Colts' Offense vs Patriots' Defense
It is difficult to
find fault with a Colt offense that is ranked #1 in the AFC and #2 in
the league overall in offense. With the standout and record breaking
performance of Edgerrin James last week, the Patriots must be prepared
to stop a team that is hitting on all cylinders now. If they stack the
line to play the run, they leave themselves vulnerable to Manning and
his corral of multi-talented receivers. If they play aggressive and go
after Manning, they run the risk of James running right through them.
It's a devil's bargain any way you look at it.
The
Patriots had some success two weeks ago disrupting Manning's passing
rhythm, forcing him to throw late or on the run. This led to three
costly interceptions, the most since early in his rookie season.
To counter this strategy, I expect the Colts to show greater
commitment to the running attack and make the Patriots play honest to
respect James. The Patriots do have some talented and aggressive
players on defense, but they are giving up over 100 yards per game on
the ground. If the Colts are able to give Manning more time by gaining
more yardage on the ground, the Patriots will be in for a long game.
Advantage: Colts
|
Next Opponent
New England Patriots
10/22/2000
when:
12:00
where: RC Dome
TV: CBS
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Archive:
1999 Season
Issue #1
Issue #2
Issue #3
Issue #4
Issue #5
2000 Schedule
Issue #6
Issue #7
Issue #8
Issue #9
Issue #10
Issue #11
| 9/03 |
at
KC |
W
27-14 |
| 9/10 |
OAK |
L
31-38 |
| 9/17 |
BYE |
|
| 09/25 |
JAX |
W 43-14 |
| 10/1 |
at
Buff |
W
18-16 |
| 10/8 |
at NE |
L
16-24 |
| 10/15 |
at SEA |
W
37-24 |
| 10/22 |
NE |
|
| 10/29 |
DET |
|
| 11/05 |
at CHI |
|
| 11/12 |
NYJ |
|
| 11/19 |
at GB |
|
| 11/26 |
MIAMI |
|
| 12/03 |
at NYJ |
|
| 12/11 |
BUFF |
|
| 12/17 |
at MIAMI |
|
| 12/24 |
MINN |
|
|
