Three Keys to Victory: New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts
Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback
Tom Brady(12) congratulates tight end
Rob Gronkowski(87) after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 43-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots (7-2) will link up with the Indianapolis Colts (6-3) on Sunday night at Lucas Oil Stadium for a primetime AFC showdown. The Patriots have won six of their last seven games and are currently riding a five-game win streak. The Colts have also won six of seven. In the their last meeting, Tom Brady and the Patriots dismantled Andrew Luck‘s Colts, winning 43-22 back on Jan. 11.
New England enters this ballgame with a drastically different looking team since the Colts last saw them. Their defense is rebuilt and loaded in the secondary. Rob Gronkowski is fully healthy, Brandon LaFell has emerged as key playmaker and Brady is slinging it around as good as ever.
Luck comes in as the NFL’s top passer with 3,085 yards. He’s tossed 26 touchdowns and nine picks. Luck is extremely mobile and excels at keeping plays alive. He’s got some decent offensive weapons and can certainly put up points. Unlike Brady, Luck is prone to mistakes. His decision making while under pressure doesn’t compare to the Patriots signal caller. Brady has thrown just three interceptions this season.
The Patriots have tallied 94 points in their last two games. The Colts have tallied 74. Something will have to give in this one as the Patriots will be extremely difficult to slow down, especially if they jump out to a fast start.
Here are my three keys to victory for the Patriots:
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1. Dial up the blitz
The Colts rushing attack is far from intimidating. Ahmad Bradshaw is serviceable, but the Patriots have faced far superior backs this season. Trent Richardson is no great shakes either. Vince Wilfork has been a huge run stuffer in recent weeks. An ineffective rushing attack will force Luck to take to the air frequently. Akeem Ayers, Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower could wreak havoc on Luck if they’re let loose.
2. Man up and get physical
Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner have emerged as a dynamic combination in the Patriots secondary. Revis should have his way with a banged up Reggie Wayne. He’ll also likely float around to defend T.Y. Hilton at times. Look for him to bang the two around. Browner should see a lot of time on Indy’s tight ends. Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen see their fair share of targets. Browner slowed Broncos tight end Julius Thomas with his physicality at the line. It’s unlikely either of those tight ends will be able to fight off constant jamming and bumping at the beginning of their routes.
3. Feed Gronk
Gronkowski is a man among boys every week he steps on the field. This week will be no different. The Colts don’t have an answer for him. Safeties Mike Adams and LaRon Landry will likely see some time on him. Teams haven’t found a remedy for Gronkowski. He’s playing with confidence, determination and a full head of steam. He has caught 35 balls and five touchdowns since Week 5. Look for that trend to continue as him and Brady are totally locked in right now.