Colts Vs. Patriots: Full Game Breakdown; Peyton Manning's Three INT Prove Costly
After all the nightmares the New England Patriots have faced as a result of Peyton Manning comebacks, James Sanders' game-ending interception to defeat the Indianapolis Colts must have been like the weight of the world lifted off the team's shoulders.
It couldn't have been scripted any better for the Patriots. The Colts had come back against them so many times that it seemed like a virtual certainty that they'd do it again. But this script had a different ending than those contests.
Every time the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts get together, the fanfare seems to go over the top. Then we watch the game and we're reminded of why we circle this game as soon as it's announced each year.
Let's take a look at some of my pregame analysis and see how it matched up with the final result.
Patriots Passing Game vs. Colts Pass Defense
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Pregame advantage: Patriots
The big problem headed into this game for the Patriots was perceived to be the pass-rushing potency of Indianapolis with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis coming off the edge. The Patriots countered that as they usually do, with three-step drops and quick precise throws.
The Patriots moved the ball at will through the air, and Brady accounted for two of New England's four touchdowns. Brady was 19-for-25 passing and not surprisingly Deion Branch and Wes Welker were his favorite options in the short game (bad pun) with 12 receptions on Brady's 19 completions.
Postgame advantage: Patriots
Patriots Running Game vs. Colts Run Defense
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Pregame advantage: Patriots
The Patriots held a huge advantage coming into the game in this category and made sure to exploit the big weakness in the Colts defense. Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis each scored a rushing touchdown, with Woodhead's coming on a big scamper in which it seemed no Colts defender was capable of catching him.
It's obvious that the Patriots are a much better team when they can run effectively and set up play-action for Tom Brady to slow down the pass rush. To run as effectively as they did for the duration of the game, though, is an easy recipe for a win.
Postgame advantage: Patriots
Colts Passing Game vs. Patriots Pass Defense
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Pregame advantage: Colts
The Patriots looked like they had Peyton Manning's number in the first half, forcing two interceptions on the cerebral quarterback. As has happened so frequently in the past, though, the Patriots defense was able to fend off a late-game rally from the Colts.
Manning, who became the fifth 300-yard passer they've faced this season (tying a league record), had all day in the pocket to find his receivers. Forcing three interceptions was nothing short of key for the Patriots, including the final one that sealed the game. Still, they were burned time and time again on key third downs and gave up 11 conversions on 14 third downs (78 percent).
Postgame advantage: Colts
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Colts Running Game vs. Patriots Run Defense
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Pregame advantage: Patriots
It took the Colts six carries to finally get a positive-yardage running play. Donald Brown had a nice 36-yard carry in the fourth quarter, but other than that was held to just 32 yards on 15 carries as the Colts averaged 3.6 yards per carry as a team.
The Patriots seemed intent on making the Colts a one-dimensional team, and although it may not seem prudent to put the ball in Manning's hands, it makes them much easier to defend.
Postgame advantage: Patriots
Special Teams
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Pregame advantage: Draw
Two penalties on the first two kickoff returns for the Colts led to two drives that resulted in zero points. Okay, so the return had nothing to do with Manning throwing an interception to Brandon Meriweather on the first drive, but it's that type of momentum that swings a drive one way or the other.
They had another penalty on a punt that put the Colts back at their own 5-yard line to start the drive.
The Patriots are one of the most fundamentally sound teams in the league, and the field position they earned from their special teams undoubtedly helped them in this win.
Postgame advantage: Patriots
Coaching
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Pregame advantage: Patriots
It's safe to say that Indy's rally at the end of the game wasn't Jim Caldwell-inspired. Instead, it was Peyton Manning whose ability to play coach on the field and pick apart a very spotty Patriots pass defense helped the Colts find their stride at the end and nearly complete a comeback.
Belichick's offensive game plan was simple: attack the Colts with quick offense and power running. The Patriots had 30 designed run plays vs. 29 designed passes, exposing Indy's worst-ranked rush defense in average yards per carry.
And really, is Peyton Manning throwing the ball 52 times a game plan or a necessity?
Postgame advantage: Patriots
Conclusion
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Prediction: Patriots 30, Colts 27
As expected, we were treated to another nail-biting, heart-attack-inducing finish to the biggest rivalry in the NFL over the last decade. The hype of this game never seems to fall short.
Were it not for a big-time late-game rally—again—this game could have ended in a much more lopsided score. After what the Colts have done to the Patriots over the past few years, though, I'm sure no one in New England's locker room is complaining.
Final score: Patriots 31, Colts 28
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