Random Thoughts On Pats/Colts

[shakadave]

I'd like to add some more Random Thoughts....

1. A number of people saved the game for us, but one of them was Jarvis Green, forcing that fumble. Otherwise, it was eerily like the AFCCG in January.

2. Mike and Mike in the Morning said Brady's bombs look like punts. I hope Moss isn't getting him too used to lobbing it up, which didn't work on the Stallworth-aimed interception.

3. Superb W, but if we want to downplay expectations for the Colts-Pats AFCCG in two months, remember that the Colts practically beat us (i) without Harrison (ii) without Harrison's replacement (iii) without Tarrick Glenn [not gonna change] (iv) without Tarrick Glenn's replacement (v) with Sanders hurting late in the game. I unfortunately did not emerge with the feeling that we're the better team, although fair refereeing might have changed that.

4. We won this game with our defense. And what a great day for our red zone defense to show up!

5. Nick Kaczur made me wonder....

6. The Colts defense has a number of Who Is That? players. It seems that what's happening is that they've loaded up with a bunch of James Sanderses. Drafted. Taught the system for a couple years. Moved into starting lineup with little fanfare. Do the job.

7. Why had nobody been talking about the Colts' chances of going 16-0. If they had won, I would have predicted 16-0 for them.

8. Why are so many media idiots already saying Indy can't win in January in Foxboro? They point to Manning's history there in 2003-2004. The mistake they make is focusing on the LOCATION or the WEATHER instead of focusing on the TEAM. Manning now is not Manning then. Colts defense now is not their defense then. One national host even talked about how the Colts no longer will be hurt by our home field MUDFIELD advantage. (Ever hear of field turf?)

9. We have to figure out how to defend/tackle on Addai's outside runs.

10. Why is Brady the only QB in the NFL who routinely hands off and/or play-fakes by standing for a moment face-to-face with his RB?

(Somehow my reply became post #1 but this is Aluminum Seats's thread.)

 

[aluminum seats]

Why did my initial post get bumped down to the second one? Not that it really matters, just seems kind of odd.

 

[aluminum seats]

How'd I do, Aluminum?




Pretty close?

Great 60 minute game by the Pats. I think we ran out of gas, Brady had more time at the end of the game. BUT, Bethea blew that deep one to Moss by letting him get by. Clutch plays when you needed them.

One of the most disappointing plays (even though it netted no points for NE) was Manning's pick in the 3rd. I know sometimes he threads that needle, but he realy tried to squeeze one in, and Harrison was all over it.

This thread is getting kinda screwy the way the posts are showing up, at least on my computer--hopefully this will appear at the end.

Anyway, yup, I'd say you made some good/accurate calls. On Addai for sure, who was amazing--frustrating when one guy is wreaking so much havoc. The play before the end of the half was very frustrating.

It seemed as though the Colts were substituting pretty liberally, so I'm wondering why Sanders & others were getting so worn down. I was a bit surprised by that.

 

[patsox23]

if we want to downplay expectations for the Colts-Pats AFCCG in two months, remember that the Colts practically beat us (i) without Harrison (ii) without Harrison's replacement (iii) without Tarrick Glenn [not gonna change] (iv) without Tarrick Glenn's replacement (v) with Sanders hurting late in the game. I unfortunately did not emerge with the feeling that we're the better team, although fair refereeing might have changed that.

8. Why are so many media idiots already saying Indy can't win in January in Foxboro? They point to Manning's history there in 2003-2004. The mistake they make is focusing on the LOCATION or the WEATHER instead of focusing on the TEAM. Manning now is not Manning then. Colts defense now is not their defense then. One national host even talked about how the Colts no longer will be hurt by our home field MUDFIELD advantage. (Ever hear of field turf?)

While giving ALL KINDS OF CREDIT to a great Indy squad for playing well, and forcing the issue with the Pats, can we also maybe give a nod to the fact that the Patriots PLAYED POORLY for much of the game? I expect a much bigger MOV in Foxboro, and not just because it might snow. There is a huge difference - and it's not just the mud - between playing INSIDE at home and in the elements on the road.

Indy can suit up Harrison, Ugho and whoever else. Pats play like they can, are unlikely to be as "fooled" as they were in this game (see Brady's post-game comments) and will likely win by 10 or more. Relax.

 

[patsox23]

Hobbs is our best cover corner IMO.

Um....WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT? Did you watch yesterday's game? Have you watched Hobbs play this season? He's not looking so hot, and yesterday he seemed to be especially mediocre (and, no, I'm not talking about the B.S. PI call).

I don't think Hobbs is even our second-best cover corner. I think he has the potential to be much better than he is, which is part of what has made the last few games so frustrating.

 

[patsox23]

This thread is Fu3ked.

 

[aluminum seats]

So much stuff going on in this game I thought I’d get a few of my thoughts down before doing too much reading—I’m sure there are some points here addressed elsewhere, but let me get some things out unfiltered.

First, I will admit the game did not go as I expected, although I thought (and said) that the Colts likely have the best defense of any team the Pats will face. Couple that with the fact that these teams know each other so well by now, it’s almost like playing a divisional game. Basically, the Colts were controlling the lines, which is what football’s all about. The enormous amount of time Brady’s been having to throw wasn’t there, and the Colts weren’t blitzing to achieve it. Offensively, the first few plays of the Colts were a little scary, due to the ease they were running. We’ve seen a few teams run a few plays like that before the Pats tightened up, but the Colts continued to run with success.

I didn’t understand—and maybe I’m wrong that they played it this way—but it didn’t look as though the Pats had Samuel on Wayne throughout the game. It seems to me that would have been the best way to take him out of the game, but there were a couple of big catches that Wayne made where it looked as though Hobbs was on him. If someone could explain that to me, please do.

I have to admit that I’m a little disappointed in what we’re seeing from Thomas. I don’t really have anything negative to say about him, but I was expecting this guy to just make more plays—to put it in a simple way, I’d like to hear his name more during the game. I hope (and think) that he’ll continue to improve within the Pats’ D, but I thought he would be an immediate and huge difference-maker.

The officiating was truly horrendous, to the point where I started to have dark thoughts about whether it was just incompetence. The pair of long pass interference calls against the Pats were awful—one was bad, the other was truly horrendous, while the non-call on the 3rd down play to Faulk was so egregious I thought Brady was gonna hit somebody. Just terrible. That’s not to mention the bizarre first down the Colts mysteriously had at the end of the first half when it clearly looked as though they had been stopped.

Speaking of officials, kudos to Asante Samuel for his immediate reaction to the Colts’ reception the refs mistakenly says was in bounds—he instantly raced to the sideline to get the Pats to throw the red flag. But how sad is it that a player can so quickly get a call right when the ref can’t? I’m pretty sure Samuel has another job on the field, right?

The receivers. What can you say about Moss, the guy is just sick. His one-handed grab in the middle of the third when the Pats were pinned down by their goal line was a huge play, as the Pats didn’t want to give the ball back to the Colts with good field position. Speaking of field position, Welker had one good punt return after another—he’s just a tremendous player. And was anyone else hit by the symmetry of the Pats needing to convert a 3rd and 4 play to run out the clock, and Welker—who many have compared to Troy Brown in his prime, running a great route for the game-clinching conversion, compared to the AFC championship game, when Brown’s confusion (or so it seemed) on his rout led the incompletion and the rest of it.

On Brady’s jump ball pick, I was surprised his target was Stallworth. I was sure when he let it go it was going to Moss. I don’t think that’s Stallworth’s strength, so I don’t think we’ll see Brady make that kind of throw again.

Last, it’s an obvious point but it seems to be forgotten a lot of times. Teams don’t stay the same over time, and when the Pats and Colts play in January (and yes, I think the rest of this season is 1. Can the Pats go undefeated, 2. I hope the Pats stay healthy, and 3. the Pats and the Colts meet for the real Superbowl in Foxboro in January) these teams will not be the same. Yes, Harrison will likely be back for the Colts, but more importantly to me, Belichek and Co. will have had time to analyze this new version of the Colts, Seymour should be fully back, Thomas totally at ease in his role, etc. Considering the fact that the Pats won in Indy, with terrible officiating, with that fluke TD at the end of the half (similar to a kickoff return td, etc.), I think the Patriots have reason to be hugely optimistic. One thing I’ve always noticed in sports is you don’t tend to get the same exact result twice. Many were expecting a blowout here, but it’s tough to blow out a good (great?) team like the Colts twice. Here’s to the blowout happening in January, or at least another win. And if the Pats DO go 19-0, nobody will be able to say that they didn’t have another team in the league to truly test them.

 

[aluminum seats]

MODS!!! Please fix this thread!!

 

[Peytonsbetter]

How'd I do, Aluminum?




Pretty close?

Great 60 minute game by the Pats. I think we ran out of gas, Brady had more time at the end of the game. BUT, Bethea blew that deep one to Moss by letting him get by. Clutch plays when you needed them.

One of the most disappointing plays (even though it netted no points for NE) was Manning's pick in the 3rd. I know sometimes he threads that needle, but he realy tried to squeeze one in, and Harrison was all over it.

Wow, good call on the Manning int. I STILL can't beleive he threw that ball. Rodney Harrison looked like the receiver on that play.

That was one of those "I can't beleive he just did that" plays.

 

[TeamPats]

I didn’t understand—and maybe I’m wrong that they played it this way—but it didn’t look as though the Pats had Samuel on Wayne throughout the game. It seems to me that would have been the best way to take him out of the game, but there were a couple of big catches that Wayne made where it looked as though Hobbs was on him. If someone could explain that to me, please do.

I could be mistaken, but I believe Samuel plays exclusively the RCB position which is usually the #1 WR because it is the side the QB naturally faces if right-handed. I think last year they used to mix it up until Samuel came into his own at the RCB position and then BB agreed that it would be Samuel's for good. Whenever Wayen was getting those passes it was on the left side of the field or blind-side which is where Hobbs lines up. It looked to me that Indi realized this and tried to take advantage of this mismatch by playing Wayne on the left, which I believe is his normal position if Harrison plays.

 

[emoney_33]

Um....WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT? Did you watch yesterday's game? Have you watched Hobbs play this season? He's not looking so hot, and yesterday he seemed to be especially mediocre (and, no, I'm not talking about the B.S. PI call).

I don't think Hobbs is even our second-best cover corner. I think he has the potential to be much better than he is, which is part of what has made the last few games so frustrating.

Wayne didn't exactly have a monster day, nor have any other receiver Hobbs has been covering. Hobbs stuck to Chad Johnson like glue in the Cinci game (though I do realize CJ was being doubled).

The only thing Hobbs gave up to Wayne was that incut that as I mentioned is almost impossible to defend, just ask Samuel about how he got burned last year by Marvin on a fake while he was trying to jump that route.

Hobbs has great ability to stick with his man and has great technique playing the ball. Samuel has much better instincts and big-play ability (jumping routes, reading QB's, anticipating etc...).


As for the thought that the Pats never switch sides with their CB's, watch the Bengals game, on at LEAST one occasion Hobbs and Samuel switched sides (and I'm pretty sure Hobbs was covering CJ on that play too).

 

[aluminum seats]

I could be mistaken, but I believe Samuel plays exclusively the RCB position which is usually the #1 WR because it is the side the QB naturally faces if right-handed. I think last year they used to mix it up until Samuel came into his own at the RCB position and then BB agreed that it would be Samuel's for good. Whenever Wayen was getting those passes it was on the left side of the field or blind-side which is where Hobbs lines up. It looked to me that Indi realized this and tried to take advantage of this mismatch by playing Wayne on the left, which I believe is his normal position if Harrison plays.

I guess we'll see if they stay with that next time around--seems that the best corner on the best receiver would make sense.

 

[chunkypony]

Well, I feel like I should start this thread off by saying:

Does anyone have any random thoughts on Pats/Colts?

 

[emoney_33]

MODS!!! Please fix this thread!!

Yes please, it's all over the place!!

 

[italia44]

I could be mistaken, but I believe Samuel plays exclusively the RCB position which is usually the #1 WR because it is the side the QB naturally faces if right-handed. I think last year they used to mix it up until Samuel came into his own at the RCB position and then BB agreed that it would be Samuel's for good. Whenever Wayen was getting those passes it was on the left side of the field or blind-side which is where Hobbs lines up. It looked to me that Indi realized this and tried to take advantage of this mismatch by playing Wayne on the left, which I believe is his normal position if Harrison plays.

you're looking at it backwards....AS is the LCB,facing the offense.

Another point is that Hobbs is faster than AS and is a better match for the speedier Wayne.

Lastly,when you have your starters,playing out of
position,it slows their reaction time and can spell
disaster,IMO.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

The Pats had Rashad Baker in their at some points. Remind you of the AFCCG?

 

[nowayback]

we needed a tough game...wish it wasnt against colts...but it was. the win gives this team the definate psyche advantage with colts now. Brady and team know once again that they can come back and win. brady wasnt great against colts(4th q int) and chargers(4th q int) in playoffs...or broncos the year before. he must be feeling very confident again. i dont think he ever lost his confidence..but this must give him a real boost.

 

[He Ban Me]

So much stuff going on in this game I thought I’d get a few of my thoughts down before doing too much reading—I’m sure there are some points here addressed elsewhere, but let me get some things out unfiltered.

First, I will admit the game did not go as I expected, although I thought (and said) that the Colts likely have the best defense of any team the Pats will face. Couple that with the fact that these teams know each other so well by now, it’s almost like playing a divisional game. Basically, the Colts were controlling the lines, which is what football’s all about. The enormous amount of time Brady’s been having to throw wasn’t there, and the Colts weren’t blitzing to achieve it. Offensively, the first few plays of the Colts were a little scary, due to the ease they were running. We’ve seen a few teams run a few plays like that before the Pats tightened up, but the Colts continued to run with success.

I didn’t understand—and maybe I’m wrong that they played it this way—but it didn’t look as though the Pats had Samuel on Wayne throughout the game. It seems to me that would have been the best way to take him out of the game, but there were a couple of big catches that Wayne made where it looked as though Hobbs was on him. If someone could explain that to me, please do.

I have to admit that I’m a little disappointed in what we’re seeing from Thomas. I don’t really have anything negative to say about him, but I was expecting this guy to just make more plays—to put it in a simple way, I’d like to hear his name more during the game. I hope (and think) that he’ll continue to improve within the Pats’ D, but I thought he would be an immediate and huge difference-maker.

The officiating was truly horrendous, to the point where I started to have dark thoughts about whether it was just incompetence. The pair of long pass interference calls against the Pats were awful—one was bad, the other was truly horrendous, while the non-call on the 3rd down play to Faulk was so egregious I thought Brady was gonna hit somebody. Just terrible. That’s not to mention the bizarre first down the Colts mysteriously had at the end of the first half when it clearly looked as though they had been stopped.

Speaking of officials, kudos to Asante Samuel for his immediate reaction to the Colts’ reception the refs mistakenly says was in bounds—he instantly raced to the sideline to get the Pats to throw the red flag. But how sad is it that a player can so quickly get a call right when the ref can’t? I’m pretty sure Samuel has another job on the field, right?

The receivers. What can you say about Moss, the guy is just sick. His one-handed grab in the middle of the third when the Pats were pinned down by their goal line was a huge play, as the Pats didn’t want to give the ball back to the Colts with good field position. Speaking of field position, Welker had one good punt return after another—he’s just a tremendous player. And was anyone else hit by the symmetry of the Pats needing to convert a 3rd and 4 play to run out the clock, and Welker—who many have compared to Troy Brown in his prime, running a great route for the game-clinching conversion, compared to the AFC championship game, when Brown’s confusion (or so it seemed) on his rout led the incompletion and the rest of it.

On Brady’s jump ball pick, I was surprised his target was Stallworth. I was sure when he let it go it was going to Moss. I don’t think that’s Stallworth’s strength, so I don’t think we’ll see Brady make that kind of throw again.

Last, it’s an obvious point but it seems to be forgotten a lot of times. Teams don’t stay the same over time, and when the Pats and Colts play in January (and yes, I think the rest of this season is 1. Can the Pats go undefeated, 2. I hope the Pats stay healthy, and 3. the Pats and the Colts meet for the real Superbowl in Foxboro in January) these teams will not be the same. Yes, Harrison will likely be back for the Colts, but more importantly to me, Belichek and Co. will have had time to analyze this new version of the Colts, Seymour should be fully back, Thomas totally at ease in his role, etc. Considering the fact that the Pats won in Indy, with terrible officiating, with that fluke TD at the end of the half (similar to a kickoff return td, etc.), I think the Patriots have reason to be hugely optimistic. One thing I’ve always noticed in sports is you don’t tend to get the same exact result twice. Many were expecting a blowout here, but it’s tough to blow out a good (great?) team like the Colts twice. Here’s to the blowout happening in January, or at least another win. And if the Pats DO go 19-0, nobody will be able to say that they didn’t have another team in the league to truly test them.

How'd I do, Aluminum?

Let's say this. We had our ass handed to us in the first half against Denver and Carolina. Yet when those folks looked up at the scoreboard, they trailed at half. AND in each game, we came out and scored a TD to start the 3rd qtr. As someone stated, a slow start by the Colts and it could be a difficult task to make up that ground.

Offensively, I think the Colts can have success. I think Marvin will need to be dressed and ready to play. No Ugoh, and Manning's day gets a lot tougher. I think Addai will also have success. I hope they keep the same formula of a balanced attack, and don't abandon the run if early success eludes them.

Defensively, I think it will be status quo, they will give up the short stuff, but I think they can contain the yards after catch.

Obviously, we need to protect the ball, and steal it once or twice. We have been on the winning end of that pretty much every week, as have the Pats. Turnover margin might make the difference.

ST's-you have a decided advantage in the return game. If we give up field position, we're in trouble.

Have I said much? Probably not. I think we have to play our best game to have a shot, while you may not have to be at your 100% best, and you might still drop 40. IOW, mental mistakes might doom us, whereas you may be able to overcome. NE has a greater margin for error in this one. Should be a great battle, I just hope I don't have an H-Attack before the game

Pretty close?

Great 60 minute game by the Pats. I think we ran out of gas, Brady had more time at the end of the game. BUT, Bethea blew that deep one to Moss by letting him get by. Clutch plays when you needed them.

One of the most disappointing plays (even though it netted no points for NE) was Manning's pick in the 3rd. I know sometimes he threads that needle, but he realy tried to squeeze one in, and Harrison was all over it.

 

[emoney_33]

I guess we'll see if they stay with that next time around--seems that the best corner on the best receiver would make sense.

Hobbs is our best cover corner IMO. Remember last year Marvin beat Samuel deep because he bit on the fake in-cut? Those in-cuts by the outside receivers (Wayne and Marvin) are almost impossible to defend. You can't bite on it because they will set you up for the fake and go deep to burn you. Hobbs played good coverage all day, and the one time he didn't have perfect coverage deep on Wayne, Wayne couldn't make the catch (Karma for the worst PI call in the history of the NFL?). Wayne didn't have a huge day. I'm also not sure how much zone we played yesterday, I'll leave that to the DVR guys and gals.