A Rivalry? This goes beyond just a rivalry, Colts vs. Patriots
The Game Preview
This is what we have been waiting for all season long, okay maybe we thought there would be a little more to it (maybe both teams undefeated) but this is the game we all look forward to. The Colts come in off a lack luster performance, but a win, against the Cincinnati Bengals; where the offense looked as though the injuries on that side of the ball have finally caught up to them. With Dallas Clark out for the season and Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon banged up for most of the season the Colts still keep rolling along but not with there bumps in the road, and they come into this game with a 6-3 record tops in the AFC south. For New England they have been ‘business as usual’ they come in off a great performance against Pittsburgh and with a 7-2 record tied for first in their division. So maybe this match-up is what we thought it was a game between two of the best minds in the game at the quarterback position and a matchup of two of the best teams that the NFL has to offer over the past 8 seasons. There is a lot of history in this storied rivalry and a lot of bad blood and I am sure more will be added by both teams on Sunday afternoon. By the way, isn’t it strange that a Colts/Patriots game is not being played in primetime either on Sunday night or Monday night apparently someone thought that the rivalry had lost its flare, bet they don’t make the same mistake next year.
Keys to the game:
Colts pass rush
Patriots rushing attack
For Indianapolis if they can get pressure on Brady and force him to make mistakes the Colts secondary is very capable of turning mistakes into points (just ask Carson Palmer). The pass rush will not just be about the defensive ends it will also be about the pressure that the defense is able to get up the middle from the tackles, as well as, the linebackers when blitzing. If the Colts can create turnovers they will be successful in this game.
For the Patriots the running game will be key in this game to their attack, the run game will keep the pass rush at bay and it will also keep the linebackers honest, the key is New England must play with a lead to use the ground game effectively. If they find themselves playing from behind the pass rush will be relentless and Brady and the offense will be in trouble.
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Key Match-ups:
Patriot offensive line vs. Colts defense
Peyton Manning vs. Patriot defensive backs
The Colts defense has often been called ‘undersized’ and even ‘small’ but they could be the fastest in the NFL so if they don’t knock you down they will chase you down but in this game they must be quick and to the ball. The Patriot offensive line is one of the best in the NFL they know how to keep Tom Brady clean, they are big and they are mean and they take pride in protection this will be an epic matchup.
In my opinion, Peyton Manning is the greatest mind in the game today, he can not only make the big play but he can also out think the defense. One of the quotes from a Patriot defender is that Manning is a defensive coordinator that plays quarterback, that just shows how much he educates himself on defensive alignments and that is scary for opposing teams. The corners for New England are young but they are good but I don’t think they have competed against a quarterback the caliber of Manning; this should be fun to watch.
Prediction:
Of course in my heart I want to say Indianapolis will win this game and take a commanding lead in the south but I have to watch myself here. New England looked very impressive against the Steelers who many thought were the best team in the NFL; the only struggle seemed to be on defense. With Indy coming off a struggle on offense last week I look for them to be aggressive and to pass the ball around the field all day long. No doubt this will be a shootout and I look for the Colts to come out on top with a defense that is experienced.
By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer