Posted:
#51
GoG, if you want good handicappin', the only suggestion I can make is to do some yourself. I would rather you spend time on that than pointing out how lame many of the posts are -- that's obvious. There's always a lot more filler to weed through.
I would agree that Pats/1st half and Colts/2nd half comeback makes a lot of sense. It certainly played out that way the last time. But for some reason it also seems a little obvious this time around. Like too easy a prediction. Pats 1st half is probly safe, then get a feel for it during the game.
Some random thoughts:
- Bob Sanders is a monster. Might be player of the year this year on D, and 2nd half of last year. But he is 5'8", and Randy Moss is 6'4". Not that he's covering him 1-on-1, but both Indy CB's are 6'0". And height is only one part of it -- Moss has long arms, huge hands, and most important is fearless in going after the ball. We can expect plenty of 2-on-1 situations with Moss still coming down with the rebound.
- Yes the Pats are HIGHLY motivated, for reasons stated before. But don't you think the Colts will be a little chippy, what with being the Supa Bow champs, undefeated and at home, as a DOG? Yes they will. I don't see one team out-motivating the other here. But I would not be shocked if a few players are flying a little TOO high, resulting in a celebration penalty or key personal foul. This is more or less a wash, cap-wise.
- Whoever it was who wrote that Manning and Brady crumble under pressure... maybe that's the way it looks in Madden 2007, but I don't see it in the games I watch. I think both are amazing under pressure. Yes it is absolutely key to TRY to rattle them, as you would any QB, but it is easier said than done on both sides.
Playin' the Middle
- To me the middle of the field is key in this game. That's how Indy won last year, by running it up the middle late in the game, and with Dallas Clark finding that middle seam. Now the Pats have Adalius Thomas, plus a healthy Seau and Harrison. Seymour is back too, but is not quite in game shape. He was in on 22 plays last week but without one tackle. Still, if he gets double-teamed, he's worth it to free up the other DL-men.
- Likewise on the other side, the Pats need to run up the middle, and will try and try harder to do so. They need to neutralize the outside pass rush the Colts bring, and in general their excellent speed to the outside. I also expect to see Welker over the middle a bit, and some screens to Maroney and Faulk.
- Key matchup - Indy C Jeff Saturday v. NE NT Vince Wilfork. Last year Saturday showed Wilfork what it's like to play on Sunday, but this year Wilfork is trimmer and stronger. You can bet he had circled this game a lot sooner than any of the others. Have to give Indy the edge here until Vince proves he can handle him.
- TE Ben Watson will be missed here as a middle target. Plus TE Kyle Brady went out in the 2nd half v. Wash with an undisclosed injury.
- The most underrated group in the NFL this year is the Pats offensive line. They make the difference that allows this team to dominate, giving Brady tons of time and making holes for the running back du jour to run through.
Historical Perspective:
- The Patriots have scored a combined total of 149 points in their last 3 games, the highest 3-game point total in the NFL since 1950.
- This game will be the first time in the 88-year history of the NFL that two undefeated teams with seven or more wins have faced each other. You can expect to hear that repeated in the media once or twice before 4:15 pm on 11/4.
- The Colts have won the last 3 meetings, but NE took 6 of the last 9 -- so they had won 6 straight prior to that.
- The Patriots have scored 20 or more points against the Colts in 18 of their last 19 meetings.
Good luck on your bets... and you know you're not going to lay off this game, even though many claim they will just watch and enjoy. 
This is shaping up to be the most wagered-on game of the year.
I would agree that Pats/1st half and Colts/2nd half comeback makes a lot of sense. It certainly played out that way the last time. But for some reason it also seems a little obvious this time around. Like too easy a prediction. Pats 1st half is probly safe, then get a feel for it during the game.
Some random thoughts:
- Bob Sanders is a monster. Might be player of the year this year on D, and 2nd half of last year. But he is 5'8", and Randy Moss is 6'4". Not that he's covering him 1-on-1, but both Indy CB's are 6'0". And height is only one part of it -- Moss has long arms, huge hands, and most important is fearless in going after the ball. We can expect plenty of 2-on-1 situations with Moss still coming down with the rebound.
- Yes the Pats are HIGHLY motivated, for reasons stated before. But don't you think the Colts will be a little chippy, what with being the Supa Bow champs, undefeated and at home, as a DOG? Yes they will. I don't see one team out-motivating the other here. But I would not be shocked if a few players are flying a little TOO high, resulting in a celebration penalty or key personal foul. This is more or less a wash, cap-wise.
- Whoever it was who wrote that Manning and Brady crumble under pressure... maybe that's the way it looks in Madden 2007, but I don't see it in the games I watch. I think both are amazing under pressure. Yes it is absolutely key to TRY to rattle them, as you would any QB, but it is easier said than done on both sides.
Playin' the Middle
- To me the middle of the field is key in this game. That's how Indy won last year, by running it up the middle late in the game, and with Dallas Clark finding that middle seam. Now the Pats have Adalius Thomas, plus a healthy Seau and Harrison. Seymour is back too, but is not quite in game shape. He was in on 22 plays last week but without one tackle. Still, if he gets double-teamed, he's worth it to free up the other DL-men.
- Likewise on the other side, the Pats need to run up the middle, and will try and try harder to do so. They need to neutralize the outside pass rush the Colts bring, and in general their excellent speed to the outside. I also expect to see Welker over the middle a bit, and some screens to Maroney and Faulk.
- Key matchup - Indy C Jeff Saturday v. NE NT Vince Wilfork. Last year Saturday showed Wilfork what it's like to play on Sunday, but this year Wilfork is trimmer and stronger. You can bet he had circled this game a lot sooner than any of the others. Have to give Indy the edge here until Vince proves he can handle him.
- TE Ben Watson will be missed here as a middle target. Plus TE Kyle Brady went out in the 2nd half v. Wash with an undisclosed injury.
- The most underrated group in the NFL this year is the Pats offensive line. They make the difference that allows this team to dominate, giving Brady tons of time and making holes for the running back du jour to run through.
Historical Perspective:
- The Patriots have scored a combined total of 149 points in their last 3 games, the highest 3-game point total in the NFL since 1950.
- This game will be the first time in the 88-year history of the NFL that two undefeated teams with seven or more wins have faced each other. You can expect to hear that repeated in the media once or twice before 4:15 pm on 11/4.
- The Colts have won the last 3 meetings, but NE took 6 of the last 9 -- so they had won 6 straight prior to that.
- The Patriots have scored 20 or more points against the Colts in 18 of their last 19 meetings.
Good luck on your bets... and you know you're not going to lay off this game, even though many claim they will just watch and enjoy. This is shaping up to be the most wagered-on game of the year.0
UNDER 56.5
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