlin's Olympic Stadium to be exact where at 8.30am CST/9.30am EST and 2.30pm GMT the mighty Indianapolis Colts (seven wins and two losses) face off against the Falcons (3-5). This marks the fifth matchup played on soil in Germany and the initial in the nation’s capital.

Pre-match Highlights

As sparkly jackets go that is an real standout from Katarina Witt on the coin toss. A slight fluff from the broadcast team there as we hear “who won the toss?” from the commentator with an unfortunately hot mic.

So, the Colts have won the toss and have chosen to get the ball first. Daniel Jones and company will be setting up shortly. Can the quarterback recover after a rough one in Pittsburgh?

In a similar vein the vocalist performing the US national anthem has some of the biggest shoulder embellishments you are ever likely to see. Loving the sartorial choices today. The game is about to start after a choir performance for the German anthem. Classy.

Opening Period Gameplay

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 loses the ball … only for his offensive lineman to save his bacon with the recovery. Indianapolis quickly moves into Atlanta's half.

Still scoreless at 10:51

And the drama keeps coming as the Indianapolis attempts a fourth-down conversion. The gamble fails to pay off as the wide receiver cannot reel in a quick pass from Jones. On the play before the turnover on downs the Falcons defender put a huge hit 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!

Touchdown Updates

First score: Colts lead 6-0 at 8:36

Did Kyle Pitts just drop a touchdown? The tight end drops a clanger, he was wide open but the ball just swishes through his hands. That play rather sums up the first round pick’s career to date.

A disappointing start but it only deteriorates for the Falcons as they turn over possession to the Indianapolis on the 23-yard line. Michael Penix Jr is sacked and can’t keep hold of the ball.

An agile 22-yard rush from the Colts receiver sets Jonathan Taylor up to roll in for the score on the next snap. Kicker Michael Badgley misses the point after attempt. Mistake.

Falcons respond: 6-7 at 6:07

The quarterback recovers from the turnover 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 defense opens up for the running back to saunter on to the goal line through the heart of the field for a 13-yard gain. The running back finishes it off for a short scoring run of his own. The Falcons take the lead.

Additional Week 10 Matchups

And for afters, the jumbo package starting at 1 PM EST and 6 PM GMT (with home teams first) is as follows:

• (5-4) Panthers v New Orleans Saints (1-8)

• (5-3) Bears v New York Giants (2-7)

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

• (2-7) Miami Dolphins v Bills (6-2)

• (4-4) Vikings v Ravens (3-5)

• (1-7) New York Jets v Browns (2-6)

• (6-2) Buccaneers v Patriots (7-2)

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