A reporter in the local fish-wrap was pontificating on the weekend games. He made some points about a game I like and I paraphrased and added a few of my own thoughts. For those with a betting interest in this game, here is food for thought. I think the Colts can handle the Pat?s, and here?s why:
Turnovers: No one can guarantee that the Colts won?t turn the ball over, but they have proven the DON?T turn the ball over. They finished the regular season with a league leading +19 turnover ratio and had second fewest giveaways with 17. In the seasons?s opener, Manning threw 1 interception and James fumbled twice?.all inside the Pats 23 yard line. When they weren?t turning the ball over, the Colts were marching up and down the field. They had 28 first downs, 446 total yards?and that was with Law, Poole and Seymour in the lineup.
Pats Health: Ty Law has been a thorn in Mannings side for some time. He has intercepted Manning 7 times in 11 games, including 3 in last season?s AFC title game. With Law and Poole out, the Pats won?t have either of their regular corners. I know they have played without them most of the season, but they haven?t faced an offense with as many weapons as the Colts. Belichick is understandably tight-lipped about Seymour?s availability, but the 11th hour signing of Pittsburgh castoff Hank Poteat reaks of desperation.
Mugging: One of the biggest reasons N.E. went to last years Superbowl was the zebras allowed them to manhandle Indy?s receivers. It was the grabbing and clutching of that game, and others, that made the NFL adopt the no-contact rule beyond 5 yards. The result: Points, yards, completion %, and passer ratings soared this year?.and no one took greater advantage of it than the Colts with their talented array of quick, surehanded receivers.
Turnovers: No one can guarantee that the Colts won?t turn the ball over, but they have proven the DON?T turn the ball over. They finished the regular season with a league leading +19 turnover ratio and had second fewest giveaways with 17. In the seasons?s opener, Manning threw 1 interception and James fumbled twice?.all inside the Pats 23 yard line. When they weren?t turning the ball over, the Colts were marching up and down the field. They had 28 first downs, 446 total yards?and that was with Law, Poole and Seymour in the lineup.
Pats Health: Ty Law has been a thorn in Mannings side for some time. He has intercepted Manning 7 times in 11 games, including 3 in last season?s AFC title game. With Law and Poole out, the Pats won?t have either of their regular corners. I know they have played without them most of the season, but they haven?t faced an offense with as many weapons as the Colts. Belichick is understandably tight-lipped about Seymour?s availability, but the 11th hour signing of Pittsburgh castoff Hank Poteat reaks of desperation.
Mugging: One of the biggest reasons N.E. went to last years Superbowl was the zebras allowed them to manhandle Indy?s receivers. It was the grabbing and clutching of that game, and others, that made the NFL adopt the no-contact rule beyond 5 yards. The result: Points, yards, completion %, and passer ratings soared this year?.and no one took greater advantage of it than the Colts with their talented array of quick, surehanded receivers.