Three Keys to Victory: Indianapolis Colts

Last week, the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Denver Broncos in one of the AFC Divisional Games. The Colts controlled most of the game, much at the expense of Peyton Manning. The Colts defense definitely stepped up and stopped most, if not all, of the Denver offense. The Colts also did something the Broncos didn't, and that was move the ball downfield efficiently. Led by none other than Andrew Luck, the Colts threw the ball precisely, ran the ball dynamically, and protected Luck perfectly. In order to beat the Patriots, the Colts will have to play a very similar game. Here's 3 keys to victory for the Indianapolis Colts.

1: Keep Tom Brady Off of the Field

If the Colts can successfully keep Brady off of the field, the Colts could definitly win this game. Brady is 103-17 at home in his career as a starter, which means he is pretty damn good. Obviously, he will be hard to stop. The powerful Colt offense must take some pressure off of the defense, much like they did against the Denver Broncos. With the Colts offense gaining momentum drive-after-drive, the defense will build off of it as well. The Colts must also manufacture long, time-consuming drives. In the fourth quarter of last week's game, the Colts went on a 13 play, 54 yard drive for 8:14. This resulted in a field goal to ice the game. They can put up more time-consuming drives by running the ball well and by throwing conservative passes. Once you throw in the medium and deep ball passes, you can form an unstoppable offense, an offense that will keep the 5x AFC Champion and 3x Super Bowl winner off of the field. 

2: Cut Down on the Turnovers

Obviously, the Colts have had a tough time with turnovers. Turnovers have been expected with this young team all year. This leads to our next key to victory: cut down on the turnovers. Luck has been terrible on the road against New England throughout his short career. Luck has thrown 7 interceptions in only 2 matchups in Foxborough. Most notably, Luck opened up last year's AFC Divisional Game with a Pick-Six, only 79 seconds into the game. Luck must make correct reads, for he will have a ball-hawking secondary with the likes of CB Darrelle Revis and CB Brandon Browner waiting for the right moment. However, it is not only Luck coughing up the ball. RB Boom Herron and RB Zurlon Tipton must take good care of the ball. Herron has had a history of fumbles, including 2 in the AFC Wild Card game against Cincinnati. The Colts still have faith in Herron, for he is very athletic and a big play-maker. If the Colts win this game, it will be because they didn't turnover the ball.

3: Win Your Matchups Up-Front

Lastly, the Colts will have to win all off their offensive and defensive line matchups to win this game. To start, the Colts offense line has struggled during the regular season, but they have really stepped up during the playoffs. Last week, Luck was not sacked once, mainly because of great play from T Anthony Castonzo and Rookie G Jack Mewhort. They did a great job by giving Luck time and protection to roll out of the pocket. They will have tough matchups this week with NT Vince Wilfork and LB Jaime Collins. The Pats have athletic lineman and linebackers, so the Colts must put up a great performance. Now, we switch sides as the Patriot offensive line has protected Brady all year long. Earlier in the season against the Colts, the Pats offensive line blocked for Jonas Gray, who put up record numbers. Gray rushed for 201 yards and 4 touchdowns on Sunday Night Football. The Colts defensive line has been shaky all year. However, they stepped up when they needed to last week. The Colts held CJ Anderson to only 80 yards. 

Whatever the outcome of this game is, it will be one for the ages. Will Brady pass the torch to Luck? Or will Brady continue his legacy for one more year? We will just have to wait and find out. 

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