Patriots vs. Colts: 5 bold predictions
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The much-anticipated encounter between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts is fast approaching. In 72 hours, give or take, these AFC powerhouses (well, one of them is a powerhouse, the other wants to be) will face-off at LucasOil Stadium. Here are five bold predictions to help pass the time until kickoff.
5. Malcolm Butler will intercept two passes
All the attention going into the season was on the Patriots’ secondary, which of course suffered a mass exodus of veterans over the offseason. Everyone wanted to see how poorly the Patriots would defend the pass, but they have been quite stout in that realm. The pass defense has surrendered just 230 yards per game, good for 11th in the league.
Butler has been instrumental in keeping the secondary ship afloat. His coverage has been sticky, tackling aggressive and hands active. He has the same number of passes defended (five) as Aqib Talib. Regardless of who is playing quarterback for the Colts, Butler will make a statement in this game on national television.
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Mark these words: Butler will log two interceptions and a few other passes defended as a result of the Colts desperately trying to get T.Y. Hilton going (Hilton has yet to score a touchdown this season). Butler will convert one of those picks into a touchdown the other way for the Pats.
Next: 4. Keshawn Martin will put on a show