manningface

I don’t think I’ve put a bigger win behind me faster than I have this week. As soon as I posted all the glowing reviews of the Patriots demolition of the Steelers I had turned the page and was ready to finally see the Colts back in Foxboro.

First I watched some of the Colts – Bengals game from last weekend. Wasn’t that impressed. Sure, they still have Reggie Wayne and Peter Garkon (as my Dad called him and I will continue to call him). But outside of those targets Peyton Manning doesn’t have much to work with.

They’ll throw a lot of slip screens, and still like to run Jacob Tamme (who could barely walk after the game so keep an eye on that) with little underneath crossing routes. Really doesn’t seem like they have as many options on the table now. Their running game looked average at best.

The defense is small and fast as always, but if Carson Palmer didn’t suck the Bengals probably could’ve pulled this one out. Seems like the Colts are always vulnerable to a deep pass or two per game.

One side note, and reason why I really like the Pats this time around, are the new tight ends. With Crumpler and Gronkowski the undersized Colts defense is going to have a hard time. Looks like the Patriots should be able to out physical Indy for the first time in the last seix years.

When I took a gander at the Colts section in Football Outsiders 2010 almanac the overlying theme was that the Colts just managed to win when really they were not as good as their record was. I didn’t realize how many games last year the Colts were really very, very lucky to win. Fluke plays, strange bounces, and yes even gutsy calls by Hall of Fame coaches that didn’t work out, all played into the Colts starting 14-0.

No matter what their record is, or how they’ve won games, the Colts are dangerous as long as they have Peyton Manning. The loss of Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme looms large. The Pats will have to take advantage.

I will get more in depth with some scouting as the week goes on. But right now all I can think about is seeing this face on Sunday: