I think Jordan playing is critical in this weeks matchup with the Colts

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Lamont Jordan is a guy we must have this week in order to keep Manning off the field and avoid having to have a shootout because I think even though Cassel has improved, he is not capable at this time of throwing enough TDs and long deep passes to keep up with Manning and the amount Peyton might have against this secondary which is pretty banged up, is alarming and worrysome.

Jordan would run right through the Colts defensive line and would prolong drives and set up Matt well.

Morris is probably out again so I can see us struggling if we only have BJGE and Faulk again - Jordan is key to keeping the Colts defense honest and keeping the Colts offense with Manning,Wayne and Harrison off the field.

Jordan,How long can you be out with a sore calf? - Time to gut it up and get out there and show us what you showed in the Jets game.

 

[PatsDeb]

I don't think you can count on Jordan playing - he didn't practice at all this past week, which doesn't bode well. I predict we'll only have BJGE and Faulk, just like this week. The good news is Indy's run D is so bad, maybe BJGE will have a field day. I cannot predict how this game will go.

On the one hand, I agree with you that if Manning gets going, he'll have a field day against our depleted and inexperienced secondary. On the other hand, he hasn't got going much this season, and it seems to be because his O-line is not protecting him well. If our D-line can get in his face as much as they got in Bulger's, then we should be okay. If not, who knows? Can we win a shoot-out? A few weeks ago I would have said no way, but Cassel seems to be calmly progressing back there, and if Moss and Welker can get rid of the dropsies that plagued them this past game, then we might be able to keep up. It's not like Indy's D is scaring anyone right now.

One of the things I think the Pats in general, and Cassel in particular, have lost these past two weeks is the fear that they can't do it without Brady. If something goes wrong, just keep playing, eyes on the prize. I didn't see that in the San Diego or Miami games, where once things went wrong, that was it. The other wins it seemed like we (including the team) were all holding our breath, hoping Cassel didn't screw up too bad. Now it seems like we're all gaining confidence that we can actually win, no matter what happens during the game.

This Indy game will be a big test and I can't wait!!

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

Your right, we need Jordan to wear down the defense.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

I don't think you can count on Jordan playing - he didn't practice at all this past week, which doesn't bode well. I predict we'll only have BJGE and Faulk, just like this week. The good news is Indy's run D is so bad, maybe BJGE will have a field day. I cannot predict how this game will go.

On the one hand, I agree with you that if Manning gets going, he'll have a field day against our depleted and inexperienced secondary. On the other hand, he hasn't got going much this season, and it seems to be because his O-line is not protecting him well. If our D-line can get in his face as much as they got in Bulger's, then we should be okay. If not, who knows? Can we win a shoot-out? A few weeks ago I would have said no way, but Cassel seems to be calmly progressing back there, and if Moss and Welker can get rid of the dropsies that plagued them this past game, then we might be able to keep up. It's not like Indy's D is scaring anyone right now.

One of the things I think the Pats in general, and Cassel in particular, have lost these past two weeks is the fear that they can't do it without Brady. If something goes wrong, just keep playing, eyes on the prize. I didn't see that in the San Diego or Miami games, where once things went wrong, that was it. The other wins it seemed like we (including the team) were all holding our breath, hoping Cassel didn't screw up too bad. Now it seems like we're all gaining confidence that we can actually win, no matter what happens during the game.

This Indy game will be a big test and I can't wait!!

Great on the money post! It would be better if one of Morris or Jordan returns but it's not likely based on what we've heard to date and the Colts have more issues than run D - which may improve if Sanders returns as long predicted (although we know how Dungy is with his predictions - cagier than the evil genius...).

 

[BionicPatriot]

How muche asier would this game look with a healthy Morris, Jordan, and Maroney? Let alone with TFB, you'd be looking at a blowout :-(

I hope he can go, but I'm not holding my breath. I'd still give the rookie a chance and let BJGE pound them out. **** Matt Forte came out and ate them alvie week 1, Ellis might be able to put up a good game. The key is the front 7, I think it should be known this is the number one key all season. They CANNOT, against this secondary, give Manning more than a second of what he needs. I agree our secondary is more in a transition of young DBs more than trash, but they can still easily be handled by this Colts offense. I hope the titans DL beats the **** out of the Colts OL tonight.

 

[Sicilian]

Jordan would be a huge boost, but IMO, if we're going to score points Cassel has to have his best game of the season for the third week in a row.

It's not that the Indy D is that good, it's just that they're still a pretty FAST defense (especially if Sanders is back), which means the time to throw will be shorter and the windows between defenders will close quickly. Matt will have to make quick decisions or it could get ugly, running game or no.

 

[D-Money]

Its all about protection and this DL putting pressure on Manning.The colts are good but lets not forget that Marvin Harrison is no longer the same player he was.

 

[BPF]

Zolak, Gresh and Tanguay said on the BCN postgame show after the game yesterday that their sources tell them that Morris WILL be back this week vs Colts, Jordan they are not sure about. Interesting they said the Morris injury was also more an ankle problem rather than a knee.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I think you save him for the playoffs. he could be the x-factor and ride him.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I wouldn't count on Jordan or Morris playing. The staff will either have to trust BJE with 15+ carries because I truly believe he WILL have success if he gets the touches, or they will have to bring in someone that they will give it to. Bottom line is the run game will be key next week, unlike this week where we got away with 80 yards or so combined from the RB's.

 

[xmarkd400x]

I wouldn't count on Jordan or Morris playing. The staff will either have to trust BJE with 15+ carries because I truly believe he WILL have success if he gets the touches, or they will have to bring in someone that they will give it to. Bottom line is the run game will be key next week, unlike this week where we got away with 80 yards or so combined from the RB's.

I think you are right. With a virtually unknown backup at RB you can get by for a game or two on just gameplanning and simple instructions.

 

[SVN]

how many times have the pats ever played 'run the ball and keep away from manning' technique...ever ?2004 playoffs maybe but that wasin the snow.

Even with a depleted WR core in 2003 , We DEACTIVATED antowain smith who was our starter then . 2005, colts had a struggling run D at foxboro,still we threw the ball , inexplicably at times.Look for the pats to throw early and often.BB doesnt play keep away against the colts, he tries to score quickly and move the ball faster because he knews manning will eventually get his points.
Maybe jordan or anyone can be a decoy but i dont see the pats running much in this game.