Could Kenbrell Thompkins be an "X factor" against the Colts?
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| AP Photo/ Stephan Savoia |
However, big plays were also a big part of how Indianapolis got in a 28 point hole in the first place. Kansas City got a goal-to-go situation on their second possession thanks to a 64 yard catch and run by Dwayne Bowe, a big play made bigger by two missed tackles in the secondary (Kansas City's inability to punch it in from the one would prove very costly later in the game). They made sure to get seven on the next possession, with Donnie Avery absolutely roasting Greg Toler for a 79 yard touchdown. Their next possession they got a 19 yard catch and run from Dexter McCluster on third-and-five, extending a drive that would culminate with a Knile Davis touchdown run to put them up 31-10. Don't let anyone tell you Andrew Luck had to climb out of a hole he dug himself; the score was 31-10 before he threw his first interception of the game.
Injuries were a noteworthy factor for the Colts secondary during the game. Of course, this is every Chiefs fans response to a complaint about Colts injuries in that game, but I digress. The Colts generally leave their cornerbacks to play physical, man coverage on the outside, but that strategy backfired in a big way Sunday due to neither starter being close to healthy. Toler, the victim on Avery's deep touchdown, was playing through a groin injury (ouch) that eventually forced him to leave the game, pushing former Patriot Darius Butler into starting duties. His counterpart, Vontae Davis, was able to stay in the game despite a groin injury suffered during Indy's Week 17 win over Jacksonville, but was noticeably less explosive than normal.
As Kyle Arrington has been painfully aware this season, groin injuries don't just magically heal in a week. Therefore, the Patriots will be going against a banged up secondary Saturday. While the Patriots offense has morphed into a run-heavy, short-passing attack since the Gronkcalypse struck, the opportunity could be there to hit some big plays against these injured corners, particularly off of play action.
That's where rookie receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, largely a forgotten man in recent weeks, could be a big X factor for the Pats in this one. Thompkins played 34 of the 72 offensive snaps in the season finale against Buffalo, marking his return after missing three games with a hip injury, but wasn't targetted as heavy rain factored into a run-heavy game plan.
However, Thompkins appears to be the last outside receiver standing. Fellow rookie Josh Boyce is on season-ending injured reserve. Likewise, Aaron Dobson's status appears to be in doubt after the rookie re-aggravated a nagging foot injury in the Buffalo game.
This leaves Thompkins, who has had a promising, albeit inconsistent, rookie season. While the rookie hasn't always been on the field (either due to competition between him and Dobson for the same X role in the offense or injury), the rookie has displayed some good characteristics when given the chance. Thompkins has exceptional footwork that translates to good routes, as well as the ability to go up and snare contested catches. He also has shown a knack for using his hands to beat press coverage, something that will be put to the test this week against the Colts.
Furthermore, Thompkins will likely be far from a focal point of the Colts defensive game plan. Stopping the Patriots power rushing game will surely be an emphasis for an Indy defense that gave up 150 yards on the ground to the largely Jamaal Charles-less Chiefs. So will constricting the middle zones of the field, where both Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola are most effective.
This could lead to the Colts daring Brady to beat them outside the numbers. Considering the effectiveness of Edelman and LeGarrette Blount, it's a logical strategy. However, it will likely leave Thompkins with some favorable, one-on-one match ups on the outside. If Thompkins can win those individual battles and make some big plays, it could wind up being the straw that broke the Colts back.
