But, considering how banged-up the Colts are, it's a miracle they almost won it. To win, the Indy Colts must address its defensive scheme, which is leaving the Colts Offense consistently in a position of scoring to keep pace with the other team, rather than scoring to win the game.
Thanks to 168 yards rushing, the Patriots were up by as much as 17 points before Manning led a furious comeback. The one problem, other than the Colts Defense, was Manning's three interceptions, including the last one to seal the game for the Pats with just 22 seconds left.
Colts Defense Needs To Get Bigger
It's time for the Colts to junk the "small defensive line" concept in favor of large defensive tackles, along the scale of Halodi Ngaga of the Baltimore Ravens. The Colts Defensive Line is too easily pushed out of position, more often than not. Also, the schemes lack the level of aggression needed to stop many offensive schemes.
Rather than use bump-and-run and blitz, the Colts Defense plays zone and gives a large cushion for receivers. Offenses built around the idea of "yards after the catch," established by Bill Walsh, feast on that, and move the ball downfield.
If the Colts are going to beat teams like the Patriots, they have to alter their defensive approach.
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