Peyton Manning brings his 6-3 Colts to Gillette Stadium to face the 7-2 New England Patriots. It’s always a treat when Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are on the same field, as they will both be hall of famers after they retire. The Patriots used to own Peyton Manning during Brady’s early years, but since 2006, they are just 1-4 against the Colts, including the playoffs. Tom Brady will be shooting for his 25th consecutive regular season home victory on Sunday. Patriots’ receiver Deion Branch gets his chance to re-enter the rivalry. The last time he faced the Colts in a Patriots uniform, he caught five passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.
When the Patriots Run: Advantage Patriots
The Colts are awful against the run, giving up 133 yards per game and ranking 29th in the NFL. The Patriots’ running game isn’t spectacular, but it did give the Steelers problems last week. Look for the tandem of Benjarvis Green Ellis and Danny Woodhead to give the Colts defense problems.
When the Colts Run: Advantage Patriots
The Colts rank 27th in the NFL in rushing yards per game at about 90. The Patriots rank 18th in stopping it, surrendering 113 per game. The bottom line is, the Colts have problems running the football, and it’s not much of a secret.
When the Patriots Pass: Advantage Patriots
New England can move the football through the air if need be. The Colts secondary isn’t stellar, and they’ll rely on the pass rush to get to Tom Brady. If the Steelers had problems putting pressure on Brady, how will the Colts manage? They have good defensive ends, but the Patriots will use some screens and draw plays to tire those defensive ends. Look for Aaron Hernandez to get back into the fold.
When the Colts Pass: Advantage Colts
Peyton Manning is likely to have a field day out there. He’ll get his 275-325 yards and a pair of scores. Reggie Wayne will likely fill up the stat sheet, as the Patriots lack anyone competent enough to shut him down. No Dallas Clark? No problem. The Colts always have a tight end that can do damage. In three games, Jacob Tamme has accumulated 24 receptions, 245 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. Pierre Garcon is another strong weapon, and if Austin Collie can return from injury, this Colts offense will be a juggernaut.
Special Teams: Slight Advantage Colts
The Colts get the advantage because Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski is on IR. Adam Vinatieri is having a great year, and the Patriots are relying on Shayne Graham. Neither team is great on kick returns and kick return coverage. The Patriots are a little better in punt returns and punt return coverage.
