By Tony Catalina, NEFJ Correspondent
Kickoff: Fresh off an important divisional win over the Jets, the Patriots will look to build on last weeks performance as they welcome in a struggling Indianapolis Colts team. Second year quarterback Sam Ehlinger will be making his second career start and will come in to face a Bill Belichick led defense that historically gives young QB’s trouble.
1st Down: Frustrate the young QB: Belichick has always been a nightmare for young quarterbacks. The things he is able to present defensively is a challenge for any quarterback in the league but when it’s a signal caller making only his second start of his career, you know Belichick will make sure Ehlinger is uncomfortable all day. This defense should be able to wreak havoc and create turnovers on defense which will create more opportunities for the offense. Look for Belichick to show some exotic looks pre-snap to mess with the young quarterback from Texas.
2nd Down: Play complementary football on offense: Mac Jones has gotten lucky in some instances whether it be penalties or dropped picks, but what Jones needs to understand is that he just needs to go out there and just run the offense. He needs to take care of the football and if he does, the Patriots will be fine offensively. The last thing you want to do is keep an inferior team in the game with miscues that can cost your team points or momentum.
3rd Down: Continue to lean on the running game: The combination of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevens when healthy can be one of the leagues best duos. Stevenson in particular has been amongst the best backs in the league. The Patriots will need to lean on the running game once again this week to set the tone for the offense. They go as Rhamondre goes.
4th Down: The Patriots could overmatch this Colts team: With a young quarterback, no Jonathan Taylor and a banged up wide receiver corp, there is a chance that the Patriots could have a big day defensively. The Colts just don’t have the necessary skill to consistently challenge a defense as talented as the Patriots today.
Extra Point: The last meeting between the two teams came on 12/18/2021 where the Colts beat the Patriots 27-17. Patriots lead the all time series 52-30 and are 8-1 in the last nine meetings.
Final Drive: Historically this is a fun rivalry renewed on Sunday. Present day it is a different feeling around the game than in the past. Two teams trying to get footing and find that top tier play they both once had. The Patriots are in a much better situation going forward and that should reflect on Sunday’s outcome.