***OFFICIAL AFC TITLE GAME pats @ COLTS ***

[Kneel B4 Zod]

in a lot of ways, the story hasn't changed that much since 2003 and 2004.

The Colts offense is still historically great, the defense shaky at best. The Patriots are very very good on both sides of the ball.

Points Per Drive (PPD)

Offensive:

Indy #1 (2.8)
NE #5 (2.1)

(in 2004 league rankings were also #1/#5)
(in 2003 Indy #1, NE #16)

Defense:

NE # 3 (1.2)
Indy #28 (2.09)

(in 2004 NE was #5, Indy # 23)
(in 2003 NE was #1, Indy # 23)

Yes, the Indy defense is playing better lately, but I'm not sure why that is or to what extent it's repeatable.

Anyways, I had the same fear in 2004 I have now: Peyton will tear apart an injury plagued NE secondary. but as BB says, it's not about that, it's about offense, defense, and special teams, and how the 55 guys matchup with one another.

should be a great one. I actually like Peyton a lot, would like to see him win a SB one day. just hope it's not this year [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Kneel B4 Zod]

also, can a mod please change "pats" to "PATS" !!!!

[kyro]

I had a "good" feeling about the Chargers game that had nothing to do with talent for either team. I thought the Chargers were a much better team, but the Pats would find a way to win.

I don't feel that way about the Colts. I think the Patriots are a better team, and they will win this week.

[Lazy Meatball]

I thought the Pats were definitely outmatched this week against SD, but you can never dismiss them in the post season. After beating the best team in the league, I'm pretty confident about NE's chances against a team they have beat in the playoffs before.

[capone0]

With a crappy D on the road, I think that crappy team beat the Pats on the road already this year.

[kyro]

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With a crappy D on the road, I think that crappy team beat the Pats on the road already this year.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not sure who you're replying to, but if it was me, then excellent rebuttal to my completely uninformed personal opinion. Guess what, the Texans beat the Jaguars twice this year. If they played one more game, who would you pick? The Colts outplayed and (in my opinion) outcoached the Pats in the regular season. I don't think it's going to happen again.

[2/325Falcon]

[ QUOTE ]
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Why would you ever include 86 on there?


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If they're old enough, it should be any Patriots fan's favorite AFC Championship game.

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I still wish I'd gotten a "Squish the Fish" T-shirt from that game.

[kyro]

Would any semi-respected poster like to put a wager of up to $50 on the game? I probably should get points because the Colts are favored, but I'm a complete square and biased homer, and will take the Pats straight up. Reply in thread or PM me if you are interested.

I will also do an avatar bet with anyone else. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Lazy Meatball]

Hey Noodleman (or any Indy native)
I might be traveling to this game. The RCA dome looks close to downtown. Should I try to get a hotel near there, or closer to the university or what? Where's the action in Indianapolis on a Saturday night?

[HajiShirazu]

Yeah, I'm sure Nantz did as well, since he gets another week to pleasure himself in the press box while doing a huge Brady/Belicheck homer announcing job.