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AFC Playoffs Preview: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts
Revitalized Colts defense will have their hands full with Patriots offensive attack
The Indianapolis Colts held Larry Johnson to just 32-yards rushing in their 23-8 opening round victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and then held Jamal Lewis to 53-yards rushing in their 15-6 win over the Baltimore Ravens last week. Now may be the real test for the Colts defense as they face not just an established running back in New England’s Corey Dillon but arguably the best quarterback over the past six seasons in Tom Brady.
Entering the playoffs the Colts had the worst rushing defense in the AFC but in their last two games they have stopped two of the leagues premier backs. Now they have the opportunity to showcase their passing defense that was ranked number two in the AFC when they face Tom Brady. The Colts held opposing quarterbacks to just 159.3 yards passing during the regular season but they will be facing the leagues number five ranked passer on Sunday. Only two quarterbacks in the AFC threw for more yards than Brady. One of them is Colts leader Peyton Manning.
Manning will be leading an offense that was ranked number one in the AFC in the regular season, including the number one passing offense. In the Colts first two playoff games Manning has struggled. His five interceptions have killed numerous drives and put added pressure on their defense. Manning will be facing the AFC’s number seven passing defense.
It will be difficult for the Colts to turn to a running game against New England on Sunday. The Patriots had the number four ranked defense this season, allowing under 95 yards a game on the ground.
The Colts offense has relied heavily on the leg of Adam Vinatieri who has kicked eight field goals in their two playoff wins and accounted for 24 of their 38 points, not including two extra points.
The game plan for the Patriots in their first two playoff games has been centered on the arm of Brady. He has thrown 85 passes for 492 yards in the Pats’ two wins. On Sunday they could look to Kevin Faulk and Corey Dillon out of the backfield to balance their attack.
When the two teams met in Week 9 the Colts intercepted Brady four times en route to a 27-20 win in Foxborough.
On Sunday the Colts will be hosting the Patriots at the RCA Dome. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST.
