Peyton vs Pats 2ndary?

[kick-ass-bob]

Who wins the game?

[underpants]

1. The real issue is how much pressure can NE get on him

They are pros so I discount the field conditions (footing). NE's secondary is very thin but they probably have some blitzing schemes worked up, at least I hope they do.

[kick-ass-bob]

4. Has Manning adjusted to when teams

switch up their looks after he has done his chicken dances at the line?
If not, he has no hope.

[underpants]

9. chicken dances

LOL that is the name for it that I have been looking for. He will have a hard time making all those adjustments at the Pats field I suspect (and hope).

[chelsea0011]

2. Question is is will Ty Law's absence open it up for Harrison

Law has done a huge job covering Harrison in the past. If Harrison comes up big, it could be a long afternoon for the Pats. However, the Pats defense will stop the Colts mostly. The Colts will choke against a good team again.

[Champ]

11. The Colts are a good team

Third best team in the extremely tough AFC conference, pretty impressive on any scale.

[Mojambo]

3. The Pats secondary isn't in great shape

That will hurt their chances to shut down Peyton. The new secondary rule changes should also eliminate the absolute mugging of receivers that won some playoff games for New England in the past.

I think it's a close game. If Dillon gets off, the Patriots win.

[nickgutierrez]

5. I'm taking the Colts

I would take very few teams over the Pats right now, but the Colts are probably one of them, along with the Steelers and Eagles.

[ChairOne]

6. I think the Pats' secondary is almost totally irrelevant to Manning...

Just like in the last game, the D's #1 coverguy might be able to match up against the Colts' #1 receiver, but their #2 or #3 won't be able to match up.

I can only see 2 ways of beating the Colts: (1) consistent and unpredictable rush pressure against Manning, whistle-to-whistle, and (2) A consistent and slow running game, that keeps Manning on the sidelines. Better yet, both. Without at least one of these, I think Manning is just too good.

That's why I see the Steelers as having the best chance against Manning.

Maybe the old Raiders, with Hayes and Haynes, or Chiefs with Cherry and Burrus could've relied on their superstellar secondaries. I don't think any of today's secondaries are up for it without taking a second or two off of Manning's time to read.

[MrSlayer]

7. Without Ty Law it's anyone's game.

That and the fact that the Pats d-backs won't be allowed to manhandle the Colts receivers this year because of the rule changes make this a coin flip. I still lean toward the Pats because they are home and rested after a bye against a dome team and Coach B is the best in the business but I wouldn't be shocked if the Colts pull it off. This is where Cory Dillion comes in to earn his pay. He has to eat clock and move the chains and thus keep Manning off the field. It should be a great game regardless of result.

[bamacrat]

8. Peyton kicks ass this year but he never could win it in college.

[Champ]

12. Niether did Elway

[jcappy]

10. If Richard Seymour.....

is healthy enuf to play and play well, he could be the difference maker. he usually draws double coverage, and this means a much stronger pass rush.