AFC Championship Game: Indy @ New England

Granite Sox · Jan 15, 2015

I think Wayne is playing with a partially torn triceps; the injury occurred on or around the same time as the Pats game. Moncreif has clearly supplanted him as the #2. Teams were showing Wayne some respect until they realized his legs are gone as well.

BB has always loved him, so the Patriots with keep an eye on him lest the wily veteran burn them, but the challenge will be handling the Colts' 2 WR/2 TE sets. Fleener can be a pest when he doesn't have the dropsies, and Dwayne Allen is criminally underutilized and is really a pretty good target.

He will be the Owen Daniels/Scott Chandler/Jeff Cumberland garbage-against-everyone-else-but-a-pain-in-the-ass-TD-scorer against the Pats.

H78 · Jan 15, 2015

If it's going to be raining during the game I can't imagine that helps the Colts in any way whatsoever. They already have a poor running game, and it seems the rain could only negatively impact Hilton's deep routes. That tells me they're going to have to rely on the shorter passing game to have a chance, and that tells me Fleener and Allen, as DPU suggested, could be what the Patriots may want to zero in on.

On the other side, the Patriots whole passing game is predicated around the 5-15 yard pass. On top of that, the Patriots have a power running game that the COlts have already proven to have a hard time handling, nevermind in what could be some relatively heavy rainfall.

I predicted 34-24 Pats, but if there's a steady rain and wet field on Sunday I think it could be more like 27-13.

H78 · Jan 15, 2015

Replay of Pats/Colts in Week 11 on NFL Network NOW.

k-factory · Jan 15, 2015

Watching it and man Fleener had a field day against the secondary. He will be a go to again but no doubt BB and Patricia have a gameplan to contain that connection.

Ferm Sheller · Jan 15, 2015

Colts ran tackle eligible for a TD to Castanzo??? Cheaters!

MentalDisabldLst · Jan 15, 2015

Ferm Sheller said:
Colts ran tackle eligible for a TD to Castanzo??? Cheaters!

Yeah, I thought he was still under contract to Steinbrenner.

DennyDoyle'sBoil · Jan 15, 2015

k-factory said:
Watching it and man Fleener had a field day against the secondary. He will be a go to again but no doubt BB and Patricia have a gameplan to contain that connection.

Allen is healthy too this time. And Herron catches passes. And even Nicks was running good routes. You can't cover everyone, and these guys have a lot of weapons. Secondary targets like Davonte Adams, Luke Williams, and Danny Amendola seem to sometimes have good games in the playoffs when the defenses key on primary targets. Covering Hilton is great, but Moncrief and Fleener can play too, and Luck can certainly find them.

Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt · Jan 15, 2015

Ferm Sheller said:
Colts ran tackle eligible for a TD to Castanzo??? Cheaters!

Relax. I'm sure the league will take a look at it and make some adjustments. Still, you've gotta wonder why BB didn't take a penalty there so he could explain things to the officials.

teddywingman · Jan 16, 2015

tombradyismybestfriend said:
Speaking of hot dogs... Does anyone know why Maine serves up those red ones? Don't know if its the color, but I swear it makes them taste better. Helen's in Machias has a good one. I think Luck will look awfully similar to a Maine red dog by the 4th.

Helen's burned down, btw.

How did you not know this?

Curtis Pride · Jan 16, 2015

Here's some more reading material before the big game:

Bradshaw suffered a fractured fibula in the second half against the Patriots and landed on season-ending injured reserve. Richardson has struggled since then, accumulating just 128 yards on 45 carries (2.8 YPC), down from 391 yards on 108 carries (3.6 YPC), and was benched in the playoffs against Cincinnati and Denver. The Colts passed the baton for the Colts’ rushing attack to Dan Herron, who has responded with 396 yards on 91 carries (4.4 YPC) since taking over for Bradshaw. Zurlon Tipton, a rookie who started the season on the Colts’ practice squad, has provided a boost of late, rushing for 75 yards on 22 carries (3.4 YPC) over the last three games. Tipton and Herron combined for 77 yards on 25 carries against the Broncos, giving Luck some much needed run support to balance their offense.

Reading the Colts Numbers on Football Central.

IdiotKicker · Jan 16, 2015

I also just wrapped up tracking every one of Pat McAfee's punt's this year. The breakdown of what he does and how the Pats can counter it is here.

With his play throughout his six-year NFL career, Pat McAfee has earned accolades that could fill the Library of Congress if written in large-point type, and several pages if written in standard text. Font size aside, McAfee is an outstanding punter who excels at generating hang time, possesses exceptional distance and directional control, and, of course, features the big leg to get his team out of trouble in their own territory. These tools allow McAfee to tailor his game to any situation, making him an incredibly valuable member of the Indianapolis Colts. However, in breaking down McAfee’s game, there could be areas for the New England Patriots to exploit in their AFC Championship showdown.

BigJimEd · Jan 16, 2015

Espn.com has their predictions up. 10 "experts" pick the Pats to win while 6 pick Indy.
15 out of 16 have the Seahawks winning.

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=nflnation&id=158979&city=boston

Shelterdog · Jan 16, 2015

DrewDawg said:
Anderson averaged 4.4 ypc in that game and the only reason he didn't rush for more is because the Broncos continued to let Manning throw. Only John Fox, Mike Gase, and MDL think that Manning was ok and should keep slinging it.

You took us on a longish trip to get to this poster on poster violence but goddamn it was worth the ride.

( . ) ( . ) and (_!_) · Jan 16, 2015

BigJimEd said:
Espn.com has their predictions up. 10 "experts" pick the Pats to win while 6 pick Indy.
15 out of 16 have the Seahawks winning.

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=nflnation&id=158979&city=boston

James walker is the guy that writes the annual "Pats Run has Come to an End" article for ESPN, right?

Ed Hillel · Jan 16, 2015

Don't forget Phil Simms. He was on one of those paychannel roundtable shows about football and he not only said that, but he expressed exasperation that Sanders would dare show up Peyton Manning on the field and disrespect him because of some overthrown balls. Try and digest that one.

Ed Hillel · Jan 16, 2015

( . ) ( . ) and (_!_) said:
James walker is the guy that writes the annual "Pats Run has Come to an End" article for ESPN, right?

He and Chadiha alternate years, with one talking about how everything is over and the other talking about how much of a threat they are.

Marciano490 · Jan 16, 2015

DrewDawg said:
From Grantland:

Pass attempts in Luck's rookie season: 627
Pass attempts this season: 616

I'm not a math guy, but...

Oh, maybe he means as the season has gone on.

Pass attempts/game, games 1-9: 43.7
Pass attempts/game, gams 10-18: 34.4

Hmmm. Weird.

Later in the same article:

The very next sentence:

Johnny or Robert? Those names are different.

Maybe he means more deep balls?

Super Nomario · Jan 16, 2015

Marciano490 said:
Maybe he means more deep balls?

As a rookie, he threw deep on 26% of attempts per AdvancedNFLAnalytics; down to 22.9% this year. Arians was his OC in 2012 and he notoriously loves the deep pass.

Laser Show · Jan 16, 2015

teddywingman said:
Helen's burned down, btw.

How did you not know this?

They are rebuilding it though. Delicious pie will return.

Reverend · Jan 16, 2015

Chuck Z said:
I also just wrapped up tracking every one of Pat McAfee's punt's this year. The breakdown of what he does and how the Pats can counter it is here.

Point, Squirrel.

Reverend · Jan 16, 2015

Guide to broader Football Central coverage of the AFCCG here. It's also got a link to a guide for the past coverage of the Colts.

The emphasis here is to be ready to watch how the Patriots plan to bring us back the heir to the Manning Face:

baruch20 · Jan 16, 2015

( . ) ( . ) and (_!_) said:
James walker is the guy that writes the annual "Pats Run has Come to an End" article for ESPN, right?

. . . But when his prediction finally comes true one of these years imagine how perceptive he will appear to all the anti- NE trolls out there.

I wouldn't be surprised if Luck has a breakout game and gives the Colts a chance to win, but those "arguments" are weak. Unfortunately it's what we expect from the worldwide leader.

And yeah, the sideways glances Boomer was giving Brandon Marshall on-camera were quite noticeable and made him look childish. I was somewhat surprised at how astute and thoughtful Brandon came off in comparison to the "seasoned pro's"

The Social Chair · Jan 16, 2015

Ed Hillel said:
Don't forget Phil Simms. He was on one of those paychannel roundtable shows about football and he not only said that, but he expressed exasperation that Sanders would dare show up Peyton Manning on the field and disrespect him because of some overthrown balls. Try and digest that one.

I watched that last night. Simms and Boomer were getting really annoyed anytime Brandon Marshall had legitimate criticism of Manning. I felt bad for Marshall having to debate those two dolts.

MentalDisabldLst · Jan 16, 2015

From game thread:

shalise manza young ‏@shalisemyoung 9m9 minutes ago
#Patriots announce Tedy Bruschi, Troy Brown & Ty Law will serve as honorary captains for the AFC Championship game

During the coin toss, Andrew Luck will call it in the air, but Ty Law will grab it mid-flight and then sprint to the end zone.

And spike it.

JohnnyK · Jan 16, 2015

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-sound-efx/0ap3000000459683/Sound-FX-Best-of-New-England-Patriots

Get fired up.

Cabin Mirror · Jan 16, 2015

JohnnyK said:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-sound-efx/0ap3000000459683/Sound-FX-Best-of-New-England-Patriots

Get fired up.

Yep, pumped up now.

That one handed catch by Gronk is just so freakin' insane. How the hell did he do that?

mpjc · Jan 16, 2015

Key & Peele break down the game:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s7E-G4n1a4

NortheasternPJ · Jan 16, 2015

On NFL Playbook Sterling Sharpe has declared that if Luck throws no interceptions, V Davis can cover Gronk one on one and the Colts can apply as much pressure on Brady as Baltimore did in the first half the Colts will win.

Now that's some analysis.

Nick Kaufman · Jan 16, 2015

NortheasternPJ said:
On NFL Playbook Sterling Sharpe has declared that if Luck throws no interceptions, V Davis can cover Gronk one on one and the Colts can apply as much pressure on Brady as Baltimore did in the first half the Colts will win.

And if I get 500 million more on my bank account, get extensive plastic surgery that goes well AND star in a couple of movie blockbusters, I ll have a legitimate shot at dating Shakira.

Nick Kaufman · Jan 16, 2015

I mean just writing about it, I can feel her skin brushing against mine. It's gonna happen, I am sure of it.

MillarTime · Jan 16, 2015

Key & Peele are brilliant!

GeorgeCostanza · Jan 17, 2015

MentalDisabldLst said:
Yeah, I thought he was still under contract to Steinbrenner.

Nope, traded to Tyler chicken for some sort of fermented chicken drink.

ThePrideofShiner · Jan 17, 2015

Dick Pole Upside said:
The Indy papers so far this week have been pretty tame with respect to comments about the Pats, until this morning.

Here is Indianapolis' Shaughnessy-lite: http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2015/01/14/doyel-brady-belichick---pats-yin-and-unlikable-yang/21760429/

This post slays me, as it acts as though Gregg Doyel is just some two-bit Indianapolis columnist.

Doyel was the national columnist for CBSSportsline.com for a number of years, a former college basketball writer for them, and covered the Marlins for the Miami Herald before recently getting hired by the Indy Star. He has pieces of Dan Shaughnessy in his stool.

That's not to say this particular column is any good (haven't read it, don't care about this game), just had to chuckle at the describer for Doyel, though.

southshoresoxfan · Jan 17, 2015

Just read that article. Really good attempt at a troll job. I cant believe that guy gets paid to do that. What a boring copy-paste job from any Brady/BB piece over the years.

Why is the poster defending this guy? Two-bit seems accurate to me.

soxfan121 · Jan 17, 2015

Papelbon's Poutine said:
Maybe you should read the article before commenting.

While I think this is essential, I can - if necessary - pull about 100 quotes from SoSHers who "don't ever read Shaughnessey" yet have an opinion on him and his latest piece. [SIZE=14.3999996185303px]So, let's think carefully on the "do as I say" standards, lest they boomerang and smash a whole bunch of people in the face. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.3999996185303px]And for the second time in several weeks, I refer you to my signature. (Shuffled it up since last time, but I'm sure you can find it. ;-)[/SIZE]

BigSoxFan said:
Good job forming an opinion without facts, Doyel. And next time read the article that's referenced if you're going to mock the original poster.

Context makes everything better. Knowing WHO Doyel is helps inform Doyel's opinion - no? Knowing he's not a guy just starting out or being a copycat makes a difference.

TPOS added context. I read the column. I find the OP's description of "Shaughnessy-lite" to be completely useless. I read Dan. I also have read Doyel before today. They both get paid to write. Beyond that, there's really no reason to shorthand Doyel's work as "The Guy SoSH Doesn't Read But Loves To Shit On".

There's plenty to dislike in that column but to pass it off with "Shaughnessy-lite" is lazy and inaccurate. Doyel is his own brand of asshole and either take the time to pillory the guy correctly or run the risk of someone adding context.

Lastly, you do not understand what the word "mock" means. And rather than mock your for it, I shall simply ask you to look it up and use it correctly next time. Thanks.

bunchabums · Jan 17, 2015

Nick Kaufman said:
And if I get 500 million more on my bank account, get extensive plastic surgery that goes well AND star in a couple of movie blockbusters, I ll have a legitimate shot at dating Shakira.

Shakira? All the women in the world and that's the one at the top of your list?

Lose Remerswaal · Jan 17, 2015

MillarTime said:
Key & Peele are brilliant!

Generally true. But this was ubberly weak.

MarcSullivaFan · Jan 17, 2015

It's true that Doyel has been a troll for some time now, but he's only recently become Indianapolis's local troll in the vein of Shaughnessey. So he's new to that role.

The article contains two glaring factual errors. Brady outperformed Henson but shared snaps with him because Henson was a top recruit. And, of course, Spygate broke and was essentially over by the Super Bowl, notwithstanding Tomase's fabrication.

crystalline · Jan 17, 2015

southshoresoxfan said:
Just read that article. Really good attempt at a troll job. I cant believe that guy gets paid to do that. What a boring copy-paste job from any Brady/BB piece over the years.

Why is the poster defending this guy? Two-bit seems accurate to me.

Seriously.

Also guys, he's not CHB-lite. CHB is worse because CHB attacks the LOCAL team. This article would be analogous to CHB criticizing the Colts. Which of course is not the Boston writer style - they criticize the Pats. Their business is to stir up clicks by throwing guys like Belichick and Manny under the bus.
We don't read CHB Felger Borges or Wilbur because all those guys do is rain on our fan parade to try to make money for themselves. Who needs the negativity? We follow the teams to be entertained.

Edit: Summary: haters gonna hate hate hate

johnmd20 · Jan 17, 2015

Doyle spent years writing on CBS while trolling, looking for reactions, and saying the most inflammatory things possible. He has always written with an edge. That said, he's a decent writer, but he does have a schtick.

PseuFighter · Jan 17, 2015

23 hours.

PseuFighter · Jan 17, 2015

yeah, i'm on the train up to boston / foxboro for the final time until september.

unless i make the trip up for taylor swift. but i'm saving my coins for katy perry in arizona.

katy perry, national treasure.

Ed Hillel · Jan 17, 2015

This clown's at it again. This may be his best work.

Based on score predictions:

They're laughing at the Colts as a franchise, at Indianapolis as a city, at you as fans.

lololzzz

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2015/01/17/doyel-arrogant-new-england-is-dismissing-colts-chance/21916017/

GeorgeCostanza · Jan 17, 2015

Just had the prime rib at the 99. Pretty bad but should allow me to sleep until NFCCG barring food poisoning.

mascho · Jan 17, 2015

Hahahahahahshshahahah

https://twitter.com/holderstephen/status/556612086126870528

https://twitter.com/holderstephen/status/556612086126870528

link to tweet

Ed Hillel · Jan 17, 2015

They don't want to go to Massachusetts. THEY ARE DISRESPECTING YOUR CITY.

AFC Championship Game: Indy @ New England

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