AFC Championship: New England Patriots vs Indianapolis Colts Game Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
PREDICTION:
Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; The New England Patriots fans cheer from the stands during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
In wet weather, teams playing their home games in a dome are usually unprepared for the elements and at a disadvantage. Of course, in those situations the weather can also level the playing field by causing turnovers or a big play if a player loses his footing in coverage. In most cases, however, it is the team with the mental toughness that executes on the field despite the surroundings that wins the game.
The Colts are coming off a huge win where their much-maligned defense held Peyton Manning and the potent Denver Broncos offense to ten points. Andrew Luck is playing at a high level and showing a clear upward growth pattern as he has had a Pro Bowl season in just his third season.
However, New England has a healthy Rob Gronkowski, home field advantage, and complimentary weapons like Brandon LaFell, an emerging Danny Amendola, Shane Vereen, and Julian Edelman on offense. The defense has performed well and came up with a big stop holding the Ravens to a field goal and created a key turnover late in the game last week.
Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The game may well come down to a big special teams play (Danny Amendola? Matthew Slater?) and holding onto the football. Luck has been lucky all season in his fumbles and interceptions not coming back to haunt him. On Sunday, Andrew’s luck runs out against an opportunistic and hungry Patriots squad. It may be closer than fans would like, but the Patriots have too much talent in all three phases of the game to lose in the AFC Championship Game for a third straight season.