Pats-Colts gameplanning thread

[BradyManny]

With the media hype on this game getting out of hand, the running up the score talk getting out of hand, I thought it might be good to have a consolidated football only thread.

Last week, we had a Skins fan post some good stuff re: Skins gameplanning, and I think that should become a weekly thing. Obviously we have some quality Colts posters here, so it shouldn't be that hard to get a good look from the other side.

So I'd like to hear what others think on how these two teams will attack each other on both sides of the ball.

For the Pats, I think it's simple - take what they give you. To be honest, I don't see how this Colts D can stop Brady, b/c every one of their strengths we can turn into a weakness. A lot of teams I've seen play the Colts this season have made it too obvious whether they were going to pass or run, and that just lets guys like Sanders or Freeney dictate the game. The Pats won't let that happen. If Sanders creeps up to the line or into the box, we'll beat them deep. We can counteract Freeney and the pass rush with screens. If Sanders stays back, we can run Maroney and demolish them at the LOS. Whatever they have, we can beat, and I think we'll be in 3 or 4 wide sets most of the game, and we'll run out of that, too. I think we'll see a lot of running out of shotgun, Brady hands it off to Faulk or Maroney out of the gun. I think this might be the game where we end up doing more damage on the ground than we have in any other game thus far.

Defensively, it's always problematic trying to think of how to stop Peyton. Last season, Hobbs and Samuel did a great job of taking Wayne and Harrison out, so Peyton just attacked us in the middle. Unfortunately, Peyton has learned the lesson of patience as well as Brady has at this point in his career and probably won't waste a half trying to get the ball downfield again. Clark's probably the key of the game for us, and I think Thomas and Harrison will be used to neutralize him. Addai is always worrisome, but if Seymour gets more reps, there's no doubt the rush defense is infinitely better with him in there.

Other's thoughts?

 

[Papelbon]

First play, hand to Maroney, flea flicker back to Brady, long bomb to Moss.

EFF U COLTS

Pats 7
Colts 0

Final score

Pats 45

Colts 17

 

[letekro]

Offense: Similar plan as we used against Skins. Lots of runs and quick passes out of the spread to bring the safeties up, and then playaction.

Defense: Need to shut down Clark like we did with Witten (LB underneath, Harrison over top), put Samuel on Harrison, and tell Hobbs to play off Wayne.

AD needs to be huge in stopping the dumpoffs to Addai.

 

[PatsGuy]

For this game I have two concerns, I guess more questions, and that is the health of Watson and Thomas. Indy traditionally plays a cover 2 which will leave seams up the middle. I heard Watson speak on The Score (Providence radio station yesterday which told me if he can give and interview he'll be cleared to play.
The second question is the health of Thomas. I heard somewhere that he has some undisclosed ankle injury and though he's playing, his production is dropped considerably. We'll need him to drop and patrol anything over the middle specificly Indy's tightend.

 

[shmessy]

The key to the game will be whether Maroney runs "low" and up the gut, or whether he does the "french pastry" dancing thing.

The Indy DL is exceptionally fast, but small. No Booger MacFarland there this time. The Pats OL can bulldoze them. The Indy ace in the hole is Sanders. The BIG difference versus last year is that this time he has to pay attention to the WR's instead of playing up in the box.

I believe much of the game comes down to that dynamic. This is a game where we definitely miss Sammy Morris.

 

[Papelbon]

Is Morris available?

 

[strongside]

If you look at the last 3 game played by these teams (all pats L's) what is the common theme? The fact that we haven't been able to stop them and get our D off the field.

Harrison, to start will have to contain clark. Also, Can anyone tell me why Clark is able to get a free release on every play?

 

[denverpatsfan]

Can't they go old school and use a fullback or tight end to neutralize Sanders. I would think getting a helmet on him every play would beat him into submission by the 3rd quarter? I realize that's not the Pats style of play, but would it hurt to try something different in order to take him out of the game.

Pats O needs to go back to the ball control, chew the clock up tactics that have worked well in the past against this team. Keep Peyton on the bench wear that small defense out and ram it down their throats in the 4th quarter. Easier said than done.

 

[BradyManny]

Can't they go old school and use a fullback or tight end to neutralize Sanders. I would think getting a helmet on him every play would beat him into submission by the 3rd quarter? I realize that's not the Pats style of play, but would it hurt to try something different in order to take him out of the game.

I don't think they need to. I'd rather have Sanders come up and try and stop the run. With Moss and Stallworth outside, it would make Brady's day real simple.

The Colts can not bring Sanders into the box, they just can't. They'll get burnt deep too easily. We've already seen that double coverage sometimes isn't even enough against Moss, if he has single coverage on the outside, it's like taking candy from a baby for Brady.

 

[teamplay]

Can't they go old school and use a fullback or tight end to neutralize Sanders. I would think getting a helmet on him every play would beat him into submission by the 3rd quarter? I realize that's not the Pats style of play, but would it hurt to try something different in order to take him out of the game.

I've watched two Colts games this year and Sanders was running free to the ballcarrier -- never a blocker. Getting a helmet on him is a must!

 

[BradyManny]

The key to the game will be whether Maroney runs "low" and up the gut, or whether he does the "french pastry" dancing thing.

The Indy DL is exceptionally fast, but small. No Booger MacFarland there this time. The Pats OL can bulldoze them. The Indy ace in the hole is Sanders. The BIG difference versus last year is that this time he has to pay attention to the WR's instead of playing up in the box.

I believe much of the game comes down to that dynamic. This is a game where we definitely miss Sammy Morris.

Good points, but I don't think we'll miss Morris. I think Maroney's gotten over his dancing at the line thing, and as BB said, different games call for different game plans. On EEI, early in the year, he attributed the dancing to going up against two-gap teams, waiting for a hole to open. To what extent that's true and to what extent Maroney was being overly patient, that's debatable. But there's no doubt in my mind Maroney has gotten better with each game he's played this season, I've focused on watching him when he's in there, he's been very strong.

I agree we can just demolish the Pats DL at the LOS, which, as you say, as long as Maroney hits the hole, will make it a good day for the Pats running game.

 

[chrisfx811]

I've seen a couple Colt's games this year. (tv coverage in the midwest favors them).
Teams are not successful running away from Sanders. It seems that the Colt's quickness becomes a significant advantage when trying to avoid the guys who make plays. Maybe I'm crazy, but running at those guys, especially Sanders is going to be more effective.

 

[Metaphors]

Pats Offense
==========
Delayed plays.
Inside handoff from shotgun after showing pass.
Screen to TE/RB after showing pass protection.

The Indy D has to make a quick read and get their feet moving. If they read wrong, their speed actually works against them.

Pats Defense
==========
Win 1st down.
Inside/stunting blitzes.
Press coverage.

If the Colts can consistently get 7-8 yards on 1st down, your chances of getting off the field aren't so hot. Sounds obvious, but I believe the Colts will throw on 1st down using simple/safe routes to get to 2nd and short.

There are obviously downsides to these strategies so they can't become predictable. But I think it effectively counters what Indy will try to do.

 

[BradyManny]

Pats Offense
==========
Delayed plays.
Inside handoff from shotgun after showing pass.
Screen to TE/RB after showing pass protection.

The Indy D has to make a quick read and get their feet moving. If they read wrong, their speed actually works against them..

Good stuff.

I do think the inside handoff from the gun is going to be one of the most prominently featured plays of the game. Then we'll use it as play-action.

I think that's why we'll see a lot of Faulk, though I sure hope we see a lot of Maroney, too. Faulk is more reliable in pass protection and as a receiver, so you'd think he'd be in there more. But Maroney is more likely to make the Colts think run, and that could be a key, particularly with Sanders.

Ultimately, that's the key to the game. Let the Colts commit one way or the other and then exploit what they give you.

 

[psychoPat]

First play, hand to Maroney, flea flicker back to Brady, long bomb to Moss.

No. That's the SECOND play.
Right after Brady hands to Maroney ... who runs for 7 or 8.

 

[BrianPat]

Both Addai and Sanders need to be taken out of the game. The offense needs to make it so Sanders is the 2nd or 3rd guy to the ball, not the first. The defense needs to slow down Addai's running and cover him tight in passing plays and screens. If the Pats do those 2 things and play their game, it's another big win !

JMTC