Colts vs Patriots: Keys to Achieving the Impossible
By Dave McKee
Nov 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) gestures at the line of scrimmage during a game against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Offensively, the Colts were built for playing the Patriots, despite what we know about the offensive line. If the Colts are to win tonight against New England, then it will be this unit that needs a near-perfect game. In order for that to happen, the one player who most needs to win his matchup is Andrew Luck.
Andrew Luck vs Bill Belichick:
As we’ve previously seen, Luck has been abysmal against New England. I know it’s harsh, but his career QBR against the Patriots is 57.3. That is the definition of abysmal. Bill Belichick has owned the Colts offense for three years and it’s time for that to change. Belichick has seen enough film to know how to rattle Luck and company. That is why if the Colts are going to win Andrew Luck has to win the matchup.
He has to use his experience and Stanford education at the line of scrimmage and identify exactly what the Patriots are coming with. Then, he has to make the perfect call to counter the play. It is definitely not a scenario anyone wishes for, but it is what it is and Luck has to accept that. Looking at Luck’s career numbers, it’s understandable why most people think it’ll be a landslide in New England’s favor.
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Seeing these stats it is easy to see why I used the word abysmal to describe his play against New England, but they are also the reasons why Luck needs to be angry. I’m not talking the frustrated, “oops that was stupid” kind of anger. I’ talking about that kind of anger where a man says “I’m not letting this happen ever again.” The anger that makes one focused and driven to change the outcome no matter the odds. Andrew Luck needs to embrace that anger and focus it on taking control of the football game. We’ve seen it before, but never against New England.
The approach Luck needs is similar to how Matt Hasselbeck played against Houston. Luck needs to utilize a shorter drop-back and quicker release to help his offensive line hold off the Patriots pass rush. At the line of scrimmage, Luck will need to make his reads quickly and make sure he has the right protections called. It is up to him as much as it is the offensive line to keep him safe. Luck needs a clean pocket and the time to distribute the ball.
Nov 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws against the Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Essentially, Luck needs the freedom at the line to see the defense and determine whether he needs to pound the ball with Frank Gore or audible to a short pass, screen or play action. Of course, offensive coordinator, Pep Hamilton needs to give Luck the right options to succeed in that endeavor.
One must keep in mind that this is Belichick’s weakest defense that Andrew Luck has faced. Sure the Patriots pass rush is absolutely solid, but their secondary is thin at best. Starting cornerback, Tarell Brown was recently placed on IR.
Being so thin, the Patriots may struggle against a talented Colts receiving corps. those matchups are coming up, but the fact remains that Andrew Luck needs to make sure he distributes the ball efficiently and quickly to those targets.
Most importantly, Andrew Luck has to protect the football. He cannot force the ball into tight windows. Luck has to trust his check downs and let his playmakers make plays.
Next: The Other Offensive Matchups