Keys To Victory - Colts
1. Force Luck To Be Unlucky - Andrew Luck has already lived up to his billing, and in many ways he has exceeded expectations. In fact, Luck has already begun his assault on the record books by breaking Peyton Manning's rookie passing yards in a game mark. Luck also has a signature win against Aaron Rodgers and The Packers. However, this is the first game where the spot light shifts. He's no longer novel, and he's no longer living on lowered expectations. This is a rivalry game, and he's on the road in a cold weather stadium. This is where we learn what kind of stones he's got. Its my feeling that if he throws a perfect game (>60% comp. and 0 INTs/Fumbles) that Luck will carry his team to victory. However, if he surrenders a possession to Brady, then Luck will lose. The Patriots Defense needs to do what they do, force turnovers.
2. Double Reggie Wayne - Its pretty obvious who Luck's favorite target is, and who wouldn't love throwing to Reggie Wayne. Seriously, this guy is on pace to have his best season because he's just getting so many targets. I think the expectation for The Patriots D is that they'll put Aqib Talib man-up on T.Y. Hilton or Donnie Avery while Reggie Wayne gets a Dennard-McCourty sandwich. We've seen The Patriots shut down Larry Fitzgerald (1 catch) in this way, and I expect to see it employed this week against The Colts. Luck will need to prove that he can work through his progressions and find the open man. Hopefully our pass rush can take advantage of Luck when he is searching for a new favorite target.
3. Don't Drop It - In many of the losses and close games this year, we (as fans) can point to a critical dropped pass as a huge moment in the game. Last week, Welker had two drops that led to two stalled drives. The Patriots Offense is so deadly that they really have to beat themselves in order to give the opposing defense a chance. Tipped passes, dropped balls, and just regular miscues end up looming large because we're so reliant on being ahead of the down and distance. The Patriots are at their best when they are converting on 1st and 2nd downs, but when they do get into gotta-have-it situations, they can't beat themselves.
4. Ridley/Woodhead Break Off Chunks -The Colts have instituted a new scheme, moving from the 4-3 to the 3-4. This has forced Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis to play out of position as OLBs. Both guys are known for their prowess as pass-rushing DEs, and as fast guys they hold up in coverage okay, but they have had their struggles against the run. McDaniels sees this as clear as day on tape, and I am sure he's got some concepts specifically designed to exploit Freeney and Mathis with Ridley. Likewise, Danny Woodhead's ability to hurt a defense on the draw play should not be overlooked when The Colts are pinning their ears back. If the backs can break a few big plays, it should go a long way to opening up the field for Brady.
5. 60 Minutes - Whenever I ask specifically for a total effort, I seem to get it. This week we're going to need it. Let's not forget that we're playing "a rival" with the same W-L record. The Patriots are going to need to bring their A-game, and not just in short bursts. Lets start fast and finish strong because I am sick of hearing about Andrew Luck. I'd really love to blow them out, but I won't be as bold as that. We just need to play a solid game without losing it for long stretches.
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| This is from a really good rivalry article READ HERE |
3. Don't Drop It - In many of the losses and close games this year, we (as fans) can point to a critical dropped pass as a huge moment in the game. Last week, Welker had two drops that led to two stalled drives. The Patriots Offense is so deadly that they really have to beat themselves in order to give the opposing defense a chance. Tipped passes, dropped balls, and just regular miscues end up looming large because we're so reliant on being ahead of the down and distance. The Patriots are at their best when they are converting on 1st and 2nd downs, but when they do get into gotta-have-it situations, they can't beat themselves.
4. Ridley/Woodhead Break Off Chunks -The Colts have instituted a new scheme, moving from the 4-3 to the 3-4. This has forced Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis to play out of position as OLBs. Both guys are known for their prowess as pass-rushing DEs, and as fast guys they hold up in coverage okay, but they have had their struggles against the run. McDaniels sees this as clear as day on tape, and I am sure he's got some concepts specifically designed to exploit Freeney and Mathis with Ridley. Likewise, Danny Woodhead's ability to hurt a defense on the draw play should not be overlooked when The Colts are pinning their ears back. If the backs can break a few big plays, it should go a long way to opening up the field for Brady.5. 60 Minutes - Whenever I ask specifically for a total effort, I seem to get it. This week we're going to need it. Let's not forget that we're playing "a rival" with the same W-L record. The Patriots are going to need to bring their A-game, and not just in short bursts. Lets start fast and finish strong because I am sick of hearing about Andrew Luck. I'd really love to blow them out, but I won't be as bold as that. We just need to play a solid game without losing it for long stretches.
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