The importance of stopping Addai
 

Forgive me if this has already been discussed, but it seems to me that the Colts strategy will be to avoid a shoot-out as best they can.

I'm over simplifying, but the more a team can keep the ball out of Brady's hands the better.

I suspect they'd prefer to see a game in which the Patriots have as few posessions as possible - which means they should employ a ball control offense that keeps the ball in their possession as long as possible, keeping the score within striking distance at all times.

So for me, stopping Addai, rather than stopping Manning or Dallas Clark etc will be the key to the game for the Patriots.

Do others see it this way too?

Re: The importance of stopping Addai
 

I agree with you. Addai and getting off the field on third downs...

Re: The importance of stopping Addai
 

I can see this as an argument with a ONE dimensional squad, but thats not the case with the Colts.

They have the ability to run, pass, and trick you. I believe in a game like this the Patriots should be more concerned with situations and tendencies. Attepting to "stop the run" will leave us open, and allow manning to pick us apart.

I believe that BB will employ the same D he always does, the CONFUSION D. Dropping 8 into coverage, 2 in the Box, Colvin running in coverage with Addai etc.

Re: The importance of stopping Addai
 

I would have to agree that Addai is the player I think needs a lot of attention (the way we keyed Witten in the Dallas game). But I also feel like if there is a key to stopping the Colts BB will be the first to notice it and practice accordingly.

Re: The importance of stopping Addai
 

Agree. Pass offense is less than what it was with an aging Harrison struggling to get on th field. They lean heavily on Addai and he has come through. If you can make them one-dimensional, the Colts cannot win with the passing game. Got to contain the stretch play and keep him between the tackles.

Re: The importance of stopping Addai
 

But Dungy knows we have thomas and seau and harrison, so he is not gona even care about the run. Its not worth it, he would rather rely on Peyton because Peyton won him a super bowl.

addai is important? we played against LT and look what we did to him, and clinton portis.

Re: The importance of stopping Addai
 

I just think that the Patriots typically take away one aspect of an opposing teams offense - and don't try to stop everything.

In this case BB knows that if its a shootout, the more possessions Brady has, the more the offense will score, the more chances the defense will have to stop the Colts and the higher likelihood the Pats have of pulling away.

A ball control game by the Colts with a star runner like Addai will see a closer, lower scoring game. While that's not normally the Colts game plan, in this case it would have to be.

Re: The importance of stopping Addai
 

LT didn't have the passing game that Addai has. It's way easier to key in on LT compared to keying in on Addai.

Re: The importance of stopping Addai
 

I don't think the Colts have a "weakness" or achilles heel that most teams in the league have. For instance, Washington just can not beat you passing the ball.

I think against the Colts it will be "play disciplined defense". I think you have to win individual battles to make the W happen. The scheme will not win this game, the players will win this game. The scheme will put the players in a position to win the game.

Re: The importance of stopping Addai
 

Ummmmmm do you realize that that SD doesn't have a passing game and neither does WA in comparison to the Colts???

Addai is very important as the Colts have been using him heavily this year. Have you even seen a game or recap? Since Addai leads all RBs in TDs, is third in passing yards, and seventh in rushing in the NFL, I would say YES he is important.

Any other silly questions?