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

[Chaos Commish]

New England is a fading championship team. The wheels are coming off, but they're still very capable on a given Sunday. They're fortunate to be in a bad division and should get back into the playoffs where anything can happen. Teams like this are very unpredictable. They opened the season solid enough against Oakland. Then they took a week off in Carolina. Then they showed up and played a great one at Pittsburgh. Then they got destroyed at home by San Diego. They followed that with a tough and gritty win at Atlanta, only to fall on their faces in Denver the next week, and barely overcome Buffalo in their last game. They can put it together and beat any team in the league, even Indy. But, like I said, the wheels are coming off, and I won't be surprised if Indy does them like San Diego did.

Prediction:

Indy 27

NE 21

 

[David Yudkin]

Here's my hypothetical question of the day. If the Pats had the Colts schedule and vice versa, what would their records be at this point in time?

 

[jurb26]

New England is a fading championship team. The wheels are coming off, but they're still very capable on a given Sunday. They're fortunate to be in a bad division and should get back into the playoffs where anything can happen. Teams like this are very unpredictable. They opened the season solid enough against Oakland. Then they took a week off in Carolina. Then they showed up and played a great one at Pittsburgh. Then they got destroyed at home by San Diego. They followed that with a tough and gritty win at Atlanta, only to fall on their faces in Denver the next week, and barely overcome Buffalo in their last game. They can put it together and beat any team in the league, even Indy. But, like I said, the wheels are coming off, and I won't be surprised if Indy does them like San Diego did.

Prediction:

Indy 27

NE 21

Well, injuries will catch up to any team and it appears as if that has been the case with NE this year (at least some of the time). They still seem to be abley to play when they need to though and I'm betting this week vs Indy is a "must win" game in their minds. It seems to me like everyone is waiting and wanting NE to fall. It may happen this year, but like I said earlier untill this team is out of the playoff hunt I won't believe they are done. They have made a habit out of winning big games and have shown that at times this year (in Pitt and coming back vs Buf). To be the best you have to beat the best. Indy has that chance this week. There is a reason they play these games on the field. As previous posters have said, Indy always looks great coming into the NE game. Yet every time NE has managed to dominate them. I'm still not buying into the Indy D hype, maybe they can prove me wrong. To be honest, as a Steeler fan, I don't know who I want to win this game. Indy with homefield is scary. Then again NE in the playoffs altogether is scary too. NE is the kind of team I'd probably still bet on to win with a 8-8 or 9-7 record if they make the palyoffs. Indy at home, well we know how tough that can be.

NE 30 Indy 20 is my prediction. Indy can't stop Brady from going wild.

 

[djcolts]

Here's my hypothetical question of the day.  If the Pats had the Colts schedule and vice versa, what would their records be at this point in time?

My quickie guess:Colts 4-3

Pats 7-0

I assume that is the answer you are looking for.

The key is, the Colts probably would not be as healthy (for a week 9) as they are, and the Pats would probably have fewer injuries than they do now if the schedules were reversed.

However, right now, the Colts are relatively healthy, and the Pats lost some key players in multiple places. Plus, going 7-0 against anyone gives a team confidence (even if it is false confidence) - which a non-champion team and a young but improving D like the Colts could use to go into a place they have not won before (in many years).

The Colts need to take advantage of this season. There's no question about it.

 

[Dancing Bear]

David,I would argue the following:a) Bulger has a history of making mistakes; although his TD to INT is not 1 it is close, and there is no denying that he throws too many INT's.b) He made two mistakes in one play ostensibly taking himself out of the game.c) Martin is a seasoned veteran and led them to 4 different extended drives.d) Steven Jackson fumbled twice in this game [one was fortunately overturned]e) It was not Bulger who gave St. Louis the 17-0 lead. It was a team effort. Special teams, a great route by Curtis and a gifted replay.f) Martin led the offense to a field goal and a 20-14 half-time lead.g) Indianapolis scored 7 straight drives in a row with ease [i'm neglecting the last drive of the first half]. Bulger has no impact on how horrible the St. Louis defense played.h) Steven Jackson fumbled and Indianapolis took the lead for good with two straight scoring drives in the 2nd half.i) Martin was 11/12 for 75 yards in his first 3 series.j) Martin made some mistakes [two INT's], but there is no way to know whether Bulger would have made the same mistakes or equivalent.I say again, Bulger may have made a difference in this game, he may not.

 

[jurb26]

David,

I would argue the following:

a) Bulger has a history of making mistakes; although his TD to INT is not 1 it is close, and there is no denying that he throws too many INT's.

b) He made two mistakes in one play ostensibly taking himself out of the game.

c) Martin is a seasoned veteran and led them to 4 different extended drives.

d) Steven Jackson fumbled twice in this game [one was fortunately overturned]

e) It was not Bulger who gave St. Louis the 17-0 lead. It was a team effort. Special teams, a great route by Curtis and a gifted replay.

f) Martin led the offense to a field goal and a 20-14 half-time lead.

g) Indianapolis scored 7 straight drives in a row with ease [i'm neglecting the last drive of the first half]. Bulger has no impact on how horrible the St. Louis defense played.

h) Steven Jackson fumbled and Indianapolis took the lead for good with two straight scoring drives in the 2nd half.

i) Martin was 11/12 for 75 yards in his first 3 series.

j) Martin made some mistakes [two INT's], but there is no way to know whether Bulger would have made the same mistakes or equivalent.

I say again, Bulger may have made a difference in this game, he may not.

There is a reason Bulger is the starter and Martin the backup you know. You act as if they are one in the same player.

 

[Dancing Bear]

Here's my hypothetical question of the day. If the Pats had the Colts schedule and vice versa, what would their records be at this point in time?

I like your hypothetical David.New England is :5-2 [with losses to Jacksonville and St. Louis]Indianapolis is :5-2 [with losses to Carolina and Pittsburgh]

 

[Dancing Bear]

There is a reason Bulger is the starter and Martin the backup you know. You act as if they are one in the same player.

jurb,I am sorry I have given you the impression that I think Bulger has not deserved the starting gig in St. Louis. I did not intend to imply that. I do think he deserves the gig. What I was hoping to get across was that I do not think the outcome of that game would have changed significantly.The St. Louis defense stinks and that is the primary reason that St. Louis lost to Indy. As I stated above, they let Indy score 7 straight times!You should try to acknowledge that Martin is a veteran and played admirably. His two picks certainly hurt St. Louis' chances, but they had already lost the lead before he threw his first pick.Also, you don't seem to want to acknowledge that Dungy has accumulated a sound squad on defense, and they made some terrific adjustments from the 2nd quarter on to styme the whole St. Louis offense [including Bulger].

 

[Chaos Commish]

Here's my hypothetical question of the day. If the Pats had the Colts schedule and vice versa, what would their records be at this point in time?

I like your hypothetical David.New England is :

5-2 [with losses to Jacksonville and St. Louis]

Indianapolis is :

5-2 [with losses to Carolina and Pittsburgh]

I looked over the schedules before reading this and have to agree. 5-2 for both teams.

 

[jurb26]

There is a reason Bulger is the starter and Martin the backup you know. You act as if they are one in the same player.

jurb,I am sorry I have given you the impression that I think Bulger has not deserved the starting gig in St. Louis. I did not intend to imply that. I do think he deserves the gig.

What I was hoping to get across was that I do not think the outcome of that game would have changed significantly.

The St. Louis defense stinks and that is the primary reason that St. Louis lost to Indy. As I stated above, they let Indy score 7 straight times!

You should try to acknowledge that Martin is a veteran and played admirably. His two picks certainly hurt St. Louis' chances, but they had already lost the lead before he threw his first pick.

Also, you don't seem to want to acknowledge that Dungy has accumulated a sound squad on defense, and they made some terrific adjustments from the 2nd quarter on to styme the whole St. Louis offense [including Bulger].

Well, let's be honest here. Bulger is a huge upgrade over Martin. Heck he is a huge upgrade over a lot of guys who are even starting on some NFL teams. HE is one of the very best QBs in the NFL right now when healthy. In St.L 1st 4 drives, with Bulger, they scored 3 out of 4 times for 17 points and a 17-0 lead in the game. The only time (or adjustment as you call it) they were stopped was one of those mistakes that Bulger sometimes makes by throwing into coverage. I understand that everyone has fallen in love with Indy (what else is new) and their D this year. Fact is, with Bulger in the game St.L didn't just score on Indy, THEY MADE IT LOOK EASY! Indy did a great job at coming back, but had Bulger still been in the game I highly doubt they do. He was picking them apart, 6/8 for 121 a TD and an INT. He would have kept more drives alive and given St.L the op to score several more points IMO, from watching the game. On top of that, he would have helped keep Indy's O off the field. It was clear that St.L play calling had changed with Martin rather than Bulger. They did not throw down field nearly as often and the few times they did, 2 were picked. He did have a few nice throws but Bulger he is not.No, I'm not ready to acknowledge that Indy has a great D yet. What O's have they shut down? Well here is the list:

ep 11 @Baltimore Won 24-7

Sep 18 Jacksonville Won 10-3

Sep 25 Cleveland Won 13-6

Oct 2 @Tennessee Won 31-10

Oct 9 @San Francisco Won 28-3

Oct 17 St. Louis Won 45-28 (w/o Bulger)

Oct 23 @Houston Won 38-20

Is this really supposed to impress us? Does it really impress you? Here are the ranks of these Os:

25, 21, 26, 18, 31, 2 and 32. That's only 1 team that is even in the top half of the NFL and when they had their starting QB in the game they went up and down the field as if it were a 7 on 7 practice! Let's also remember that St.L was missing it's WR2 the whole game as well. NE is the 5th ranked O in the NFL right now and will playing at home. On top of that, they seem to have Indy's number and looked impressive the last few weeks. Yes, if they can shut down this O and Brady they will earn my respect. I am not giving it out from them beating up on the cupcack Os that the NFL has to offer just yet though.

 

[NoCheese]

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

Interesting. Now that we know the 1st half score can I get your prediction on the score in the 2nd half?Seriously, I would be in shock if only 37 points are scored in this game.

 

[bostonfred]

jurb,

I am sorry I have given you the impression that I think Bulger has not deserved the starting gig in St. Louis. I did not intend to imply that. I do think he deserves the gig.

What I was hoping to get across was that I do not think the outcome of that game would have changed significantly.

The St. Louis defense stinks and that is the primary reason that St. Louis lost to Indy. As I stated above, they let Indy score 7 straight times!

You should try to acknowledge that Martin is a veteran and played admirably. His two picks certainly hurt St. Louis' chances, but they had already lost the lead before he threw his first pick.

The Rams were up 17-0 when Bulger was healthy. The Colts scored their first points on the play when Bulger was intercepted.

The Rams kicked a field goal to make it 20-14 to end the half, and the Colts responded with another field goal to start the second half. 20-17

Stephen Jackson fumbled, giving he Colts a short field, and they capitalized with a TD. 24-20.

When the Rams got the ball back, Martin's first pass was intercepted at the 18 and returned to the 14. The Colts scored six plays later. 31-20.

Martin fumbles on the next drive, although it's recovered for a 14 yard loss. The Rams punt, and the Colts score on another short field from inside the 40. 38-20.

Martin is intercepted, the Colts get it back inside the 20 and score easily. 45-20.

Martin scores, and they complete the 2 point conversion with less than four minutes left. 45-28, final.

The Colts scored 21 points off three interceptions, one of which came on the play the QB was injured, and two of which came off the backup QB. They scored another 7 off a Jackson fumble, and got a short field due to a Martin fumble, which led to another TD. At least 14 points, and realistically 28, directly resulted from the Bulger injury.

 

[djcolts]

Last year's Colts D gave up 27 points to the Jags at home - couldn't cover Drew Bennett to save their life, and gave up a ton of yards to Jamal Lewis. That is a direct comparison from last year's D to this year's D. Also, they only had Bob Sanders (their 2nd best defensive player) for part of the year, started Rob Morris (who's not a starting-caliber LB in the NFL), Mike Doss wasn't healthy at all last year, and Jason David and Cato June were in their 1st year in the system. I didn't even talk about Corey Simon.The Colts D is better than last year's I don't know how good they are, but there is ample evidence to show they are better. I don't know if they are a top 15 D, or a top 10, or what - but they are better.Will they stop Brady? No - but no other D that the Pats have played really stopped them this year, either (except maybe San Diego for a half). Will they slow down Brady enough to win - that is the $64,000 question.

 

[H.K.]

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

This was my initial thought, too.The Pats' success in the past has been taking the passing game away from Manning. Last year's playoff game was a perfect example, even though the Colts could run on NE, they couldn't stick with it and it lead to their demise.

This week I expect NE do the exact opposite and take away Edge, thus making Manning beat them through the air....but I wonder if the Colts will make the adjustment and open it up so Peyton can shred the Pats depleted secondary.

IMHO this game will be a real indicator on how much the Pats miss Crennel and Weiss. They were masterful getting the Pats ready in big games, especially confusing Manning & Dungy.

Prediction: Pats will lose in every statistical category except turnovers but hold the Colts to FG's in the red zone in route to an ugly 20-16 win.

 

[bostonfred]

Last year's Colts D gave up 27 points to the Jags at home - couldn't cover Drew Bennett to save their life, and gave up a ton of yards to Jamal Lewis. That is a direct comparison from last year's D to this year's D. Also, they only had Bob Sanders (their 2nd best defensive player) for part of the year, started Rob Morris (who's not a starting-caliber LB in the NFL), Mike Doss wasn't healthy at all last year, and Jason David and Cato June were in their 1st year in the system. I didn't even talk about Corey Simon.

The Colts D is better than last year's I don't know how good they are, but there is ample evidence to show they are better. I don't know if they are a top 15 D, or a top 10, or what - but they are better.

Will they stop Brady? No - but no other D that the Pats have played really stopped them this year, either (except maybe San Diego for a half). Will they slow down Brady enough to win - that is the $64,000 question.

I agree that the Colts D is better than last year's version, but slowing down Drew Bennett and Jamal Lewis isn't really an accomplishment this year, either. I think they're evolving into the best defense Dungy can get considering the disparity between how much they spend on offense and how much they spend on defense. I'd call them an above average defense right now. I like where you placed them -0 certainly top 15, maybe top ten, but it would surprise me to see them in the top 5.

 

[brobe4]

Foxboro Monday night football Pats vs Colts Go Colts Def Def Def James left James right James up the middleVanderjact field goal Colts win

 

[djcolts]

Last year's Colts D gave up 27 points to the Jags at home - couldn't cover Drew Bennett to save their life, and gave up a ton of yards to Jamal Lewis.  That is a direct comparison from last year's D to this year's D.  Also, they only had Bob Sanders (their 2nd best defensive player) for part of the year, started Rob Morris (who's not a starting-caliber LB in the NFL), Mike Doss wasn't healthy at all last year, and Jason David and Cato June were in their 1st year in the system.  I didn't even talk about Corey Simon.

The Colts D is better than last year's  I don't know how good they are, but there is ample evidence to show they are better.  I don't know if they are a top 15 D, or a top 10, or what - but they are better.

Will they stop Brady?  No - but no other D that the Pats have played really stopped them this year, either (except maybe San Diego for a half).  Will they slow down Brady enough to win - that is the $64,000 question.

I agree that the Colts D is better than last year's version, but slowing down Drew Bennett and Jamal Lewis isn't really an accomplishment this year, either. I think they're evolving into the best defense Dungy can get considering the disparity between how much they spend on offense and how much they spend on defense. I'd call them an above average defense right now. I like where you placed them -0 certainly top 15, maybe top ten, but it would surprise me to see them in the top 5.

I think that is a very fair range of where this D will end up being when this regular season is done.

 

[nerangers]

I want to help my Patriots win...the best way is to bet against them...works every time! LOLI view this game sort of like the Baltimore vs Pittsburgh game. Some matchups you have to throw records aside and go with how they play each other. The Pats have had good success against Peyton in the past. I think the Pats will keep this close. The best team on paper doesn't always win. The Colts are going to be geared up that is for sure. I am surprised the Game is not held in Indy since the NFL gave them the bye week to help them out in beating the Pats!Pats 24 - Colts 21 (need a three point spread for a Adam Vinatieri field goal!)

 

[Dancing Bear]

The Indy Defense will hold the NE Offense in check, and the Indy Offense will out-duel the NE Defense.The Indy Defense has 3 times the take-aways than the NE Defense, and twice as many sacks.They will pressure Brady and take away the NE running game.Edge will have a field day even with Bruschi's return. The only question mark is whether Peyton Manning can remain calm and composed and not loose the game for them. At this point, I believe that he has shown a great deal of maturity this year, and that he can play the game that Dungy requires in order to win; this means long sustained drives to stay on the field.Indy wins by 10.

 

[thatguy]

This game is way overhyped.

 

[Gamblor]

Colts [ 105 ] [64.42%]

Pats [ 56 ] [34.36%]

Total Votes: 161

I could be crazy here ... and a lil too tired but right now at 10:10 wed

the poll is in favor of the colts

104 to 56

and has its percentages at 64% to 37%

shouldn't it be closer to a .... 53 - 47% split?

edited to add poll

What kind of math are you doing?

 

[brobe4]

This is a big game Colts need this win.Pats need this win would move them to 5-3the pats upcoming games are as follows:at MiamiNew OrleansAt KcJetsAt BuffaloTampa BayAt JetsMiamiThey could win all of these games finish 13-3: Colts upcoming games are as follows:Houstonat CincyPittsburghTitansAt JacksonvilleSan DiegoAt SeattleArizonaThey could lose 3 of these games finish 12-4I am a big Colts fan this is a big game make no mistake and no excuses!!!! Ready for some football always

 

[djcolts]

This game is way overhyped.

Of course it is. A lot of things in sports are overhyped.

 

[djcolts]

Colts [ 105 ] [64.42%]

Pats [ 56 ] [34.36%]

Total Votes: 161

I could be crazy here ... and a lil too tired but right now at 10:10 wed

the poll is in favor of the colts

104 to 56

and has its percentages at 64% to 37%

shouldn't it be closer to a .... 53 - 47% split?

edited to add poll

If the Pats have played at a more consistent level throughout the season, then it would be a different poll result.

 

[conan2]

I think the Colts will win this game. Makes me sad to say it as a Pats fan, but it's true. The Pats D is just in shambles and Indy's O is just as good as it has ever been. In particular, I think Indy has made a big effort to be more balanced, which to me is a big positive for them. Plus, they've got to have a HUGE chip on their shoulder and will be pumped up big time for this game. Their D has improved as well.For the Pats, I think the real big story isn't the injuries, return of Bruschi, status of Dillon or Seymour, rookies on the O-line, or any of that. The real story is the drought of take-aways. Unless that defense suddenly turns the ship around and begins to produce some turn-overs, there is big trouble in NE. Of course, I wouldn't be terribly suprised if the Pats did pull this game out. Belichik has always OWNED Peyton. The return of Bruschi is a huge boost to the defense, particularly his leadership but most importantly his ability to call the defensive plays on the field. And he's got one game under his belt now. If Seymour plays, that will be a further boost to the struggling D. This D may just be on the verge of find itself and turning the corner. This could be the game where they do it.So, while I voted the Colts, I am hopeful...

 

[Sweeper]

Colts [ 105 ]  [64.42%]

Pats [ 56 ]  [34.36%]

Total Votes: 161

I could be crazy here ... and a lil too tired but right now at 10:10 wed

the poll is in favor of the colts

104 to 56

and has its percentages at 64% to 37%

shouldn't it be closer to a .... 53 - 47% split?

edited to add poll

What kind of math are you doing?

Things are muhc clearer now after sleep and coffee. Didnt look right at first glance!

 

[Noahs Troopers]

New England WILL win and we'll hear a few of these:The referees stole that gameRumor has it Manning had the fluThe Colts O-line had an off dayBrady, once again, got luckyBruschi coming back has inspired, but that will fade, Colts beat them in playoffsThat stupid kickerThe damn crowd was too loud for Peyton to call playsThe comments we won't hear are:Manning is a choke artistBrady is just betterBelichek gameplans betterThe Patriots are the better team

 

[djcolts]

Belichek gameplans better

The Patriots are the better team

I think those two things are said by most rational fans for 2003, 2004.

 

[Green and Gold]

I don't have confidence in the Patriot's defense. You can gameplan all you want, but they just don't have the people to execute in the secondary. I'm as big a Patriots fan as any homer, but unless the series of current starters that were in street clothes a few weeks ago can somehow execute perfectly it won't be pretty. Not only that, but how complex of a gameplan can you have with so many new faces on the team?I'm pulling for the Pats and I know they have it in them to win, but I think they're going to be Edged out similar to what LT did against them a few weeks back.GG

 

[djcolts]

On the Indystar.com Colts forums, there is this user named "ManningsArmy." He's a guy that pretends to be a Colts fan and basically is a troll. He (meaning his persona) always is super-worried about Tom Brady and the Patriots - and no win or performance against any other team is good enough, and if the Colts have a quarter when they don't play well, he'll talk about all the doomsday scenarios for this team. Well, today, I feel like his character. I hear weather forecast of showers and 50 mph gusts on Monday, and that the NE MLS team will tear the field apart, and talk from sports psychologists about what happens when one team owns the other team, etc. If the Colts win on Monday, somehow, I'll feel relief. I'm not even sure I'd feel joy - just relief. One thing I won't be saying is "I told you so" - because I have to see it for myself, and I can't blame anyone for seeing things in that way. I admire other Colts fans who are more optimistic than I am - I just hope they are right and I am wrong.

 

[Sweeper]

this thread has been going on for a while now ... and should be bumpedin lieu of the 3 other NE v. INDY threads

 

[H.K.]

Thought this was an interesting stat line:

Manning vs. NE is 156-267 (58%) for 1672 yds and 9 TD and 17 Int.

 

[JohnnyU]

This game is way overhyped.

How is that?

 

[davaco]

I think the Pats will win. If you look at Indy's schedule, if they dont lose this week, they might not lose for a while.Sure will be fun to watch though

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the Pats will win.

If you look at Indy's schedule, if they dont lose this week, they might not lose for a while.

Sure will be fun to watch though

What does Indy's future schedule have to do with whether they lose to the Pats this week? The way I see it, is that Indy has the 2 most important factors in their favor, motivation and healthy bodies. NE has the home field and crowd, which IMO, won't play as big of a role as in years past. Plain and simple, NE won't be able to control the clock as they are used to doing. Manning and Edge will control the game tempo, taking the crowd out of the game. Now I'm not saying Brady won't have a good game, I think he will, but NE won't be able to run the ball against the Colts as they have in the past.

 

[davaco]

I think the Pats will win.

If you look at Indy's schedule, if they dont lose this week, they might not lose for a while.

Sure will be fun to watch though

What does Indy's future schedule have to do with whether they lose to the Pats this week? The way I see it, is that Indy has the 2 most important factors in their favor, motivation and healthy bodies. NE has the home field and crowd, which IMO, won't play as big of a role as in years past. Plain and simple, NE won't be able to control the clock as they are used to doing. Manning and Edge will control the game tempo, taking the crowd out of the game. Now I'm not saying Brady won't have a good game, I think he will, but NE won't be able to run the ball against the Colts as they have in the past.

Becasue I dont think they will go 16-0. if they dont lose this week, at JAX on 12/11 could be their 1st defeat. Sure they play at cincy, but cincy hasnt beat anyone and they play pitt, but in the domeHomefield wont play as much? have you seen the #s on manning at NE and the W-L record of the Pats in Gilletee stadium?

Also, HOw do we know if the Colts run defense is any good? They have played poor teams and they are 7-0, meaning that teams arent running when they are losing

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the Pats will win.

If you look at Indy's schedule, if they dont lose this week, they might not lose for a while.

Sure will be fun to watch though

What does Indy's future schedule have to do with whether they lose to the Pats this week? The way I see it, is that Indy has the 2 most important factors in their favor, motivation and healthy bodies. NE has the home field and crowd, which IMO, won't play as big of a role as in years past. Plain and simple, NE won't be able to control the clock as they are used to doing. Manning and Edge will control the game tempo, taking the crowd out of the game. Now I'm not saying Brady won't have a good game, I think he will, but NE won't be able to run the ball against the Colts as they have in the past.

Becasue I dont think they will go 16-0. Homefield wont play as much? have you seen the #s on manning at NE and the W-L record of the Pats in Gilletee stadium?

I never have been a proponent of past performance dictating future events. Especially with current status of these two teams compared to last year.

 

[JohnnyU]

Becasue I dont think they will go 16-

Neither do I, but that doesn't mean it will happen this week.

 

[davaco]

I think the Pats will win.

If you look at Indy's schedule, if they dont lose this week, they might not lose for a while.

Sure will be fun to watch though

What does Indy's future schedule have to do with whether they lose to the Pats this week? The way I see it, is that Indy has the 2 most important factors in their favor, motivation and healthy bodies. NE has the home field and crowd, which IMO, won't play as big of a role as in years past. Plain and simple, NE won't be able to control the clock as they are used to doing. Manning and Edge will control the game tempo, taking the crowd out of the game. Now I'm not saying Brady won't have a good game, I think he will, but NE won't be able to run the ball against the Colts as they have in the past.

Becasue I dont think they will go 16-0. Homefield wont play as much? have you seen the #s on manning at NE and the W-L record of the Pats in Gilletee stadium?

I never have been a proponent of past performance dictating future events. Especially with current status of these two teams compared to last year.

The colts have beaten no one this year, on the road, outdoors, on grass. I ll take the Pats.but we shall see.

 

[JohnnyU]

Also, HOw do we know if the Colts run defense is any good? They have played poor teams and they are 7-0, meaning that teams arent running when they are losing

My guess is that Corey Simon and Bob Sanders makes a difference in the run defense. I've always thought the Colts needed a big fat guy in the middle, ever since they lost Tony Siragusa to Baltimore. They take up a lot of space, and if talented, can raise havoc with the running game. Sanders is a great run stopping safety when asked to play the run, and the Colts linebackers are playing much better ever since they got Morris out as a starter

 

[Capella]

Pats, like always.Indy finally beats them in January this year...at home though.

 

[XNOUGHT]

Colt's!

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

Ahhh, reminds me of the conversations we had before last year's playoff games.

 

[davaco]

Also, HOw do we know if the Colts run defense is any good? They have played poor teams and they are 7-0, meaning that teams arent running when they are losing

My guess is that Corey Simon and Bob Sanders makes a difference in the run defense. I've always thought the Colts needed a big fat guy in the middle, ever since they lost Tony Siragusa to Baltimore. They take up a lot of space, and if talented, can raise havoc with the running game. Sanders is a great run stopping safety when asked to play the run, and the Colts linebackers are playing much better ever since they got Morris out as a starter

sounds nice, now all they have to do is stop the run

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Seriously, if Indy loses this time, they are pathetic. They have no reason to not win this game. This isn't even close to the same Pats team they have played in the past. What happened the last six games doesn't mean ####. What they do this next game does.

 

[brobe4]

Go Colts

 

[Norseman]

Go Colts

 

[pizzatyme]

Go Colts

Well, the time is finally here! It's time to put up or shut up. I am a die-hard Colts fan since 1984. I love the Colts. The Pats are the hated rival. They have been the class of the league.If the Colts are to move to the top of the hill, it has to start tonight. Anyone who says this game is not do-or-die is kidding themselves.

This will either rally the troops around Peyton and Dungy or will be the beginning of the end of the 3-headed monster.

I hope that it plays out to the Colts winning, but until the clock reads 0:00 and the Colts are ahead, I will wait with anxiety.

I think the game comes down to 3 things: coaching, turnovers, and injuries.

If no major injuries occur, then I think this year's talent wins out as the Colts just have more "horses" than the Pats.

We'll see, but like DJ Colts said, there will be no "I told you so" from me as I will sit in relief.

On the other hand, if the Pats win, I can't imagine what we'll hear over the next 2 months on this board from the quality Pats fans.

 

[Noahs Troopers]

Predict the score. My prediction is:New England 27Indy 24Vinateri 38 yard field goal with 6 seconds left.

 

[brobe4]

Colts 42 Pats 0Go Colts

 

[Godsbrother]

Pats: 55 Colts: 0Belichick is a genius.