We all know Peyton goes through all his gyrations/calls at the line of scrimmage. The purpose is to see how the defense is lined up(coverage), identify the mike, and count the number of guys in the box.
Peyton will usually run the ball 99% of the time with 7 guys in the box, and throw with 8 guys or more in the box. I think most people recognize Peyton does this, and he will audible at the line to adjust to what he sees.
The Chargers consistently showed 8 guys in the box, which forced the pass. Peyton threw the ball 48 times, and the Gonzalez and Clark TD's were the big plays and caused by lazy safety play. Otherwise, everything was in front of the Chargers. I believe the Chargers wanted the Colts to throw the ball. Chargers were showing 8 in the box, and rushing 4 guys and showing multiple looks and zone blitzing...they wanted Merriman and Phillips rushing the passer on most plays. The plan worked.
The Colts ran the ball 18 times for 50 yards. I know in most cases, running against an 8 man front is not fruitful but if you don't at least show it...can you keep the defense honest? Granted the ypc by the Colts was not very good, but you have capable runners...why not mix in a run?
I think the stubborness of the Colts, mainly Peyton may have cost them the game. The Colts ran the ball 8 times for 32 yards in the 2nd half. They were playing like a team down by 20 points, not a team down by 4 points going into the 4th quarter.
The Chargers may well use the same game plan this week, but will need their safeties to play better.
Peyton will usually run the ball 99% of the time with 7 guys in the box, and throw with 8 guys or more in the box. I think most people recognize Peyton does this, and he will audible at the line to adjust to what he sees.
The Chargers consistently showed 8 guys in the box, which forced the pass. Peyton threw the ball 48 times, and the Gonzalez and Clark TD's were the big plays and caused by lazy safety play. Otherwise, everything was in front of the Chargers. I believe the Chargers wanted the Colts to throw the ball. Chargers were showing 8 in the box, and rushing 4 guys and showing multiple looks and zone blitzing...they wanted Merriman and Phillips rushing the passer on most plays. The plan worked.
The Colts ran the ball 18 times for 50 yards. I know in most cases, running against an 8 man front is not fruitful but if you don't at least show it...can you keep the defense honest? Granted the ypc by the Colts was not very good, but you have capable runners...why not mix in a run?
I think the stubborness of the Colts, mainly Peyton may have cost them the game. The Colts ran the ball 8 times for 32 yards in the 2nd half. They were playing like a team down by 20 points, not a team down by 4 points going into the 4th quarter.
The Chargers may well use the same game plan this week, but will need their safeties to play better.