Colts vs Pats - game of the year
Highly rated offenses verses highly rated defenses. 2 future first round Hall of Famers (Tony Dungy vs Bill Belichick). Oh, you probably thought that I was talking about Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning.
First, it is rare that a game with this much hype will live up to its billing. Secondly, I have been a Dungy/Manning fan for some time. So, my analysis is geared toward how the Colts can beat the unbeatable.
The Colts will have to control the ball and the clock. I suspect that the Patriots will try to double Marvin Harrison (who has been hurt but I suspect will play) and Reggie Wayne. Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzales must have big games. Gonzales is an X factor. He is a rookie tight end with great hands. I would not be surprised if the Indianapolis Colts runs a lot of 2 tight end sets since both tights can run and catch. This would put the Patriots in a run defense. If the Patriots would play some sort of nickle or dime defense then the Colts should run out of that formation. If the Pats play run the Colts should pass out of that formation. I have never seen any team run a shotgun out of that formation. It would be amazing if the Colts tried a shotgun from a 2 tight end set. Like last year, the Colts will have to be able to run the football. Tony Ugoh, left tackle who has been hurt this year, must control Richard Seymour.
On defense, the Colts will have to figure out how to stop the Patriots offense. Dwight Freeney and the rest of the front 4 will have to get up the field. The front 4 of the Colts are going to have to stop the running game and give Brady little or no time to throw the ball. If Brady has all day to throw the ball it will be a long afternoon for the Colts. Look at the Patriots losses last year. Pittsburgh hammered Brady. The Colts also forced Brady to make some mistakes. The key is forcing the Patriots to punt the ball. The Colts defense is very fast. They hit and hit hard. Look for Saunders to try to make a play early in the game to turn the tide.
Belichick on offense will gamble on 3rd and 5 or less. If it is 4th and short look for Belichick to go for it on 4th down.
The Key to this game is not to fall behind. The team that falls behind will be the team that will lose. If a team gets a 10 point lead early the game is practically over. Being 10 points behind will force the team to press. It will allow the other team’s defense to unleash their front 4 and really attack the line of scrimmage. Either team can afford to commit an early turnover. Either team can afford to commit penalties. This game is for the Super Bowl. New England is practically unbeatable at home in January. The Indianapolis Colts have to win if they plan on taking a repeat trip to the Super Bowl. This should be a great match up.
