*** MNF Game Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[djcolts]

Early weather report (which means nothing right now) seems to be game time temp in the mid to low 40s with chance of showers. I don't really know who'll win of course - I'm voting Colts because I feel I need to as a fan, but I'm not overly confident of this. I've got to believe the way NE played on Sunday night was an aberration.

 

[LGOA]

Early weather report (which means nothing right now) seems to be game time temp in the mid to low 40s with chance of showers.

I don't really know who'll win of course - I'm voting Colts because I feel I need to as a fan, but I'm not overly confident of this. I've got to believe the way NE played on Sunday night was an aberration.

I'm a Colts fan living in Boston. Went to the game on Sunday at Gillette. After watching the game on Sunday, Indy SHOULD win this game, but like you, I don't feel overly confident. I think it will be on Edge to control the game, and if he does, they will get over the hurdle of winning at Foxboro.

 

[dudaman]

Need to see Seymour's status first.

FWIW, The forecast is for rain next Monday and Tuesday - it will slow the track down somewhat.

 

[Varmint]

I WIN!! I have both Dillon and E. James on my roster...

 

[Sweeper]

This thread again? Cant we keep the same ONE going day after day rather then another thread on the same subject? And New England Wins .... they have been the underdog in this matchup every single time and pull out the victory (which looks more like a scchhhhllllaacking) all the time ... regardless of how well the colts are playing prior to the game. And I know that the colts are playing good ball, the defense is playing outstanding football and the pats have a lot of injuries, but .... Every time these teams play there is a solid argument to be made for why INDY will win and they don't. So until they do .... I stick with the trend and history of this matchup! The pats will do what they always do ... somehow ... someway ... WIN!

 

[djcolts]

This thread again? Cant we keep the same ONE going day after day rather then another thread on the same subject?

I wanted to have a poll - there isn't one out there besides this one. Also, and this is just me, I wanted the title of the thread to be less biased - a simple game and date in the title.

 

[Sparty]

Colt's!NE defensive backfield is in terrible shape. Manning to break out this game after establishing the running the first two quarters.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I'll go on record and say the Colts. I don't believe in all this Tom Brady Vs. Indy or the "Indy Jinx." I believe the best has has always won and that was NE, they were the best in the entire league.I don't think New England is better than Indy right now. I also think it was a big advantage for Indy to have their bye right before the NE game. Peyton Manning has 2 weeks to prepare for New England........please.I think it'll be a good game, but ultimately the lack of defense on New England's part, that's right New England and not Indy this year will be their demise.Please though, after the game I don't want to read "I told you Peyton Manning was better than Tom Brady." Brady has 3 rings, theyr'e not going anywhere and this is a regular season game. Watch the game, talk about it, enjoy it but don't overreact. We're about half way thru the season folks.

 

[jurb26]

NE wins, same song different vs. When will people just accept that Indy isn't as good as NE.....?

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Pats.

 

[dudaman]

I don't think New England is better than Indy right now. I also think it was a big advantage for Indy to have their bye right before the NE game. Peyton Manning has 2 weeks to prepare for New England........please.

The Colts lost to Jax after last year's bye...

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

NE wins, same song different vs. When will people just accept that Indy isn't as good as NE.....?

Every year Jurb is a new year. People said the same thing about Green Bay after they won SB 1, said the same thing about Dallas vs. Green Bay or Philly in the early 90's.Eventually teams fall off, just like fantasy players like E. SMith, M. Faulk and Priest Holmes.

The Patriots aren't playing as well as they have in the past and I've never seen the Colts D as good as this year's team with Manning at QB. I don't think you can simply say NE because they were better last year. Teams do change.

With that said, I think NE will try like hell to beat Indy as they'd love to be the team to give them their 1st loss. I also know Peyton Manning has probably been a maniac in his preperation for this game these couple weeks leading up to it. It'll be a lot of fun to watch, I know I'll be watching.

 

[jurb26]

I'll go on record and say the Colts. I don't believe in all this Tom Brady Vs. Indy or the "Indy Jinx." I believe the best has has always won and that was NE, they were the best in the entire league.

I don't think New England is better than Indy right now. I also think it was a big advantage for Indy to have their bye right before the NE game. Peyton Manning has 2 weeks to prepare for New England........please.

I think it'll be a good game, but ultimately the lack of defense on New England's part, that's right New England and not Indy this year will be their demise.

Please though, after the game I don't want to read "I told you Peyton Manning was better than Tom Brady." Brady has 3 rings, theyr'e not going anywhere and this is a regular season game. Watch the game, talk about it, enjoy it but don't overreact. We're about half way thru the season folks.

Everything you have said was said in previous years. Manning has had 5 years to prepare for NE and it hasn't done squat. This year will be like the others. Indy can beat NE if and only if they ride Edge. Even still, I'm not sure that will be enough. NE is still the Champs and they still come through with wins.

 

[Gamblor]

This thread again? Cant we keep the same ONE going day after day rather then another thread on the same subject?

I wanted to have a poll - there isn't one out there besides this one. Also, and this is just me, I wanted the title of the thread to be less biased - a simple game and date in the title.

Just ignore him DJ. This guys seems to enjoy bashing others.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I don't think New England is better than Indy right now.  I also think it was a big advantage for Indy to have their bye right before the NE game.  Peyton Manning has 2 weeks to prepare for New England........please.

The Colts lost to Jax after last year's bye...

Yep, you are right. The Colts D wasn't as good last year, and this is a game the Colts are looking past.I think the entire Colts team is looking towards this game as a mini SB. They know they haven't beaten this team under Manning. Sure, they know they're undefeated, but they're record and place on top of the AFC isn't validated until the beat New England.

My point is they could have been looking past JAX. last year coming off the bye. Jax. is a sneaky good defensive team.

No way Indy, who's better than last year IMO looks past New England, no way.

 

[jurb26]

NE wins, same song different vs. When will people just accept that Indy isn't as good as NE.....?

Every year Jurb is a new year. People said the same thing about Green Bay after they won SB 1, said the same thing about Dallas vs. Green Bay or Philly in the early 90's.Eventually teams fall off, just like fantasy players like E. SMith, M. Faulk and Priest Holmes.

The Patriots aren't playing as well as they have in the past and I've never seen the Colts D as good as this year's team with Manning at QB. I don't think you can simply say NE because they were better last year. Teams do change.

With that said, I think NE will try like hell to beat Indy as they'd love to be the team to give them their 1st loss. I also know Peyton Manning has probably been a maniac in his preperation for this game these couple weeks leading up to it. It'll be a lot of fun to watch, I know I'll be watching.

Indy's D is vastly overrated IMO. Look at what an average St.L team did to them before their QB was knocked out. Look at the schedule this team has played thus far. Everyone is so impressed with the 7-0 start, but seriously look at the teams on their schedule. Only 1 real test thus far, Jack. St.L was killing this team until Bulger goes down. Heck even Hou was able to scare them. Anything other than a 7-0 start given that schedule would be a HUGE disappointment IMO. My lord, what do you think teams like SD, NE or Pitt would give for that schedule right about now? I know it's fun to say that the top dog has lost a step, but until the NE is out of the playoff hunt, I won't be so naive. That NE team is scary no matter how many injuries.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I'll go on record and say the Colts. I don't believe in all this Tom Brady Vs. Indy or the "Indy Jinx."  I believe the best has has always won and that was NE, they were the best in the entire league.

I don't think New England is better than Indy right now.  I also think it was a big advantage for Indy to have their bye right before the NE game.  Peyton Manning has 2 weeks to prepare for New England........please.

I think it'll be a good game, but ultimately the lack of defense on New England's part, that's right New England and not Indy this year will be their demise.

Please though, after the game I don't want to read "I told you Peyton Manning was better than Tom Brady."  Brady has 3 rings, theyr'e not going anywhere and this is a regular season game.  Watch the game, talk about it, enjoy it but don't overreact.  We're about half way thru the season folks.

Everything you have said was said in previous years. Manning has had 5 years to prepare for NE and it hasn't done squat. This year will be like the others. Indy can beat NE if and only if they ride Edge. Even still, I'm not sure that will be enough. NE is still the Champs and they still come through with wins.

Really, people were touting Indy's D as the reason they'll win the game like I stated. I certainly don't remember that and wasn't in the threads I was reading. Not only that, you're right about Edge, Indy's game plan this year is different than last. Edge is running for big yardage and scoring TD's where last year it was Peyton throwing them in. It's ball control, it's keeping your D on the sideline and fresh when they come in. They did very little of this last year.I respect NE, especially their coach and their QB. I expect NE fans to rally around their team as they should.

I am completely bias in this matchup. I am fans of both QB's as I am a big Michigan fan and have always rooted for Tom Brady. However, I've watched a lot of football games (as have many of you) and watched the great dynasties over the years slowly go downhill.

To me, both Philly and NE are going to have to scratch and claw just to make the playoffs. They are not playing as well as they did last year. I think it's blind faith just to say NE will win because they have in the past.

Indy 27, NE 20

 

[Warsteinner]

NE wins, same song different vs.  When will people just accept that Indy isn't as good as NE.....?

Every year Jurb is a new year. People said the same thing about Green Bay after they won SB 1, said the same thing about Dallas vs. Green Bay or Philly in the early 90's.Eventually teams fall off, just like fantasy players like E. SMith, M. Faulk and Priest Holmes.

The Patriots aren't playing as well as they have in the past and I've never seen the Colts D as good as this year's team with Manning at QB. I don't think you can simply say NE because they were better last year. Teams do change.

With that said, I think NE will try like hell to beat Indy as they'd love to be the team to give them their 1st loss. I also know Peyton Manning has probably been a maniac in his preperation for this game these couple weeks leading up to it. It'll be a lot of fun to watch, I know I'll be watching.

Indy's D is vastly overrated IMO. Look at what an average St.L team did to them before their QB was knocked out. Look at the schedule this team has played thus far. Everyone is so impressed with the 7-0 start, but seriously look at the teams on their schedule. Only 1 real test thus far, Jack. St.L was killing this team until Bulger goes down. Heck even Hou was able to scare them. Anything other than a 7-0 start given that schedule would be a HUGE disappointment IMO. My lord, what do you think teams like SD, NE or Pitt would give for that schedule right about now? I know it's fun to say that the top dog has lost a step, but until the NE is out of the playoff hunt, I won't se so naive. That NE team is scary no matter how many injuries.

So you're saying NE, SD, and Pitt would have all looked just as dominant against David Carr, Alex Smith, and Jamie Martin? Nice trip.

 

[jurb26]

So you're saying NE, SD, and Pitt would have all looked just as dominant against David Carr, Alex Smith, and Jamie Martin?

Nice trip.

Please, I think it is you who is

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

NE wins, same song different vs.  When will people just accept that Indy isn't as good as NE.....?

Every year Jurb is a new year. People said the same thing about Green Bay after they won SB 1, said the same thing about Dallas vs. Green Bay or Philly in the early 90's.Eventually teams fall off, just like fantasy players like E. SMith, M. Faulk and Priest Holmes.

The Patriots aren't playing as well as they have in the past and I've never seen the Colts D as good as this year's team with Manning at QB. I don't think you can simply say NE because they were better last year. Teams do change.

With that said, I think NE will try like hell to beat Indy as they'd love to be the team to give them their 1st loss. I also know Peyton Manning has probably been a maniac in his preperation for this game these couple weeks leading up to it. It'll be a lot of fun to watch, I know I'll be watching.

Indy's D is vastly overrated IMO. Look at what an average St.L team did to them before their QB was knocked out. Look at the schedule this team has played thus far. Everyone is so impressed with the 7-0 start, but seriously look at the teams on their schedule. Only 1 real test thus far, Jack. St.L was killing this team until Bulger goes down. Heck even Hou was able to scare them. Anything other than a 7-0 start given that schedule would be a HUGE disappointment IMO. My lord, what do you think teams like SD, NE or Pitt would give for that schedule right about now? I know it's fun to say that the top dog has lost a step, but until the NE is out of the playoff hunt, I won't se so naive. That NE team is scary no matter how many injuries.

Come on Jurb, saying anything less than 7-0 is a disappointment after the fact they've done it isn't cool. I didn't read anything like that before the season started on these boards and we all knew the schedule before the season started.Anythng can happen any given week. Pittsburgh just won by 1 point vs. a decimated Baltimore team on D at home. The Lions destroyed Baltimore at home. My point is any team can win on any day so saying that Indy's 7 wins vs. 7 NFL teams isn't impressive is not accurate. Teams play big vs. the better teams and Indy's been right there to close the door.

You're going to tell me that Houston game was close because it was close at halftime. They destroyed that team. They were up 14-0, a couple freakish turnovers happened on the road and when Indy wanted to, they obliiterated them.

They beat Cleveland by only 7, but they knelt the ball down at the 3 yard line with under 2 mins to go, if they wanted, they would have won by 14, would that make you feel better about them?

They embarrased Baltimore in Baltimore, a team that probably should have beaten Pitts. last night in Pitt. (without arguably the 2 best defensive players at their positons if not in the league)

 

[jurb26]

Come on Jurb, saying anything less than 7-0 is a disappointment after the fact they've done it isn't cool. I didn't read anything like that before the season started on these boards and we all knew the schedule before the season started.

How isn't it cool. People are lookoing at Jack right now, who has basically the same schedule as what Indy started with, and saying the same very thing.Oh and yes, Jack's loose in St.L was very disapointing this week.

 

[Sweeper]

This thread again? Cant we keep the same ONE going day after day rather then another thread on the same subject?

And New England Wins .... they have been the underdog in this matchup every single time and pull out the victory (which looks more like a scchhhhllllaacking) all the time ... regardless of how well the colts are playing prior to the game.

And I know that the colts are playing good ball, the defense is playing outstanding football and the pats have a lot of injuries, but ....

Every time these teams play there is a solid argument to be made for why INDY will win and they don't.

So until they do .... I stick with the trend and history of this matchup!

The pats will do what they always do ... somehow ... someway ... WIN!

Is this bashing???

This thread again? Cant we keep the same ONE going day after day rather then another thread on the same subject?

I wanted to have a poll - there isn't one out there besides this one. Also, and this is just me, I wanted the title of the thread to be less biased - a simple game and date in the title.

Just ignore him DJ. This guys seems to enjoy bashing others.

And is this adding anything of value to the thread?

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Come on Jurb, saying anything less than 7-0 is a disappointment after the fact they've done it isn't cool.  I didn't read anything like that before the season started on these boards and we all knew the schedule before the season started.

How isn't it cool. People are lookoing at Jack right now, who has basically the same schedule as what Indy started with, and saying the same very thing.

They're saying Jax. is a disappointment because they're not 7-0? Well, I'm not buying that. I think they're disappointed in yesterday's loss, as they should be, letting Jackson run wild over them.But you actually validate my point. Did the Colts let down vs. the Rams or anyone else like Jax?

No, they didn't. The same exact team that defeated the Jax. yesterday, in fact a worse team because Holt at least played the enitre game vs. Indy., Indy destroyed.

When Bulger left that game, Indy killed the Rams, the route was on. This same Ram team just beat Jax.

What would have happened to Indy if Bulger was still in the entire game. My personal opinion would be that Indy would have made a big time comeback late in the game. Bulger would have done a lot better job of keeping the offense moving and we would have seen a great finish one way or the other.

However, Bulger made a bad throw on the INT and made even a worse decision when frustrated and trying to take on a blocker with your throwing shoulder. That's like a pitcher getting in a fight at the bar with his pitching arm...........not a good idea.

 

[Phlash]

Brady is going to light up the Colts secondary like he does every year.Get ready for a career game from him... 25/35, 420 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INTEdge will have a great game too, but Brady is going to win them this game.

 

[icon alias]

Pats fan here... Indy wins this one...

 

[DeCleater]

We will see a changing of the guard next Monday. The Pats have been the best no question but they are out of gas. This reminds me of the late 90's when Green Bay could never beat the Cowboys and then they finally broke through and went on to win the Super Bowl. The Colts will finally beat NE and they will go to the Super Bowl. And they may win going away. Colts 31 Pats 17

 

[ShadowMaster]

I know your a Colts fan and you want to see this support, but based on historicals I have to go with New England.NE has won the last 6 meetings.If it were the playoffs, I'd add in a 2nd historical that Dungy (as much as I admire him) has never taken his team to that level of playoff win.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Brady is going to light up the Colts secondary like he does every year.

Get ready for a career game from him...

25/35, 420 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT

Edge will have a great game too, but Brady is going to win them this game.

Got it, no deleting this one.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I know your a Colts fan and you want to see this support, but based on historicals I have to go with New England.

NE has won the last 6 meetings.

If it were the playoffs, I'd add in a 2nd historical that Dungy (as much as I admire him) has never taken his team to that level of playoff win.

Hey Shadow,Just wondering do you believe that INDY will never ever beat NE in NFL the future? If your answer is that INDY won't, then the last 6 meetings means something.

If your answer is that INDY will, then those last 6 meetings mean nothing more than it's an interesting fact.

NE won those games because they were a better football team, not because they were lucky or that Indy is jinxed or that God likes NE better than Indy.

Indy will win this game because they are a better overall football team this year. I mean no disrepect to Patriot fans, you can't take away the championships, ever. Shoot, for years that's all I've clung to now as a Cowboy fan and the fact that Philly no matter how many NFC Championships or appearances in the SB have never won squat and couldn't hold Dallas jock in terms of playoff history. :someonesmackscowboyinface:

Ok, thanks I'm back on track: Indy 27, NE 20

 

[wilked]

Indy wins, but it is not Peyton who drives the stake home, it is Edge

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

We will see a changing of the guard next Monday. The Pats have been the best no question but they are out of gas. This reminds me of the late 90's when Green Bay could never beat the Cowboys and then they finally broke through and went on to win the Super Bowl. The Colts will finally beat NE and they will go to the Super Bowl. And they may win going away.

Colts 31 Pats 17

Yep, same with Philly. Both those teams were always nipping at the Cowboys heals. It's sad but no team ever stays on top forever. That's what makes the years when your team does win so special.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Indy wins, but it is not Peyton who drives the stake home, it is Edge

and the INDY D not allowing INDY to play from behind.........which would in turn force Indy into a passing game and not a running game.It'll be the INDY D allowing Indy to execute their offensive game plan to win behind the scenes IMO.

You let NE go up like they have in the past, then Edge is taken out of the game.

Edit to add this is the biggest game of the year so far. It may or may not best the best or live up to the hype, but this is the best game to date.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Pats fan here...

Indy wins this one...

Why.........what's your take. Is it Indy's team is just better from last year. Is it that NE's just not as good? Is it a combo of both?

 

[icon alias]

Pats fan here...

Indy wins this one...

Why.........what's your take. Is it Indy's team is just better from last year. Is it that NE's just not as good? Is it a combo of both?

Both, The ONLY thing that has me considering that NE might pulls this off...

Average power rating of opponents played:

INDIANAPOLIS 15.3,

NEW ENGLAND 25.1

 

[Twisted]

NE has just been hit too hard w/injuries and crap this year. Their run is over. Colts win 24-13

 

[djcolts]

Come on Jurb, saying anything less than 7-0 is a disappointment after the fact they've done it isn't cool.  I didn't read anything like that before the season started on these boards and we all knew the schedule before the season started.

How isn't it cool. People are lookoing at Jack right now, who has basically the same schedule as what Indy started with, and saying the same very thing.Oh and yes, Jack's loose in St.L was very disapointing this week.

Jax is 10 and 10 in their last 20 games. Indy has won 15 of their last 16 regular season games. Jax may be a matchup problem for Indy head to head, but Jax has not proven they can win consistently week after week, regardless of their competition. Until Jax does that, they are at least a level below Indy in the NFL pecking order.

 

[bostonfred]

Despite what the numbers say, I believe the Patriots are better on D than the Colts right now, and that the Colts' passing game is better than the Patriots'. But I believe the Patriots will win with a big passing game from Brady, and I believe the Colts will abandon the run at some point in this game and it will cost them.

 

[pats3in4]

The Pats will win because they get up for this kind of game. Since the start of the 2003 winning streak, the Pats play both up and down to the level of their opponents. This is why you see them struggle to a 9-3 victory over Cleveland and 23-20 OT win vs. Houston, but go into 16-1 Pittsburgh and win the AFCCG 41-27. The Bills game Sunday night was a classic take-an-opponent-for-granted game that Pats fans have seen enough of over the past few years. They will not do that vs. Indy.That being said, the Pats DO need Seymour back if they want any chance of stopping Edge and putting pressure on Manning. If not, they may not have the horses (no pun intended) to win this. Getting Gay back to replace marked man Starks isn't as necessary, but would be a huge boost. Gay tends to play off his man and give up short passes, but he's got the speed to ensure he doesn't get lit up on the long bombs like Starks does.

 

[Mr. Deltoid]

I think the Corey Dillon situation on Sunday tells you a lot about where Belichick's head is for this Indy matchup. Pass looked like he was going to get the bulk of the carries, but when he got hurt, Dillon came in and looked pretty much like the Dillon that had a monster season in 2004. The message is clear to me - he's willing to start a backup in a divisional game just to make sure he has his stars healthy for the Colts game. As a Pats fan, I hope this bodes well for Richard Seymour.Let's face it, there have been more impressive 7-0 starts than this current Indy streak. Yes, you can only play the teams on your schedule. I do not join the chorus of people saying that Indy would be a disappointment if they didn't win all these games. But to pimp wins over Houston and San Fran as examples of how their defense is the second coming of the Steel Curtain is just a joke. I do think that most decent teams could have held those sorry opponents to 11 PPG.Anyway, I join the chorus of those saying that Indy has a decent shot if they ride Edge. If they lean on Peyton then Colts fans will quickly switch to bragging about how 7-1 is the best record in the AFC. Assuming that Dungy lets Peyton take this one on his shoulders...Pats 30, Colts 24

 

[DoubleG]

Despite what the numbers say, I believe the Patriots are better on D than the Colts right now, and that the Colts' passing game is better than the Patriots'. But I believe the Patriots will win with a big passing game from Brady, and I believe the Colts will abandon the run at some point in this game and it will cost them.

Another difference from previous years that few are mentioning is the fact that the Colts have NOT abandoned the run this year as in previous years. I agree with everyone that thinks the Colts (behind Edge) will win this one.For those touting the "trends" - tell that to Detroit - the Bears were 0-3 in Ford Field going into Sunday and they hadn't swept Detroit in a season series in a while. Tell that to the Packers who haven't started off 1-6 in...well, a long freaking time. Tell that to LT2 who has been held to >100 rushing yards for the last 2 weeks - combined. Trends are interesting - but hardly fortell the future.

The Indy team that NE had beaten over the last few years is different:

1) Their defense is better (I still don't think great) - and whoever called the Rams an "average" offense with Bulger, Holt, Curtiss and SJax - well, double check.

2) Indy doesn't abandon the run - even though they are still the same offense that threw 49 TDs and had 3 - 1,000 yard WRs last year. My point is that they don't need to play "score in 3 plays"...but if they needed to, they still could.

Indy will not only win this game, they will do it in the most physical, demeaning way - they will run the ball down NE collective throats. It will not be high scoring, it will not be Manning vs. Brady. It will be Edge with his picture on the trailer (and I don't own him in any fantsay league) - Indy will do what they have done all THIS year = control the clock, play solid D, throw when necessary to keep NE honest - maybe even gash 'em for a big play or two and win.

Indy is not the only team that is different. Another strange fact is how NE has turned into a passing team - a factor that will play into the Colts' defensive strength (Freeney). I believe Brady will see the turf a few times thanks to a particular Colt DE (whom I don't own either). Ironically, if there is a team I could see abonding the run and throwing too much, it's the Pats. I'm not saying the Patriots are dumb - far from it. I just think they have changed their offensive philosophy in a way that slightly favors the Colts in this game.

Manning is a great passer - who this year has learned the necessary patience to become a great QB. He's not putting up great fantasy numbers, but he's winning. Ironically this is what has been said of Brady. Manning is learning to win by NOT throwing the ball. I think Manning has a better supporting cast on offense and defense that is playing well.

Edge>Dillon

Harrison & Wayne > Branch & Givens

Manning ? Brady (equal maybe - we'll see after this year)

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

The Colts schedule is comical. I totally agree, anything less then 7-0 at this point in the season would be a dissapointment. Tell me which game they would not have been dissapointed to lose. At the Rams? Laff...Opponents checking in with records such as:2-54-32-52-62-54-41-617-34.33% <-- Opponents winning % - Colts playing 32 ranked schedule, give me the Lombardi!They have played 1 team with a winning record, the Jags, who are incosistent at best, and the Colts still nearly lost that game at home. Until the Colts beat some good teams, I won't be buying into the 16-0 hype. First real test comes this week.Mark me down on the Pats win this one column until the Colts prove otherwise.Upcomming 9 games will provide 6 good tests:9 Mon, Nov 7 at New England Tickets 11 Sun, Nov 20 at Cincinnati Tickets 12 Mon, Nov 28 Pittsburgh Tickets14 Sun, Dec 11 at Jacksonville 15 Sun, Dec 18 San Diego 16 Sat, Dec 24 at Seattle

 

[David Yudkin]

The Colts can't be better than whatever and zero, so props to them for doing the best they could up until now. Their defense has given up a lot fewer points than in prior seasons, so they get props for that too.However, the offenses they've faced so far (the Rams notwithstanding) have been far from potent. Here's where each has ranked in points scored:Bal (32nd), Jax (20th), Cle (29th), Ten (15th), SF (27th), StL (3rd), Hou (30th). Not exactly murderer's row. And if Bulger didn't get hurt, I thought the Rams would have won that game.NE has lost 3 times to teams with a collective 15-8 record and ranked 1st, 4th, and 7th in points scored. They've beaten Atlanta on the road (11-1 the past two years at home) and the Steelers in Pittsburgh (excluding their losses to N.E. 13-1 over their past 16 home games).If the Pats can avoid the rash of penalties they have had this year (and many in the worst possible moments), I think they have a very good chance of winning this week.

 

[Dancing Bear]

bostonfred,are you smoking?You actually believe that NE's DE is better than Indy's DE ... How when NE gives up nearly 2.5 times the number of points than Indy can you say that they are better? If not for some Brady/ Branch/ Dillon magic this past week then NE loses to the Bills too and ends up 3-4.jurb,are you joking?The Houston offense did not give the Indy DE any trouble. Houston had less than 150 total net yards. If not for Peyton's errors, then the Indy DE holds Houston to a shutout!St. Louis was a tough game. Bulger was certainly STUPID to try that tackle; especially with such poor form. However, to state that Indy would not have won the game if Bulger did not get hurt is not a reasonable hypothesis.With regards to the Indy DE, they harrassed St. Louis all game and forced 4 turnovers!Bulger may have made a small difference, but I doubt a significant one. St. Louis threw for nearly 260 yards and 2 TD's as it was.St. Louis got 3 lucky breaks early to give them a 17 point lead! The muff, the fumble reversal, and the Curtis TD. Give Indy some credit. They did not panic or give up!The Indy DE settled down and STUFFED the St. Louis rushing attack; only 70 yards after the initial 35 yards of the first series.The final drive was a gimme ... The score could have just as easily been 45-13.On offense, Peyton and company figured out how to man-handle the St. Louis defense by the 2nd series. St. Louis was lost and could not keep up.That brings me to the point of the poll.Will Indy beat NE this week? I say YES, Indy will beat NE.For three reasons.a) Indy's DE is definitely respectable.b) NE is beat up on both sides of the ball.c) Peyton Manning will finally not lose the game!

 

[jurb26]

bostonfred,

are you smoking?

You actually believe that NE's DE is better than Indy's DE ... How when NE gives up nearly 2.5 times the number of points than Indy can you say that they are better? If not for some Brady/ Branch/ Dillon magic this past week then NE loses to the Bills too and ends up 3-4.

jurb,

are you joking?

The Houston offense did not give the Indy DE any trouble. Houston had less than 150 total net yards. If not for Peyton's errors, then the Indy DE holds Houston to a shutout!

St. Louis was a tough game. Bulger was certainly STUPID to try that tackle; especially with such poor form. However, to state that Indy would not have won the game if Bulger did not get hurt is not a reasonable hypothesis.

With regards to the Indy DE, they harrassed St. Louis all game and forced 4 turnovers!

Bulger may have made a small difference, but I doubt a significant one. St. Louis threw for nearly 260 yards and 2 TD's as it was.

St. Louis got 3 lucky breaks early to give them a 17 point lead! The muff, the fumble reversal, and the Curtis TD. Give Indy some credit. They did not panic or give up!

The Indy DE settled down and STUFFED the St. Louis rushing attack; only 70 yards after the initial 35 yards of the first series.

The final drive was a gimme ... The score could have just as easily been 45-13.

On offense, Peyton and company figured out how to man-handle the St. Louis defense by the 2nd series. St. Louis was lost and could not keep up.

That brings me to the point of the poll.

Will Indy beat NE this week? I say YES, Indy will beat NE.

For three reasons.

a) Indy's DE is definitely respectable.

b) NE is beat up on both sides of the ball.

c) Peyton Manning will finally not lose the game!

Please come back to reality. If you think that loosing Bulger in that game only made a small difference then there is no point even even discussing this further. It was night and day! Agree to disagree.

 

[JohnnyU]

Indy wins, but it is not Peyton who drives the stake home, it is Edge

It's Peyton driving the ship, so it's Peyton allowing Edge to drive home the stake.

 

[djcolts]

bostonfred,

are you smoking?

jurb,

are you joking?

Look - these are smart posters. If you disagree with them, that's fine, but this doesn't help things here. Debate is fine, but I'd really like to keep this thread civil. If I wanted to see insult posts on this game, I can already go somewhere else.

 

[Ghost Rider]

We will see a changing of the guard next Monday. The Pats have been the best no question but they are out of gas. This reminds me of the late 90's when Green Bay could never beat the Cowboys and then they finally broke through and went on to win the Super Bowl. The Colts will finally beat NE and they will go to the Super Bowl. And they may win going away.

Colts 31 Pats 17

That is the same point I made yesterday, but let's remember that Green Bay didn't break through and beat Dallas until November 1997, over 9 months after they had won the Super Bowl. In other words, Indy can still win the Super Bowl this season even if they don't get over the hurdle of beating New England. As for this game, until I see otherwise, New England owns Indianapolis. Regardless of how much better the Colts appear to be right now, the Patriots have a huge psychological advantage and that is something Indy must overcome. If Indy wins, it will be a rout. If it is a close game, Patriots all the way.

 

[bostonfred]

bostonfred,

are you smoking?

You actually believe that NE's DE is better than Indy's DE ... How when NE gives up nearly 2.5 times the number of points than Indy can you say that they are better? If not for some Brady/ Branch/ Dillon magic this past week then NE loses to the Bills too and ends up 3-4.

However, the offenses they've faced so far (the Rams notwithstanding) have been far from potent. Here's where each has ranked in points scored:

Bal (32nd), Jax (20th), Cle (29th), Ten (15th), SF (27th), StL (3rd), Hou (30th). Not exactly murderer's row. And if Bulger didn't get hurt, I thought the Rams would have won that game.

NE has lost 3 times to teams with a collective 15-8 record and ranked 1st, 4th, and 7th in points scored. They've beaten Atlanta on the road (11-1 the past two years at home) and the Steelers in Pittsburgh (excluding their losses to N.E. 13-1 over their past 16 home games).

Maybe the Colts D has improved as much as people are saying, but I think it's more likely that the teams they've played have had below average offenses, and they've looked a lot better than they are. Put another way, I think the Patriots O is better by a greater margin than the offenses the Colts have played, than the margin by which the Colts O is better than the offenses the Patriots have played.

 

[Dancing Bear]

jurb,The facts are that Bulger has a historical average of :34 attempts22 completions65%268 passing yards1.6 TD's1.2 INT'sTo me this is clearly in line with the St. Louis offense for the Indy game which ended with :29 attempts23 completions79%255 passing yards2 TD's3 INT'sAs I stated, Bulger may or may not have had an impact on the game so that it ended differently. We'll never know ...

 

[David Yudkin]

jurb,

The facts are that Bulger has a historical average of :

34 attempts

22 completions

65%

268 passing yards

1.6 TD's

1.2 INT's

To me this is clearly in line with the St. Louis offense for the Indy game which ended with :

29 attempts

23 completions

79%

255 passing yards

2 TD's

3 INT's

As I stated, Bulger may or may not have had an impact on the game so that it ended differently. We'll never know ...

STL had basically 174 yards, 17 points, and the one Bulger INT in the fuirst quarter. After that point, the Rams scored 11 more points on 172 total yards and had 3 turnovers in 3 quarters of football.With Bulger, they were up 17-0. From that point on, they got outscored 45-11. I don't think that that's a coincidence.