Behind Enemy Lines: 5 Questions with Chowder & Champions’ Frank O’Laughlin
By Evan Reller
Dec 29, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs away from Buffalo Bills linebacker Ty Powell (57) during the second half of New England
3. What are the keys to the game for the Patriots? Who needs to step up and what needs to happen for New England to move on to the AFC Championship Game?
The keys to victory for the Patriots are simple. They must eliminate T.Y. Hilton from the Colts aerial attack, establish the run and cash in when in red zone situations.
T.Y. Hilton is clearly Andrew Luck’s go to target. Aqib Talib has shutdown big play guys like Jimmy Graham, Julio Jones and A.J. Green this season. He’ll almost certainly be assigned to Hilton. If Talib can beat up Hilton at the line of scrimmage and drastically cut into his ability to run a clean route, then the Patriots have enough talent elsewhere to limit Luck’s options through the air. Safety Devan McCourty figures to provide sufficient help over the top behind Talib.
LeGarrette Blount and Stevan Ridley ready to rumble, New England should have little trouble in featuring a successful rushing attack. The Patriots offensive line is physical, likes to get moving downhill and the power of their runners poise an unfavorable matchup considering the Colts finished 26th in the NFL against the run.
While in the red zone, whether it is via the run or pass, the Patriots must come away with touchdowns. Edelman is a guy who will be a focus in such an area given his team-leading six receiving scores. Both Ridley and Blount each have seven scores apiece on the ground. It’s clear who the Patriots go to guys are.