Inside the hoodie:Three things to know about the Indianapolis Colts

Photo courtesy of Jim Rogash

Welcome to another installment of "Inside the hoodie". This is where I attempt at channeling my inner Bill Belichick while diagnosing the Patriots current opponent. Heading into week 11, the Patriots must go on the road to face a tough Indianapolis Colts team.

Alright, let's go inside the hoodie!

1.) Balanced offense that just puts up yards and points

Offensively, the Colts are led by third year quarterback, Andrew Luck. The two time NFL Pro Bowler has his offense firing on all cylinders as they lead the league in average total yards (451.2/game), passing yards (337.4), and points scored (33.2/game). The stats alone only tell half the story. Andrew Luck has so many ways to shred your defense.

As a coach, I have to worry about the dual threat rushing attack with Ahmad Bradshaw & Trent Richardson, who average close to 100 yards/game. Indy likes to get the run game going in order to setup playaction with one of Luck's many receiving targets. Defenses often struggle with the speed of wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, or veterans Reggie Wayne & Hakeem Nicks, and let's not forget that Indy likes to use two tight ends in Coby Fleener & Dwayne Allen. Hmm, I wonder where they got the idea to use two tight ends at the same time. It sure does sound awfully familiar. I digress.

If the Colts get the ground & aerial game going, they will have any defense by the "you know what". Pressure on Luck and press coverage on their receivers are the only ways to disrupt this Indy offense. Let's not forget that Luck has been generous in the turnover department with 7 interceptions in his two previous games against the Patriots.


2.) Run stopping defense

The Colts defense continues to be an enigma. Some days, they look like a top 10 defense by shutting out Cincinnati. Other days they look like the Jacksonville Jaguars,like allowing the Steelers to put up 51 points! Ranked 15th overall, Indy can credit their success to their ability to limit opponents running game. Heading into their matchup with the Patriots, Indy is holding teams to less than 100 yards per game (98.1).

Offensively, I plan to make them respect our ground game. Expect Vereen & Gray to collectively have 25 touches as we look to expose their defensive front. If we have success with the run, Tom will have a field day against the Colts secondary that is giving up 263 yards a game in the air.


3.) Familiar faces on their sideline

We all know the NFL can be a transient league with players bouncing from team to team. The Patriots will face a few former teammates when they play the Colts. Brady and the offense will attempt at picking apart Darius Butler (defensive back) and Sergio Brown (safety).

The most notable ex-Patriot would be the ageless and Super Bowl winning, Adam Vinatieri. The golden foot of Vinatieri has not missed a single field goal this year. Even today, Patriots fans respect Viniatieri. Let's just hope that Sunday night's game does not come down to a field goal attempt by "Mr. Clutch" himself.


Make no mistakes about it, the Colts are a great football team and could easily have a better record than 6-3.


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