Here’s why Indianapolis will make it four in a row over the Patriots

By Darrell Laurant  |   Friday, November 02, 2007  |  Comments( 6 )

Indianapolis Colts
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
Seven reasons why the Indianapolis Colts will beat the New England Patriots on Sunday ...

1. They know what beating New England feels like. They've done it three straight times, in fact, including an epic 38-34 victory in the AFC title game back in January.

2. Tom Brady won't trump Peyton Manning. Brady (30 touchdown passes, two interceptions) is having a season for the ages, without question, but he's been head and shoulders over every other QB the Patriots have faced this season (yes, that includes Tony Romo). Despite his self-effacing persona on about a thousand TV commercials, Manning is a fierce and proud competitor, and he'll be driven to show that he's still the best in the league at his position.

3. Because Manning and the Colts will move the football, the New England offense won't have it as much. Which means, naturally, that it won't score as many points. But it also means more on-field time for the Patriot defense, and several key pieces of that unit are getting up in years. Thus, fatigue could become a factor late.

4. Indianapolis will convert third downs. So far against the Patriots, the opposition has managed only a 25-of-87 success rate (or failure rate), one of the lowest in the league. With Manning, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, the Colts won't roll over and die on third down.

5. New England's running backs are a mirage. Laurence Maroney is outstanding, but he's been hurt this year. Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk aren't exactly the kinds of runners to keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night, and none of the Patriot backs has more than a 4.5 per-carry average -- not bad, but not great. Addai is better than any of them.

6. Indianapolis will have an edge. Actually, two -- edge rushers, that is. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will put more pressure on Brady than he's seen this year. In most games, he's had time to shave (hey, maybe that could be a commercial) before the rush gets to him. And if Brady gets shaken up by Freeney, Mathis or some other Colt (nine of them have sacks this season), that means Matt Cassel under center.

7. The Colts are at home. All other things being equal, go with the home team.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (6)

About Darrell Laurant

Sorry, Darrell Laurant's bio is currently not available. Please check back soon!
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report