Three Colts the New England Patriots Must be Weary of

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots are the heavy favorites heading into Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. They dismantled the Colts on road during the regular season, 43-20. This weekend the road to the Super Bowl goes through Gillette Stadium. Another beating could be in order.

In comparing the two rosters, the Patriots hold a significant advantage in terms of overall talent and experience. Tom Brady alone has played in nine AFC title games, but just showing up won’t earn him a trip to his sixth Super Bowl.

The Colts certainly have their work cut out for them. However there are three key members of the Colts who could influence the outcome of this tilt if allowed to run loose.

Here’s a look at the three most important players the Patriots must be weary of this week if they hope to advance to Phoenix.

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1. Andrew Luck – QB

Luck is on the verge of becoming the biggest star in the NFL and that notion was apparent this past Sunday. Luck led the Colts past Peyton Manning and the Broncos to set up the matchup with Brady and the Patriots. Luck passed for 40 touchdowns this season and ran for three. He’s a dual threat that could test the Patriots defense. He’ll look to feed T.Y. Hilton, Reggie Wayne and Coby Fleener. They’ll have to pressure Luck and confuse him with an array of coverage formations, or else it could be another shootout at Gillette.

2. Daniel Herron – RB

Since getting the call up from the practice squad, Herron has done nothing but produce, coming out of the Colts backfield. Herron tore up the Broncos defense, running for over 119 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. He tallied 351 yards on 78 attempts during the regular season. He’s a hard-nosed runner. Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett rushed for 129 yards on 24 attempts this past Saturday. If the Patriots allow Herron to gain 5.4 yards per carry, like they allowed Forsett to do, they could be in trouble. It’ll allow Luck to set up the play action, thus keeping the Patriots off balance. Vince Wilfork and company will need sure things up and generate more of a consistent a push up front to counter that attack.

3. Vontae Davis – CB

Davis is one of the best corners in football. He led the charge in making Peyton Manning look ordinary while helping to bottle up Denver’s array of aerial targets. Davis notched eight tackles and broke up five passes in the game. He’ll likely be matched up opposite Julian Edelman this week and could see some time on Brandon LaFell as well. Davis brings the intensity, is physical and knows how to stifle opposing receivers. He could prove to be a thorn in Brady’s side.

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