Does it all come down to our secondary?

[Tunescribe]

Hobbs and Samuel have struggled against Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and our safeties -- while playing fairly well -- are stopgap guys. Then there's Dallas Clark and that pesky Utrecht to account for. I'm wondering what alchemy BB might have up his sleeve for this game; perhaps more nickle and dime than usual to prevent one-on-ones from occurring? I'm leery of us getting torched. Mickens and Chad Scott might be pivotal in this game.

The reason I think it comes down to our secondary is because I think we'll do a reasonable job of containing Addai, yet our pass rush hasn't wreaked much havoc with the Colts' offensive line the last couple games. They do a great job of protecting Manning. We need to somehow disrupt Manning's timing and get him to hesitate, and I think the onus is on our defensive backfield scheme.

 

[broadwayjoe]

Hobbs and Samuel have struggled against Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and our safeties -- while playing fairly well -- are stopgap guys. Then there's Dallas Clark and that pesky Utrecht to account for. I'm wondering what alchemy BB might have up his sleeve for this game; perhaps more nickle and dime than usual to prevent one-on-ones from occurring? I'm leery of us getting torched. Mickens and Chad Scott might be pivotal in this game.

The reason I think it comes down to our secondary is because I think we'll do a reasonable job of containing Addai, yet our pass rush hasn't wreaked much havoc with the Colts' offensive line the last couple games. They do a great job of protecting Manning. We need to somehow disrupt Manning's timing and get him to hesitate, and I think the onus is on our defensive backfield scheme.

I can see Reggie Wayne giving Hobbs fits and I agree with you Chad Scott and Mickens will have to play BIG in this game. It would not surprise me to see Chad Scott playing a lot Sunday.

 

[PatsRI]

Hobbs and Samuel have struggled against Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and our safeties -- while playing fairly well -- are stopgap guys. Then there's Dallas Clark and that pesky Utrecht to account for. I'm wondering what alchemy BB might have up his sleeve for this game; perhaps more nickle and dime than usual to prevent one-on-ones from occurring? I'm leery of us getting torched. Mickens and Chad Scott might be pivotal in this game.

The reason I think it comes down to our secondary is because I think we'll do a reasonable job of containing Addai, yet our pass rush hasn't wreaked much havoc with the Colts' offensive line the last couple games. They do a great job of protecting Manning. We need to somehow disrupt Manning's timing and get him to hesitate, and I think the onus is on our defensive backfield scheme.

If Samuel wants to "get paid" this may be the game where he can write his own check. Have a Ty Law type game here and the number of teams looking to sign him will double. Stink it up and I think his stock goes down. Hobbs just has to play smart. Don't give up the long ball even if it measn letting them have some of the underneath stuff, just make the tackle.

 

[Fogbuster]

No. As always it all comes down to the trenches. Whoever takes ownership of the line of scrimmage wins. It's always the same.

If we contain Addai and Rhodes, and if we get pressure on Peyton, we are in good shape defensively. On offense we need to handle the Freak and Booger, confuse and batter them at the line, and we will do well.

//

 

[cblesz]

If Samuel wants to "get paid" this may be the game where he can write his own check. Have a Ty Law type game here and the number of teams looking to sign him will double. Stink it up and I think his stock goes down. Hobbs just has to play smart. Don't give up the long ball even if it measn letting them have some of the underneath stuff, just make the tackle.

Hear, hear. Agree 100%. Samuel can get his "payday" and Hobbs needs to keep Wayne in front of him...THEN MAKE THE FREAKING TACKLE.

I have noticed in several games that our corners play 7 yards off the receiver. From what I have read, I guess they are too small to play press and smack them in the mouth off the line. As I watched the San Diego game on replay, I saw Hobbs and Samuel 7-8 yards off the line. Is this the reason? The times we beat Indy, we were very physical with Harrison and Wayne.

 

[denverpatsfan]

They will pick on Hobbs with Wayne as the goto guy. Just like they did to the Donkees this season. Picking on whomever was opposite of Champ. It worked and they spanked the Donkees in their own house.

The Pats absolutely need a pass rush in this game in order to win. The line has to have a huge game. They need to get in Manning's face just like the last game. I don't think PM will make all those incredible throws like he did in November with someone right on top of him.

Our secondary hasn't been able to cover these guys for 2 seasons. The key is the pass rush.

 

[Tunescribe]

They will pick on Hobbs with Wayne as the goto guy. Just like they did to the Donkees this season. Picking on whomever was opposite of Champ. It worked and they spanked the Donkees in their own house.

The Pats absolutely need a pass rush in this game in order to win. The line has to have a huge game. They need to get in Manning's face just like the last game. I don't think PM will make all those incredible throws like he did in November with someone right on top of him.

Our secondary hasn't been able to cover these guys for 2 seasons. The key is the pass rush.

The Colts' line is very strong as a pass-blocking unit. It rarely is outplayed and gives up few sacks, while Manning's release is so quick that he seldom is flushed from the pocket. I just don't see us putting consistent pressure on him enough to make a huge difference, which is why I feel it's up to our d-backs to step up big time in a way they haven't shown.

 

[Seneschal2]

We need to somehow disrupt Manning's timing and get him to hesitate, and I think the onus is on our defensive backfield scheme.

When I read the thread title -- 'disrupting the timing' is the first and ONLY solution that came to mind.

Of course shutting down the running game is the first order of business. No way do we want to give Manning a balanced offense. BTW, how's Addai's shoulder?

Back to topic..."the onus is on our defensive backfield scheme". Well we'll try and cover. And I'm sure we will -- briefly. But to disrupt the timing, there needs to be consistent pressure from SOMEWHERE, or the DBs need to cover like glue throughout the route, forcing Manning to look for a different (and open) target. We'll try to do both...but my guess is, our pass rush will be the key to the disruption. Guys will have to step up...

As far as winning the game goes...the Pats objective will be to score TDs -- NOT field goals. Manning & Co. is a 2-play threat for field goal range at any time. A battle of 3-pointers is not what BB has in mind.

Field position for the Pats is crucial...for Indy it doesn't matter -- they can get to the RZ quickly.

 

[dtbrks]

I have noticed in several games that our corners play 7 yards off the receiver. From what I have read, I guess they are too small to play press and smack them in the mouth off the line. As I watched the San Diego game on replay, I saw Hobbs and Samuel 7-8 yards off the line. Is this the reason? The times we beat Indy, we were very physical with Harrison and Wayne.

I agree with this. I think one reason the colts have beaten us the past 2 years is our DB's playing off the line and letting the colts WR run out of gate. Maybe this will change this weeked.

 

[denverpatsfan]

Well one thing we need to do is knock the snot out of Clark. Whether he is in the slot or at TE. Teams have not been chippin' him at all and he has been getting open. Maybe Chad Scott can knock him a bit? Maybe one of the linebackers?

I love that play where Vrabel knocks him down and out at the goal line back in 2004.

The Pats must be able to take away some of PM's options.

 

[richpats]

I agree with this. I think one reason the colts have beaten us the past 2 years is our DB's playing off the line and letting the colts WR run out of gate. Maybe this will change this weeked.

Maybe. This is the playoffs. But remember, Rodney hasn't played the last 2 meetings- this limits options on coverage. Before we could stop the Colts, now we can only contain them.

Samuel needs to be on Wayne. I hope Hobbs is better prepared this time for the Colts- he was toast last game.

 

[Brownfan80]

Our secondary is playing better now (Hobbs included) than they were the first time we played the Colts, IMO. I think it comes down to the pass rush. If we can put pressure on Manning then we'll have a pretty good shot at limiting their offense. If he consistently has time to scan the field and make unpressured throws.. well, then we're dead.

 

[RyanTheColtsFan]

Samuel needs to be on Wayne. I hope Hobbs is better prepared this time for the Colts- he was toast last game.

That's interesting and I wonder if BB would think about doing it. Samuel is clearly your best DB right now and Wayne is clearly our best WR. (Despite what most Colts fan will tell you)

 

[richpats]

If he consistently has time to scan the field and make unpressured throws.. well, then we're dead.

Whether the D does its job or not, we'll need to put the points on the board. I'd say 24 points gives us a 50/50 shot.

 

[iguide]

Before last year the way that the Pat's beat the Colts by disrupting the timing between Pm & the receivers. Beating up the receivers and getting PM off of his spot achieved that in 03. Then after Polian cried that the Pat's were to rough on his babies in 04 they smacked the receivers in the legal 5yd from scrimmage zone, (while the ball is not in the air). As was stated above, last year and this year our DB's have been playing off of their receivers and we got beat. This year we tried to put pressure on PM with more blitzing, etc. and he executed well on the move. The rumor is PM went into last winter to study films of himself to try and improve his performance under pressure and with us he was successful. So while pressure on PM is essential the DB's need to hit their receivers where it is legal. Hit them hard and often. Harrison like Manning and Polian is a crybaby and does not like contact. He can be easily intimidated. Hit Wayne & Clark hard enough, often enough and they will beg off also. If that is not in the game plan Indy will be in the SB and not us.

 

[cstjohn17]

The secondary will be tested but is going to take "team" defense. Overall this has been the strength of the Patriots this year, no one unit has been dominant (DLINE, LB, SECONDARY or Front 7 and Back 8). There will be a lot of bend but the game will come down to key 3rd down stops and being stout in the red zone. Sound familiar?

Also having managable 3rd downs, 3rd and 5, 3rd and 6, etc. The Colts have been running the ball very well, if we in a lot of 3rd and short situations it will be difficult to get them off the field.

Hobbs and Samuel have struggled against Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and our safeties -- while playing fairly well -- are stopgap guys. Then there's Dallas Clark and that pesky Utrecht to account for. I'm wondering what alchemy BB might have up his sleeve for this game; perhaps more nickle and dime than usual to prevent one-on-ones from occurring? I'm leery of us getting torched. Mickens and Chad Scott might be pivotal in this game.

The reason I think it comes down to our secondary is because I think we'll do a reasonable job of containing Addai, yet our pass rush hasn't wreaked much havoc with the Colts' offensive line the last couple games. They do a great job of protecting Manning. We need to somehow disrupt Manning's timing and get him to hesitate, and I think the onus is on our defensive backfield scheme.

 

[richpats]

That's interesting and I wonder if BB would think about doing it. Samuel is clearly your best DB right now and Wayne is clearly our best WR. (Despite what most Colts fan will tell you)

Well, that's why Samuel was on Wayne last game...and why Harrison had 3 catches of 30+ yards.