Predicting Patriots vs Colts Week 11 - PatriotsLife roundtable
It's pretty obvious that when you poll a couple Patriots bloggers, they are probably going to pick their team to win. So, instead we look at where we do differ- the final score.
Here's a roundup of some of our writers predictions for the team's upcoming game - Indianapolis vs New England.
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Colts by 6
I find it kind of hard to believe that Bill Belichick can continue the trend of completely embarassing one of the best QB prospects in the league, not to mention one of the brightest. The Colts and Andrew Luck are having their strongest year yet this season, and the Patriots will be on the road and have had a full two weeks after blowing out the Broncos to hear how good they are.
This is a mental toughness game.
Do you believe your own hype or can you stay focused? Can you win a tough game on the road or will you crumble like you have before this year? These are the questions the Patriots have yet to answer that they can tonight.
I think this game could go either way, and I'd be surprised if it is a blowout like the last few contests. Ultimately, I see the Colts prevailing since they are at home and it will send the Pats home with a lot to think about, which will hopefully make them stronger when it comes time for a playoff push.
27-21
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Patriots by 14
Another week, another team with a great offense. Coming off the bye, the Patriots must find a way to slow down Andrew Luck.
As we saw against the Broncos in week 9, our defense gladly accepts all challenges. Expect the Patriots defense to keep their physical style of play. The same strategy of disguising the coverage that worked against the great Peyton Manning will give Luck fits. The defense will press their receivers and force Luck into adding to his 7 turnover resume against New England.
Offensively, the Patriots should not have any trouble in their air. This is the same Indy team that allowed 51 points against the Steelers. The success of the Patriots offense will rely on earning the Colts respect for our rushing attack.
Weatherman Predicts:
- Brady will flirt with 400 passing yards (386 to be exact) and have 4 TD passes
- Tim Wright will have an impact with 75 yards receiving and a TD
- Brandon LaFell will lead all Patriot receivers with 110 yards
- Gronk will be limited to 75 yards and a touchdown (if you call that limited)
- Patriots defense will be the second team to limit Luck to less than 300 yards (Philadelphia was the first team)
Patriots 48-34 Colts
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Paul Murphy (@_prmurphy)
Indy by 3 in OT
Down by 14 in 4th quarter, the Patriots rallied, and forced overtime. A Tom Brady run of three yards tied the score at 30 with 11 seconds remaining. Patriots debated going for two, but kicked PAT.
Tom Brady finished strong after a fumble and interception in the first half.
Indianapolis built the 30-16 lead on three Adam Vinatieri field goals and three Andrew Luck TD passes. Andrew threw 50 times for 402 yards on 33 completions.
Overtime saw each team unable to move on first drive. A T. Y. Hilton catch of 33 yards led to an Adam Vinatieri gamewinner from 41 yards.
Indianapolis 33 New England 30 OT
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Patriots by 7
This is going to be a tough test for the Patriots on the road, but it's hard to see the Colts slowing down Tom Brady & Co enough to overcome the Patriots, even at home. Still, I expect this game to be a shoutout win Indianapolis' offense, led by the quarterback of the future in Andrew Luck. I think Brady stays hot against Indy's 27th-ranked pass defense, and that'll be too much for Indy.
Ultimately, I do think it comes down to a late interception by Luck, similar to the Oakland game in Week 3. Expect a tough matchup on Sunday night.
Patriots 38-31 Colts
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Patriots by 10
This game will be close in the first half but look for the Patriots defense to make adjustments and prevent Luck from achieving any long drives in the second half. Luck will gain a lot of yards on his feet with his receivers Wayne and Hilton covered but when he isn't running around look for Bradshaw, Fleener and Allen to get a lot of receptions.
The Colts defense has looked exposed against Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning so look for them to repeat that when facing Brady and company. The biggest issue for the Patriots will be how they perform in short yardage situations. I like Devlin getting the ball more and maybe see him get a catch with John Gruden's favorite play spider 2 y banana and the Colts will have no answer for Gronkowski.
Luck has been able to make something out of nothing in the past but when the Colts get behind in the 4th quarter I expect him to make a big mistake and for the Patriots to control the rest of the game.
Patriots 34 Colts 24
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Patriots by 3.
I really don't know what to make of this game. I've been debating all week what I think is going to happen, and I'm still really undecided, so I'm just winging it at this point.
That being said, the Colts are an interesting team. They're first in the NFL in points per game, as well as passing yards, which is enough to scare even the best defense. On the flip side, they are 27th against the pass and 9th against the run. The Patriots can't, but probably will rely on Tom Brady to throw the ball a lot unless they can establish some sort of run game. That being said, I think we're headed for an old fashion shootout.
The Colts, however, are not very good at taking care of the ball. They have 15 giveaways on the season, and one of the staples of this Patriots defense is causing turnovers. I would expect to see the defense force Andrew Luck to make some throws he isn't comfortable making and create turnovers any other way they can get them. Securing the ball will be the difference.
Patriots 38, Colts 35
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Patriots by 24
I see Andrew Luck throwing 3 interceptions, one of them being a pick 6. He'll still make his fair share of plays, but he will have an average game at best.
I don't see the Colts defense having a chance against this Patriots offense. Tom Brady is lights out. I mean, look what happened against a legit Denver defense? Scary. Gronkowski will dominate, scoring 2 touchdowns. Edelman, LaFell, and Wright will also contribute touchdowns. Jonas Gray will add one on the ground.
I do not see this game being close, and it blows my mind that the Colts are favored. Yes they are at home, but this Patriots team is playing too well. They've been putting up a ton of points against everyone, and what's to say they won't continue that trend against an average defense?
Patriots 49-Colts 25
