Patriots-Colts Predictions: Get Up Early, Then Relax
BOSTON (CBS) – The CBSBoston sports team makes their predictions for the New England Patriots showdown with the 0-11 Indianapolis Colts.
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The key to this game is to start fast. If New England starts slow they'll allow a team that's 0-11 to come in and actually believe that they got a chance in this game. If they to leave them hanging around by second, third quarter, then you have a ball game in the second half. There's a change at quarterback and there's a change at defensive coordinator for Indy.
The Patriots right now are in a no-win situation. A 21 point favorite, everybody expects them to blow the Colts out. I think Belichick and Brady really handled themselves well this week as far as pointing everything back to the stars other than Manning; whether it's Mathis, Freeney, Collie, Garcon or Wayne, reiterating that they do have talent. Ultimately if they do have talent, where's the problem? Must be the coaching, must be the personnel, their inability to get a backup quarterback.
It's just amazing at this stage that they're 0-11 because they do have talent and it just really shows you how much that team really relies on Peyton Manning.
The key to this game start fast, put them away early and don't allow them to believe they actually have a chance to beat you.
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
As 21 point favorites it's plain and simple for the Patriots: Protect Tom Brady, get a big lead, and run the ball (which they will).
Whiteboard: Two Colts To Worry Abour
I think it will be a blowout, something like 41-10, and defensively if you're going to take steps forward then skunk this team and hold them to under two touchdowns. If they give up more than 14 points, I'm going to be personally disappointed.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Walt Perkins
Here's what Sunday's game between the Patriots and Colts boils down to: at what point does Bill Belichick pull Tom Brady from the game?
That's the big question because the head coach has gone on record as saying when you pull your #1 QB from the game you are telling BOTH teams you think the game is over. For Belichick, that's a tricky line. Too early and you may seem disrespectful to the other team while telling your players they can ease up.
I think everyone in New England would be shocked if the Patriots don't enjoy a three touchdown lead by halftime. So, that said, would a quick TD to start the second half be enough of a lead to keep the AFC Offensive Player of the Month (November) on the sidelines? I'm guessing yes. That should keep the score down.
Patriots 56, Colts 3
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV Sports
Just win baby! It should be that simple but this week isn't a bad week to experiment. How about trying new plays that you may want to use for the postseason? And please, don't play Tom Brady too long. Let him start, but once there is a comfortable lead let him rest. It's also not a bad week to have Ocho get his mojo back.
As for the defense, Julian Edelman has been a nice surprise as a slot corner. As much as we criticize the D, they have stepped up when called upon. If Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty are still hurting, let them rest. Antwaun Molden and Sterling Moore are picking up confidence with each game. Lately it's been defensive back by committee, and the committee has done their job. Yards are yards, but not giving up points are the most important part.
If you're wondering if an 0-11 team can be dangerous, the answer is yes. But the Colts are not.
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
This is the game that you want to simply get in and get out of if you're the New England Patriots. The Pats should take advantage of the fact that the winless Colts have been outscored 78-13 in the first quarter this season.
Jump all over'em, put'em away, and move on.
The most important thing in this game? No major injuries. Get Brady and others out as soon as you can.
Pats 38, Colts 14
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
I would love to be the one to be bold enough to pick the Colts on Sunday; to try and find some way that the Colts are better than the Patriots. Maybe somehow work a number system that has Indy finishing ahead.
I am not a genius though and the Colts are very bad.
The Pats are better at every position on the field. The biggest discrepancy though could be at coaching. Indy lost one player, sure it was Peyton Manning, but it was before the season started. They did not come up with a game plan and now into the regular season, they have found no way to grab a victory. The Pats lost Tom Brady and Bill Belichick coached them to 11 and 5, end of story.
Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog
The spread opened up at 21 points and it did not go down. That Pats should win by more, and hopefully we will see self improvement by certain players. Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung should be back on the field. Chad Ochocinco may have his hamstring heeled and get out there and be productive. Okay that one is a stretch. Let's get more realistic and say Shane Vereen, who has been sprinkled in the last couple of weeks, could see some more carries.
On the flip, we all need to see less Tom Brady, if you know what I mean. Get the lead and hand the rock over to Brian Hoyer and maybe Ryan Mallett.
Pats win, plain and simple.
Tune in to the Patriots-Colts game Sunday on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV at 1 pm. Pregame coverage begins on 98.5 at 10 am and on WBZ at 11:30 am with Patriots Gameday. Stay tuned after the game for all the reaction and analysis on the postgame show, and on Patriots Fifth Quarter on WBZ-TV.
