This week, Sunday Night Football brings the gridiron world one of the best football rivalries at any level. I'll be blogging away on Hoosier Hype live from the press box at Lucas Oil Stadium and IDS will have game coverage in Tuesday's edition of "Quite Frankly."
We were fortunate enough to get a few thoughts regarding the game from two notable people in the Indianapolis football and media worlds. Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz and Indy radio personality Joe Staysninak took a time out with us this week as we sized up this weekend's game. Kravitz has been a columnist for the Star since 2000 and co-hosts the weekday "Kravitz and Eddie" radio show on the Indianapolis branch of ESPN Radio. Staysniak played on the offensive line for the Colts from 1992-'96 and started all 16 games in 1994-'95. 1995 marked Indianapolis' first appearance in the AFC Championship Game. Here are our thoughts and predictions for Sunday.
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Kravitz on the significance of the Colts/Patriots rivalry: "This is clearly the best football rivalry of the decade. What makes it special is the fact that both teams have been dominant the entire decade. That's so rare in football. And you have the two best quarterback of their generation, Manning and Brady, going head to head. Every game they've played has been a classic, or close to a classic."
Staysniak on the Colts' 8-0 start: "Preparation is key. Jim and Tony have (both) had great coaches around them that know how to prepare. This gives the players confidence in the gameplan and allows them to play, not think. Football is great instinct and the less you think, the better you play. There is also great leadership from older players so everyone works well as a group."
Kravitz on the how vital the Colts' pass rush will be: "If the Colts are going to win, they've got to get a pass rush the way the Giants did in the Super Bowl. If (Dwight) Freeney and (Robert) Mathis are shut down, Brady will go for 375 yards passing, give or take."
Staysniak on the X-Factor for both teams: "Turnovers! In any game between evenly matched teams, the one who makes the fewest mistakes will win. The Colts win 94% of their games when they win the turnover battle."
Kravitz on the why the Patriots remain dominant: "It all starts with personnel. Except for some missteps in recent years, the Patriots have always done a good job of stockpiling draft choices and drafting good players who fit the system. Add to the fact that Belichick is the best head coach in the league, and has been for many years. Nobody does more with his personnel than Belichick does."
Staysniak on the Pats abnormally losing two close games early: "It's just what happens in the NFL and it's why you don't see too many undfeated teams. It's always tough to win on the road."
Kravitz on this game as an indicator: "If the Colts get rolled Sunday, I don't think they lose their status as contenders, just as I don't think a vicotry makes them the best bet for the Super Bowl. It will give them a better idea of whether or not they can hang on with rookies in the secondary as Kelvin Hayden recovers. I think we'll learn a lot about both teams, but I dont' think we'll know for sure, one way or the other, whether they are potential champions."
Thanks to our expert panel on providing some great insight to Sunday's game. Here is what I'll be looking for come kickoff:
1. What Colts defensive line coach John Teerlink does to confuse the Pats' front five because of how essential a strong pass rush will be with the Colts' ailing secondary missing Bob Sanders and Kelvin Hayden.
2. How the Pats' offensive staff works their gameplan with favorable matchups in the secondary and an inconsistent Colts run defense.
3. Whether or not the Colts and blitz-happy defensive coordinator Larry Coyer plays his linebackers back in coverage, relying on Freeney and Mathis to minimize Brady's pocket time, or has them come out firing to make Brady feel pressure early.
4. Jim Caldwell's decision to be aggressive or conservative. He's got a banged up secondary facing an offense that can and will put up points. At the same time, New England is finding their rhythm at the right time; how do the Colts try and set the tone early to their advantage from the start?
Finally, here are our predictions:
Staysniak: Colts 35-31
Therber: Patriots 34-28
Kravitz: Patriots 28-24
Make sure to keep up with Hoosier Hype Sunday night beginning around 8:00 pm!
