AndyJohnson

They are #1 in yards per play, yards per pass attempt and yards per reception (8.1 which is excellent).
The are near the top in both total yards and ppg.

It has been brought up here that they have faced some very poor offenses to build those stats, and I think that is valid. But, the impact of the offenses they face doesnt turn a bad defense into #s like that.

No doubt the Colt D is helped by the O holding on to the ball, and by playing from ahead also.

There are some #s though that it appears a good offense can take advantage of that the bad ones have not.
The Colts allow 65.7% of pass completed.
They allow 4.1 yards per rush.
They are allowing 46% 3rd down conversions.

It appears that offenses that are allowed to stick to their gameplan, and have playmakers that get open and run after the catch would have much more success against this D.

I expect us to tear apart the Colt D, but we should all understand, it will be earned. This is a good defense and if we rip it to shreds like everyone else we have faced, it is more a comment on how incredible our offense is than a comment on deficiencies in the Colt D.

In the back of my mind, I also think this could be a game that has long reaching issues for the Colt D. As I said, I think we tear them up, but I also think future opponents are going to look at the weaknesses we will expose. That is very common in this league for teams mimicking what the Pats do against certain teams.

Brady to Brown

If the Pats beat up the Colts on Sunday I expect the Chargers to do the same next week.

cstjohn17

I think the Colts are the best defense and the best offense the Patriots have faced all year (and there for the best team). I expect the Patriots to win a very close game but won't be shocked if Indy holds`serve at home.

hambone1818

Going into the Pats game last week, Washington had the 5th best defense in the NFL despite facing offenses that are ranked 15th (Phi), 9th (GB), 12th (Ari), 7th (NYG), and 11th (Det) in the NFL in PPG. So there's every reason in the world to believe that Washington has, statistically based, a damn good defense.

Going into the Pats game this week, Indy ranks 4th in YPGA, 1st in PYPG, and 2nd in PPG. However, the offenses they've faced have the following rankings: NO (18th), Tenn (14th), Hou (10th), Den (27th), TB (23rd), Jax (t-19th) and Car (21st)...just one team that even SCRATCHES the top 10 in PPG.

Granted, there's a lot more that goes into the determining the relative abilities of defenses, but this quick and dirty analysis--along with the one posted above about all the major injuries that the Colts defense has benefited from--leads me to believe that this could be the first true test for what could be a very average Colts defense.

Fogbuster

They DO have a good D, a VERY GOOD D. But I think we can crack it. Maybe even get them on the run. Possibly fool them. Perhaps Moss as running back, Vrabel full-time TE, Seau full-time FB. I was reading that Koppen played a lot of ILB in high school and college. Also -- mum's the word on this, now -- Brady was a wide-out on his Michigan practice team.

Maybe we can change up on them enough we might be able to score a couple of TDs. Maybe. Let's hope!!



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patriot lifer

Dallas' young and talented front seven blitzed and blitzed but couldn't derail the offense. The Stout Washington defensive backs attempted the opposite and crowded the secondary but still got killed. Even if the Colts have decent coverage, they will get picked apart. Freeney and company have to have a big game and get pressure, otherwise they go the way of the rest.

Deus Irae

The ridiculously overrated Colts defense is going to get its ass handed to it in about a day. Break down that group and compare it to Washington. Washington's linebackers are better, Washington's secondary is better, and one could argue a split on the DL (Washington better vs. the run, Colts better vs. the pass).

Oswlek

Correct, but there is no comparison between the two offenses. This is particularly so when you consider that TB had just lost their top RB and their LT the week before - and then lost their # 2 RB early on.

I am certain that NE will put at least 30 points up on the board this week.

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"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

frankiesfly

For my 1000th post I just want to say the COLTS SUCK!

__________________
"I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career." BB after NFL ruling on video scandal

stinkypete

IMO, if you think the Colts defense sucks, you haven't been paying attention. They are a top 10 defense.