The Patriots and Colts were the envy of every team in the National Football League at the turn of the new millennium. The Colts dominated teams with the high octane offense of Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, and Reggie Wayne. The Patriots were a dynastic team due to their defense and running game. Then, Tom Brady began to impose his will on offense with Corey Dillon, Deion Branch, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker. The two teams became rivals because of the historically great quarterbacks, and the two teams often seemed to face each other in the AFC Championship Game for the right to be in the Superbowl. In 2015, the rivalry got heated after the Patriots trounced the Colts in the playoffs and later reported to the NFL the balls felt deflated. After investigations, skepticism, and wild scientific theories, the NFL suspended Brady for four games the following season. Patriots fans will never forget that upheaval by the Colts. This Saturday, the two teams will square off with new faces on both sidelines. The rivalry will be renewed in a pivotal matchup for both teams in the playoff race. In this article, we preview both teams and predict the final score.
1. The Colts- the Patriots’ number one defensive assignment in this matchup will be to stop the run. In the absence of Derrick Henry, Johnathan Taylor is the best running back in the NFL. Taylor has 1,348 yards this season, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and 16 touchdowns. The Patriots’ defense has been elite but has struggled to stop the run at times with 4.5 yards allowed. Davon Godchaux and Ja’whaun Bentley will need to be stout to contain Taylor and force Carson Wentz to win the game. If the Patriots stop Taylor on 1st and 2nd down, Belichick will make things complicated for Wentz on third down. The matchup between JC Jackson and Michael Pittman Jr will be the one to watch, given that Wentz often targets the Wide Receiver.
2. The Patriots-the Colts’ number one defensive assignment in this matchup will be to stop the run. Yes, I used the same strategy for both teams because it is true. The Patriots have a trio of good rushers with Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, and the ever-improving Brandon Bolden. The Patriots flexed their muscle against the Bills by rushing for 222 yards on 46 carries. The Colts defense like the Patriots unit is better at stopping the passing game than the ground game. The defense has allowed 4.8 yards per carry and 111 yards per game. Mac Jones will do a lot more in this game in the dome, and his accurate passing will give the Colts defense a lot to think about in the chess game.
3. Head to Head matchup-the Patriots and Colts have played each other 81 times in league history. The Patriots lead the all-time series 52-29. Since 2000, the Patriots and the Colts have met 22 times, and the Patriots are 16-6 in these games. The Patriots have been 8-0 against the Colts since 2010. The last time the teams played was in 2018, and the Patriots beat the Colts 38-24 at Gillette Stadium.
4. Stats-the Patriots’ defensive edge in the red zone may turn out to be the difference in the game. The Patriots’ defense leads the league in the lowest passer rating in the red zone of 61.6. On the other hand, the Colts defense is last in the league with a passer rating of 118.5 in the red zone.
5. Score Predictions-both teams will be fresh from a bye week. I think the Patriots are better on defense and will slow down Johnathan Taylor enough. Bill Belichick always tries to contain the opposition’s best player and has his defense able to execute the plan. The Colts will need a great game from Carson Wentz, and I think Mac Jones will outplay him by not forcing the costly turnover.
Patriots 27-Colts 21
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