Oakland Raiders Stink - New England Up 42 to 20 In Rain-Soaked Game

I've been an Oakland Raiders fan since I was little, and went to a lot of games.  I've seen bad years, but this one's too much to take.  For the second straight year, the Oakland Raiders are guaranteed of a high -- second pick in 2009 -- NFL Draft pick.   It's not that the Raiders need the players; the Raiders need a coach and a system.

Right now, they're losing 42 to 20 to the New England Patriots at the Raiders home, a windy, cold Oakland Coliseum.   The main problem is the defense; good in places, the Pats no-huddle strategy got them off guard.  What's the best answer?  Blitz and from different angles.  Make them think about what they're doing.  But the Raiders didn't do that.

Still, this 3 and 10 team could come back.  It's 3:30 in the third quarter, and the Raiders just need to score three more touchdowns and a field goal to win.  

Oh, and hold the Pats to zero additional points.

Let's see what happens.  

New England Patriots Spygate - NFL Near Deal With Matt Walsh - NY TIMES

Once the evidence he presents hits the media, the image-aware NFL will take swift action, for sure.


Let’s Make a Deal, Starring Matt Walsh
By ANDREW DAS - NY TIMES

In statements released to the news media Sunday night, the N.F.L. and the lawyer representing the former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh revealed that the sides were nearing a deal that would finally allow Walsh to reveal what he knows about spying in the N.F.L.

Super Bowl XLII, New England Patriots Final Drive, Tom Brady

This is the companion video to the first one showing the NY Giants touchdown drive and the David Tyree catch. Here, we see what happened to the New England Patriots as they had a chance to either kick a field goal to tie the game, or score an even more dramatic touchdown.

Super Bowl XXXII - Tom Brady And New England Patriots Leave for Arizona

After all of the talk about Tom Brady limping and not showing up at Pats practices, here we are with Brady as ESPN reports that he and the New England Patriots prepare to leave for Arizona.

Maybe it was a smoke-screen?

New England Has Record Snowfall Of Over 10 Inches

According to Reuters , New England's facing a record snowfall of over 10 inches and all that while I am in sunny, warm Oakland, California, where the residents complain that it's cold when the temp drops to 50 degrees.


"Spolied" is the word that comes to mind.

What If Sports - What If Sports Simulation: Colts 30, Pats 27

What If Sports is known for its simulations, but this one, or 1,000 of them, are special. This is what was reported on their website:

WhatIfSports.com “played” the upcoming Patriots-Colts game 1,000 times. Indianapolis won 52.8% of the time by an average score of 30-27. On a neutral field, this game would likely be a complete toss-up, but the Colts win in the Dome. An example boxscore with that score is below.

WhatIfSports.com
A division of FOX Sports.com on

WhatIfSports.com “played” the upcoming Patriots-Colts game 1,000 times. Indianapolis won 52.8% of the time by an average score of 30-27. On a neutral field, this game would likely be a complete toss-up, but the Colts win in the Dome. An example boxscore with that score is below.
2007 New England Patriots at 2007 Indianapolis Colts
Final - 11/4/2007 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT1 Total
2007 New England Patriots 0 7 10 10 0 27
2007 Indianapolis Colts 7 17 3 0 3 30
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Ind 8:46 TD Joseph Addai 19 yd. run (Vinatieri kick) 0-7
2nd Quarter
Ind 9:11 TD Dallas Clark 7 yd. pass from Manning (Vinatieri kick) 0-14
NE 3:00 TD Randy Moss 3 yd. pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick) 7-14
Ind 1:03 TD Marvin Harrison 3 yd. pass from Manning (Vinatieri kick) 7-21
Ind 0:00 FG Adam Vinatieri 56 yds. 7-24
3rd Quarter
NE 9:29 FG Stephen Gostkowski 29 yds. 10-24
Ind 3:54 FG Adam Vinatieri 30 yds. 10-27
NE 1:22 TD Laurence Maroney 6 yd. run (Gostkowski kick) 17-27
4th Quarter
NE 10:38 TD Kevin Faulk 11 yd. pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick) 24-27
NE 0:13 FG Stephen Gostkowski 42 yds. 27-27
OT 1
Ind 3:16 FG Adam Vinatieri 45 yds. 27-30

Team Statistics
2007 New England Patriots 2007 Indianapolis Colts
First Downs 26 23
- Rushing 5 4
- Passing 21 19
- Penalty 0 0
3rd Down Eff 10/18 3/11
4th Down Eff 1/2 0/0
Rushes-Yards 30-95 32-169
Avg Rush 3.2 5.3
Comp-Att-Int 29-48-2 20-36-0
Passing Yards 406 348
Sacks-Yards 1-3 1-4
Fumbles-Lost 1-0 1-1
Punts-Avg 4-37.8 5-41.0
KR-Avg 5-23.6 7-16.3
PR-Avg 5-2.6 4-11.5
Penalties-Yard 2-20 3-17
Time of Possession 36:58 34:46

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2007 New England Patriots Individual Stats 2007 Indianapolis Colts Individual Stats
Rushing
Att Yds 20+ L TD
'07 Laurence Maroney 17 79 2 35 1
'07 Heath Evans 8 14 0 6 0
'07 Kevin Faulk 5 2 0 1 0

Rushing
Att Yds 20+ L TD
'07 Joseph Addai 23 99 1 29 1
'07 Kenton Keith 9 70 1 56 0
Receiving
Rec Yds 20+ 40+ L TD
'07 Randy Moss 8 139 3 1 40 1
'07 Wes Welker 10 125 1 0 20 0
'07 Kevin Faulk 4 58 1 0 22 1
'07 Donte' Stallworth 3 54 1 0 24 0
'07 Heath Evans 1 21 1 0 21 0
'07 Kyle Brady 3 12 0 0 6 0

Receiving
Rec Yds 20+ 40+ L TD
'07 Reggie Wayne 6 136 3 1 45 0
'07 Marvin Harrison 6 83 2 0 23 1
'07 Anthony Gonzalez 2 56 1 1 41 0
'07 Bryan Fletcher 1 31 1 0 31 0
'07 Dallas Clark 3 25 0 0 11 1
'07 Joseph Addai 2 21 0 0 11 0
Passing
Comp. Att. Yards TD INT
'07 Tom Brady 29 48 409 2 2

Passing
Comp. Att. Yards TD INT
'07 Peyton Manning 20 36 352 2 0
Defensive
Tackles Sacks INT
'07 Mike Vrabel 7 0 0
'07 Junior Seau 6 0 0
'07 Randall Gay 5 0 0
'07 Ty Warren 4 0 0
'07 Tedy Bruschi 4 1 0
'07 Rodney Harrison 4 0 0
'07 Ellis Hobbs 3 0 0
'07 Asante Samuel 3 0 0
'07 Adalius Thomas 3 0 0
'07 James Sanders 2 0 0
'07 Vince Wilfork 2 0 0
'07 Rosevelt Colvin 2 0 0
'07 Richard Seymour 1 0 0

Defensive
Tackles Sacks INT
'07 Raheem Brock 9 0 0
'07 Kelvin Hayden 8 0 0
'07 Dante Hughes 5 0 0
'07 Antoine Bethea 5 0 0
'07 Tyjuan Hagler 5 0 0
'07 Bob Sanders 5 0 0
'07 Marlin Jackson 4 0 0
'07 Dwight Freeney 4 0 0
'07 Robert Mathis 3 1 0
'07 Gary Brackett 2 0 2
Field Goals
Made Missed
'07 Stephen Gostkowski 29,42 -

Field Goals
Made Missed
'07 Adam Vinatieri 56,30,45 -

Player of the Game:
'07 Peyton Manning (2007 Indianapolis Colts)

Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F 1st Quarter Play by Play
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 15:00
15:00 Kickoff own 30 0 - 0 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 12 and return it to the NE 38.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 14:52
14:52 1/10 own 38 0 - 0 212 Brady's short pass is to Moss who holds on to the ball, makes a few guys miss for a 27 yd gain.
14:09 1/10 35 0 - 0 212 Brady's pass is intercepted.
Gary Brackett returns the interception to the Ind 38.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 14:03
14:03 1/10 own 38 0 - 0 221 Addai gets back to the line of scrimmage.
13:28 2/10 own 38 0 - 0 131 Manning overthrows Addai and the pass is incomplete.
13:23 3/10 own 38 0 - 0 140 Manning's pass is batted down. Incomplete pass.
13:18 4/10 own 38 0 - 0 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 35.
PENALTY on NE: Holding, 10 yards enforced on the NE 25.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 13:08
13:08 1/10 own 15 0 - 0 221 Maroney gains 1 yard up the middle.
12:34 2/9 own 16 0 - 0 131 Maroney rushes for a loss of 3 yards.
11:55 3/12 own 13 0 - 0 221 Brady hits Evans who makes the catch and falls forward for a 21 yd gain.
11:12 1/10 own 34 0 - 0 212 Maroney gains 3 yards up the middle.
10:33 2/7 own 37 0 - 0 221 Brady tosses the ball just out of reach of Welker. Incomplete pass.
10:28 3/7 own 37 0 - 0 221 Evans is caught behind the line for a loss of 4 yards.
9:47 4/11 own 33 0 - 0 P 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a punt.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) return it to the Ind 36.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 9:37
9:37 1/10 own 36 0 - 0 131 Manning hits Wayne deep downfield who makes the catch and falls forward for a 45 yd gain.
8:53 1/10 19 0 - 0 140 Addai gains 19 yards on a sweep left.
2007 Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown!
8:46 PAT 0 - 6 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 2 plays, 64 yds, 0:51
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 8:46
8:46 Kickoff own 30 0 - 7 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 14 and return it to the NE 35.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 8:39
8:39 1/10 own 35 0 - 7 212 Brady's pass is to Moss who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 19 yd gain.
7:57 1/10 46 0 - 7 212 Brady screen pass falls incomplete.
7:54 2/10 46 0 - 7 131 Maroney pounds ahead for 5 yards.
7:10 3/5 41 0 - 7 221 Evans picks up 4 yards off tackle left.
6:27 4/1 37 0 - 7 P 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a punt.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) return it to the Ind 23.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 6:15
6:15 1/10 own 23 0 - 7 140 Addai picks his way for 1 yard.
5:40 2/9 own 24 0 - 7 131 Keith picks up 1 yard on a draw play.
4:59 3/8 own 25 0 - 7 050 Manning overthrows Wayne and the pass is incomplete.
4:51 4/8 own 25 0 - 7 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 41.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 4:42
4:42 1/10 own 41 0 - 7 212 Brady tosses the ball out to Faulk. Catch is good and Faulk gets big yardage for a 17 yd gain.
3:57 1/10 42 0 - 7 212 Evans gains 6 yards up the middle.
3:20 2/4 36 0 - 7 131 Maroney picks up 3 yards on a draw play.
2:37 3/1 33 0 - 7 212 Evans picks up 1 yard off tackle left.
1:55 1/10 32 0 - 7 212 Brady's pass is to Faulk who makes the catch and falls forward for a 22 yd gain.
1:13 1/Goal 10 0 - 7 212 Brady's pass is to Brady. Tackled immediately for a 6 yd gain.
0:32 2/Goal 4 0 - 7 212 Faulk gets back to the line of scrimmage before losing the ball.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) recovers the ball on the Ind 5.
0:00 3/Goal 5 0 - 7 221 Time Expires
End of 1st Quarter ... 2007 New England Patriots: 0 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 7

Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F 2nd Quarter Play by Play
15:00 3/Goal 5 0 - 7 221 PENALTY on Ind: Encroachment, 2 yards enforced on the Ind 5 - NO PLAY.
15:00 3/Goal 3 0 - 7 221 Maroney picks up 1 yard on a draw play.
14:24 4/Goal 2 0 - 7 212 Evans is caught behind the line for a loss of 1 yard.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 14:21
14:21 1/10 own 3 0 - 7 131 Addai picks up 6 yards on a draw play.
13:37 2/4 own 9 0 - 7 140 Keith gains 1 yard on a sweep left.
12:55 3/3 own 10 0 - 7 140 Addai picks up 4 yards on a draw play.
12:12 1/10 own 14 0 - 7 131 Manning completes the pass to Clark who makes the catch and falls forward for a 11 yd gain.
11:33 1/10 own 25 0 - 7 131 Keith pounds ahead for 56 yards.
10:43 1/10 19 0 - 7 221 Addai pounds ahead for 8 yards.
10:02 2/2 11 0 - 7 131 Manning soft pass is to Wayne who gets a few steps before being brought down for a 4 yd gain.
9:23 1/Goal 7 0 - 7 140 Manning's pass into the endzone is just out of reach of Harrison. Incomplete pass.
9:17 2/Goal 7 0 - 7 131 Manning's short pass is to Clark who catches the ball and walks into the endzone.
2007 Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown!
9:11 PAT 0 - 13 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 9 plays, 97 yds, 5:10
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 9:11
9:11 Kickoff own 30 0 - 14 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 5 and return it to the NE 33.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 9:02
9:02 1/10 own 33 0 - 14 212 Faulk gets back to the line of scrimmage.
8:26 2/10 own 33 0 - 14 131 Faulk pounds ahead for 1 yard.
7:43 3/9 own 34 0 - 14 221 Brady hits Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 9 yd gain.
6:57 1/10 own 43 0 - 14 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
6:51 2/10 own 43 0 - 14 221 Brady soft pass is to Moss who makes the catch and falls forward for a 6 yd gain.
6:11 3/4 own 49 0 - 14 122 Maroney pounds ahead for 24 yards.
5:28 1/10 27 0 - 14 212 Brady throws to Moss but he can't hold on to the ball.
5:23 2/10 27 0 - 14 212 Brady screen pass falls incomplete.
5:20 3/10 27 0 - 14 131 Brady hits Welker who gets a few steps before being brought down for a 20 yd gain.
4:33 1/Goal 7 0 - 14 212 Brady soft pass is to Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 4 yd gain.
3:47 2/Goal 3 0 - 14 212 Maroney carries, but is tackled for no gain.
3:04 3/Goal 3 0 - 14 122 Brady hits Moss in the endzone.
2007 New England Patriots scores a touchdown!
3:00 PAT 6 - 14 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 12 plays, 67 yds, 6:02
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 3:00
3:00 Kickoff own 30 7 - 14 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 6 and return it to the Ind 33.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 2:51
2:51 1/10 own 33 7 - 14 140 Manning overthrows Addai and the pass is incomplete.
2:46 2/10 own 33 7 - 14 230 Manning completes the pass to Addai. Tackled immediately for a 11 yd gain.
2:04 1/10 own 44 7 - 14 131 Manning's pass is just out of reach of Harrison. Incomplete pass.
2:00 2/10 own 44 7 - 14 140 *** 2 Minute Warning ***
2:00 2/10 own 44 7 - 14 131 Manning's pass is to Wayne who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 10 yd gain.
1:51 1/10 46 7 - 14 131 *** 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) CALLS A TIMEOUT ***
1:51 1/10 46 7 - 14 140 Manning's pass is just out of reach of Addai. Incomplete pass.
1:44 2/10 46 7 - 14 131 Manning's long pass is to Wayne who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 33 yd gain.
1:15 1/10 13 7 - 14 131 Manning completes the pass to Harrison who gets a few steps before being run out of bounds for a 10 yd gain.
1:10 1/Goal 3 7 - 14 131 Manning hits Harrison in the endzone.
2007 Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown!
1:03 PAT 7 - 20 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 8 plays, 67 yds, 1:48
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 1:03
1:03 Kickoff own 30 7 - 21 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 8 and return it to the NE 29.
PENALTY on NE: Holding, 10 yards enforced on the NE 28.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 0:58
0:58 1/10 own 18 7 - 21 212 Brady's pass is batted down. Incomplete pass.
0:54 2/10 own 18 7 - 21 221 Brady's pass is to Welker. Tackled immediately for a 14 yd gain.
0:46 1/10 own 32 7 - 21 221 *** 2007 New England Patriots (NE) CALLS A TIMEOUT ***
0:46 1/10 own 32 7 - 21 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
0:41 2/10 own 32 7 - 21 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
0:37 3/10 own 32 7 - 21 131 Brady hits Stallworth who holds on to the ball, makes a few guys miss for a 24 yd gain before being run out of bounds.
0:28 1/10 44 7 - 21 221 Maroney picks his way to the sidelines for 1 yard. Maroney runs out of bounds.
0:24 2/9 43 7 - 21 221 Brady's pass is to Welker who catches the ball and makes one guy miss before getting knocked out of bounds for a 10 yd gain.
0:19 1/10 33 7 - 21 212 Brady's pass is intercepted.
Gary Brackett returns the interception to the Ind 32.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 0:11
0:11 1/10 own 32 7 - 21 221 Addai picks up 29 yards on a draw play.
0:02 1/10 39 7 - 21 221 *** 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) CALLS A TIMEOUT ***
0:02 1/10 39 7 - 21 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a FG attempt.
Vinatieri's 56 yd. field goal is right down the middle!
Drive Summary: 1 plays, 29 yds, 0:09
End of 2nd Quarter ... 2007 New England Patriots: 7 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 24

Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F 3rd Quarter Play by Play
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 15:00
15:00 Kickoff own 30 7 - 24 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 3 and return it to the Ind 21.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 14:53
14:53 1/10 own 21 7 - 24 140 Manning's pass is to Gonzalez who makes the catch and falls forward for a 15 yd gain.
14:15 1/10 own 36 7 - 24 140 Addai gets back to the line of scrimmage.
13:39 2/10 own 36 7 - 24 140 Manning's long pass is just out of reach of Moorehead. Incomplete pass.
13:31 3/10 own 36 7 - 24 140 Manning overthrows Gonzalez and the pass is incomplete.
13:22 4/10 own 36 7 - 24 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 32.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 13:11
13:11 1/10 own 32 7 - 24 212 Evans picks up 2 yards on a draw play.
12:28 2/8 own 34 7 - 24 212 Brady's short pass is to Moss. Catch is good and Moss gets some yardage for a 13 yd gain.
11:46 1/10 own 47 7 - 24 212 Maroney gains 35 yards on a sweep left.
10:59 1/10 18 7 - 24 221 PENALTY on Ind: Encroachment, 5 yards enforced on the Ind 18 - NO PLAY.
10:59 1/5 13 7 - 24 230 Maroney picks his way to the sidelines for 1 yard. Maroney runs out of bounds.
10:17 2/4 12 7 - 24 212 Faulk gets back to the line of scrimmage.
9:38 3/4 12 7 - 24 122 Brady overthrows Welker and the pass is incomplete.
9:33 4/4 12 7 - 24 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a FG attempt.
Gostkowski's 29 yd. field goal hooks through the uprights!
Drive Summary: 6 plays, 51 yds, 3:38
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 9:29
9:29 Kickoff own 30 10 - 24 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 11 and return it to the Ind 21.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 9:24
9:24 1/10 own 21 10 - 24 221 Addai rushes for a loss of 4 yards.
8:43 2/14 own 17 10 - 24 230 Addai pounds ahead for 5 yards.
8:07 3/9 own 22 10 - 24 050 Manning completes the pass to Harrison who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 21 yd gain.
7:21 1/10 own 43 10 - 24 221 Addai rushes for a loss of 1 yard.
6:43 2/11 own 42 10 - 24 230 Manning's long pass is to Gonzalez who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 41 yd gain.
5:55 1/10 17 10 - 24 131 Addai gains 3 yards up the middle.
5:12 2/7 14 10 - 24 140 Addai picks up 2 yards on a draw play.
4:34 3/5 12 10 - 24 131 Keith is caught behind the line for a loss of 1 yard.
3:58 4/6 13 10 - 24 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a FG attempt.
Vinatieri's 30 yd. field goal is right down the middle!
Drive Summary: 8 plays, 66 yds, 5:26
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 3:54
3:54 Kickoff own 30 10 - 27 K 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares to kickoff.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) catch the ball at the NE 6 and return it to the NE 39.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 3:43
3:43 1/10 own 39 10 - 27 212 Brady overthrows Maroney and the pass is incomplete.
3:35 2/10 own 39 10 - 27 221 Brady's pass is just out of the reach of Welker.
3:30 3/10 own 39 10 - 27 221 Brady's pass is to Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 15 yd gain.
2:50 1/10 46 10 - 27 212 Evans gets back to the line of scrimmage.
2:16 2/10 46 10 - 27 221 Brady's pass is to Moss who holds on to the ball, makes a few guys miss for a 40 yd gain.
1:26 1/Goal 6 10 - 27 212 Maroney gets 6 yards on a pitch right.
2007 New England Patriots scores a touchdown!
1:22 PAT 16 - 27 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 6 plays, 61 yds, 2:21
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 1:22
1:22 Kickoff own 30 17 - 27 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 11 and return it to the NE 32.
PENALTY on Ind: Holding, 10 yards enforced on the Ind 26.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 1:07
1:07 1/10 own 16 17 - 27 140 Manning overthrows Addai and the pass is incomplete.
0:59 2/10 own 16 17 - 27 131 Manning's pass is batted down. Incomplete pass.
0:54 3/10 own 16 17 - 27 050 Manning is sacked by Tedy Bruschi for 4 yards.
0:11 4/14 own 12 17 - 27 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 48.
End of 3rd Quarter ... 2007 New England Patriots: 17 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 27

Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F 4th Quarter Play by Play
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 15:00
15:00 1/10 own 48 17 - 27 212 Brady hits Welker. Catch is good and Welker gets some yardage for a 16 yd gain.
14:14 1/10 36 17 - 27 221 Maroney carries, but is tackled for no gain.
13:37 2/10 36 17 - 27 221 Brady's pass is to Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 15 yd gain.
12:52 1/10 21 17 - 27 212 Brady hits Moss but in and out of his hands.
12:45 2/10 21 17 - 27 131 Maroney rushes for a loss of 2 yards.
12:04 3/12 23 17 - 27 221 Brady completes the pass to Stallworth who catches the ball and makes one guy miss before getting tackled for a 11 yd gain.
11:19 4/1 12 17 - 27 212 Faulk gains 1 yard up the middle.
10:44 1/10 11 17 - 27 212 Brady zips the short pass to Faulk. Catch is good and Faulk gets into the endzone.
2007 New England Patriots scores a touchdown!
10:38 PAT 23 - 27 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for the extra point.
The extra point attempt is good.
Drive Summary: 8 plays, 52 yds, 4:22
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 10:38
10:38 Kickoff own 30 24 - 27 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 6 and return it to the Ind 21.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 10:32
10:32 1/10 own 21 24 - 27 140 Manning's pass is just out of reach of Wayne. Incomplete pass.
10:26 2/10 own 21 24 - 27 140 Manning completes the long pass to Wayne who gets a few steps before being brought down for a 34 yd gain.
9:39 1/10 45 24 - 27 131 Manning's pass is just out of the reach of Clark.
9:34 2/10 45 24 - 27 230 Manning completes the pass to Wayne who makes the catch and falls forward for a 10 yd gain.
8:53 1/10 35 24 - 27 131 Addai gains 1 yard on a sweep left.
8:12 2/9 34 24 - 27 131 Manning's pass is to Addai. Tackled immediately for a 10 yd gain.
7:29 1/10 24 24 - 27 221 Keith gains 4 yards on a sweep left.
6:53 2/6 20 24 - 27 122 Addai picks up 1 yard off tackle left, and is run out of bounds.
6:15 3/5 19 24 - 27 140 Addai picks up 4 yards on a draw play before running out of bounds.
5:32 4/1 15 24 - 27 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a FG attempt.
Vinatieri's kick is blocked! Ball is recovered at the NE 23.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 5:23
5:23 1/10 own 23 24 - 27 212 Brady screen pass is to Brady who makes the catch and falls forward for a 1 yd gain.
4:45 2/9 own 24 24 - 27 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
4:39 3/9 own 24 24 - 27 221 Maroney picks up 2 yards on a draw play.
3:58 4/7 own 26 24 - 27 P 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a punt.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) return it to the Ind 42.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 3:48
3:48 1/10 own 42 24 - 27 131 Addai gains 6 yards on a sweep left.
3:05 2/4 own 48 24 - 27 122 Manning completes the long pass to Fletcher who makes the catch and falls forward for a 31 yd gain.
2:21 1/10 21 24 - 27 140 Addai carries, but is tackled for no gain.
2:00 2/10 21 24 - 27 230 *** 2 Minute Warning ***
2:00 2/10 21 24 - 27 230 Keith pounds ahead for 3 yards. The ball is stripped free.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) recovers the ball on the NE 17.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 1:54
1:54 1/10 own 17 24 - 27 212 Brady's pass is to Faulk. Faulk falls out of bounds, but holds on to the ball for a 8 yd gain.
1:48 2/2 own 25 24 - 27 212 Brady hits Moss who gets a few steps before being brought down for a 11 yd gain.
1:39 1/10 own 36 24 - 27 212 *** 2007 New England Patriots (NE) CALLS A TIMEOUT ***
1:39 1/10 own 36 24 - 27 212 Brady overthrows Moss and the pass is incomplete.
1:35 2/10 own 36 24 - 27 131 Brady overthrows Welker and the pass is incomplete.
1:30 3/10 own 36 24 - 27 221 Brady completes the pass to Moss who makes the catch and falls forward for a 20 yd gain.
1:10 1/10 44 24 - 27 212 Brady hits Welker who makes the catch and is run out of bounds for a 14 yd gain.
1:03 1/10 30 24 - 27 212 Brady completes the pass to Welker who makes the catch and falls forward for a 8 yd gain.
0:41 2/2 22 24 - 27 122 Brady is sacked by Robert Mathis for 3 yards.
0:21 3/5 25 24 - 27 122 Brady's pass is just out of reach of Gaffney. Incomplete pass.
0:17 4/5 25 24 - 27 FG 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a FG attempt.
Gostkowski's 42 yd. field goal is right down the middle!
Drive Summary: 9 plays, 58 yds, 1:37
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 0:13
0:13 Kickoff own 30 27 - 27 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 8 and return it to the Ind 31.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 0:08
0:08 1/10 own 31 27 - 27 131 Manning completes the pass to Clark who gets a few steps before being run out of bounds for a 7 yd gain.
0:02 2/3 own 38 27 - 27 041 Manning's deep pass is broken up. Incomplete pass.
End of 4th Quarter ... 2007 New England Patriots: 27 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 27
Game Time Weather Report for Indianapolis, IN (The RCA Dome):
71 degrees, clear skies, little to no wind
Time Down
YTG Ball On Score
V - H F Overtime 1 Play by Play
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 15:00
15:00 Kickoff own 30 27 - 27 K 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares to kickoff.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) catch the ball at the Ind 7 and return it to the Ind 23.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 14:53
14:53 1/10 own 23 27 - 27 131 Addai gains 4 yards up the middle.
14:11 2/6 own 27 27 - 27 122 Addai carries, but is tackled for a loss of 1 yard.
13:34 3/7 own 26 27 - 27 050 Manning completes the pass to Harrison. Catch is good and Harrison gets some yardage for a 23 yd gain.
12:50 1/10 own 49 27 - 27 221 Keith gets 3 yards on a pitch right.
12:11 2/7 48 27 - 27 230 Manning overthrows Utecht and the pass is incomplete.
12:05 3/7 48 27 - 27 140 Manning's pass is batted down. Incomplete pass.
11:59 4/7 48 27 - 27 P 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a punt.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) return it to the NE 9.
2007 New England Patriots (NE) at 11:51
11:51 1/10 own 9 27 - 27 212 Maroney is stopped at the line.
11:12 2/10 own 9 27 - 27 212 Brady completes the pass to Brady. Tackled immediately for a 5 yd gain.
10:28 3/5 own 14 27 - 27 221 Brady hits Stallworth. Catch is good and Stallworth gets some yardage before being run out of bounds for a 19 yd gain.
9:42 1/10 own 33 27 - 27 221 Evans gets 6 yards on a pitch right.
8:58 2/4 own 39 27 - 27 212 Maroney pounds ahead for 2 yards.
8:23 3/2 own 41 27 - 27 221 Brady's pass is to Moss and dropped.
8:17 4/2 own 41 27 - 27 P 2007 New England Patriots (NE) prepares for a punt.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) return it to the Ind 31.
2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) at 8:05
8:05 1/10 own 31 27 - 27 131 Addai picks up 1 yard on a draw play.
7:26 2/9 own 32 27 - 27 140 Manning hits Harrison who makes the catch and falls forward for a 16 yd gain.
6:45 1/10 own 48 27 - 27 221 Addai pounds ahead for 7 yards.
6:01 2/3 45 27 - 27 122 Manning's pass is to Harrison who holds on to the the ball and runs for a 10 yd gain.
5:21 1/10 35 27 - 27 140 Addai picks up 4 yards on a draw play.
4:38 2/6 31 27 - 27 122 Keith gains 3 yards up the middle.
3:58 3/3 28 27 - 27 131 Keith is stopped at the line.
3:20 4/3 28 27 - 27 FG 2007 Indianapolis Colts (Ind) prepares for a FG attempt.
Vinatieri's 45 yd. field goal hooks through the uprights!
Drive Summary: 7 plays, 41 yds, 4:45
End of Overtime 1 ... 2007 New England Patriots: 27 2007 Indianapolis Colts: 30


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New England Patriots At Indianapolis Colts Game - Tickets And Preview

From NFL Media.com

Click for tickets to the game!

IT’S THE PERFECT MATCHUP:
UNDEFEATED COLTS & PATS CLASH IN HISTORIC GAME

It hasn’t happened in 88 seasons.

But it will this Sunday in Indianapolis. Two teams with records of 7-0 or better will meet for the first time in NFL history – the New England Patriots (8-0) at the Indianapolis Colts (7-0).

“It will be a circus,” says Colts head coach TONY DUNGY.

Wrong, Coach. It’s already a circus! It is hard to recall a regular-season game that was talked and written about two weeks before it was played. But that’s what has happened for Pats-Colts (CBS, 4:15 PM ET).

“A Week Before Showdown with New England, Colts Must Beat Panthers on Short Week,” said the Associated Press on October 25.

Usually, stories about a team’s next opponent don’t start until perhaps the Wednesday before the game. Not this week.

“Don’t Try to Stop Us; It’s Officially Time to Start the Hype Machine,” said the Indianapolis Star this Monday. “Dream Game Finally Here,” blared the Boston Herald the same day.

The matchup has all the attributes of a classic: last season’s Super Bowl winner against the team that has won it three times in the decade…the league’s top two teams in net points…quarterbacks tied for the most wins since realignment in 2002 – TOM BRADY and PEYTON MANNING (67 apiece)…and opponents that have met seven times in the past four years, including three times in the playoffs.

Everybody will be ready. “You play football for competition, the level of intensity,” says Patriots defensive lineman RICHARD SEYMOUR. “When you have a chance to play against the best team in football, you get excited about it.”

As the NFL reaches the mid-point of its season in Week 9, here are some of the key games:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8-0) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-0)

STORYLINE: The Perfect Bowl!

The Dome will be rocking! What can New England do to take some of the decibels out of those voices? What it has done in all eight of its 2007 games -- score on its first drive, the only team in the NFL to do so in every game this year. The Patriots have scored an opponent-deflating 79 points in the first quarter this season, while giving up only seven points in the period.

Of course, that’s a huge hurdle for any opponent, but if anybody can parry such an opening salvo, it’s Indianapolis. Last season in the AFC Championship Game, it went into the half down 21-6 to New England before outgaining the Patriots 311-149 in total yards in the second half during an 18-point comeback for a 38-34 win.

But who knows what will happen Sunday with these two opportunistic teams? They are tied for the league lead in turnover differential with a plus-11.


PATS-COLTS FACTOID

NFL NETWORK TREATS IT LIKE A MID-SEASON SUPER BOWL: NFL Network will broadcast 36-and-a-half hours of coverage surrounding this Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game, a record for the network for a non-Super Bowl game.

One of the key battles will come between New England’s receivers and Indy’s No. 1 NFL pass defense, led by havoc-causing S BOB SANDERS. The Patriots have two receivers in the top five in NFL catches – WES WELKER (tie, No. 2, 56) and RANDY MOSS (No. 4, 47). They have combined with DONTÉ STALLWORTH for a total of 20 TD receptions.

The Colts hope to get WR MARVIN HARRISON (knee) back this week to prevent the Pats from ganging up on REGGIE WAYNE (fourth in the NFL with 668 yards). New England has added to its arsenal with the return of RB LAURENCE MARONEY (75 yards last week). The Colts, on the other hand, have the league’s top TD rusher, JOSEPH ADDAI (7). These guys always seem to have the answers!

New England Patriots Accused Of Stealing Signals From Jets - ESPN and Other Sources

I personally think Commissioner Goodell should take the game away from the Patriots. That's terrible. It also cloud's the whole "Bill Belichek's a Genius" talk. Here's John Clayton ...

According to league sources, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that the New England Patriots violated league rules when it videotaped defensive signals by New York Jets coaches during the Patriots' 38-14 win Sunday. There will be a hearing with the Patriots -- mostly likely by phone by the end of the week -- and then a ruling by the commissioner that could cost New England draft picks. Here are some questions and answers on the incident:

What is the commissioner's stance?
Such spying is a serious infraction. It's cheating and could affect the outcome of games. Goodell established a strict player conduct policy, and he wants coaches and team employees to also live up to a high standard.

What rules did the Patriots allegedly violate?
The "Game Operations Manual" states that "no video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches' booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game." The manual states that "all video shooting locations must be enclosed on all sides with a roof overhead." NFL security officials confiscated a camera and videotape from a New England video assistant on the Patriots' sideline when it was suspected he was recording the Jets' defensive signals. Taping any signals is prohibited. The toughest part usually is finding evidence to support an allegation.

What could the punishment be?
Goodell must come down hard on this one because he clearly has evidence. ESPN has reported that Goodell is considering severe sanctions, including the possibility of docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks." That could mean a combination of a second-rounder and something else, maybe a fifth-rounder. The commissioner could push the penalty over two years, but he can't treat this lightly by just taking away a second-day draft choice. The Patriots are good. They had only two draft choices -- a first- and a second-round pick -- make the team this season. Fining them just a fourth-round choice wouldn't hurt them much.

What advantage could a coach get by stealing defensive signals?
Any good coach with knowledge of the defensive play calls from the sideline can adjust his blocking schemes and come up with the appropriate counter measures. You've seen quarterbacks and coaches study photos of defensive alignments after each possession. If there is a way to pick up defensive signals, a quarterback can make the right audibles and get out of a bad play. Knowledge is everything.

Belichick is the best in the business at taking information and turning it into strategy. He's the best coach in football at knowing the strength and the weakness of a player and putting him in a position to succeed. Give him a signal or two and he will know how to burn a team with a big play at the right time. A coach that smart is always looking for an edge.

Why will owners be upset about this?
First, many owners may feel Belichick beat them by cheating. That may be hard to take, but that's life. What is going to upset them even more is this incident could cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars. This incident will probably lead to having a defensive player on the field with a radio helmet to receive defensive signals from the sideline. Using hand signals to relay defensive calls is an outdated concept. The offense can use modern technology. Why can't defenders? It's going to cost money to equip defenders. Thanks to this incident, owners may have to start paying for that advancement next year.

What will be Belichick's defense?
That's hard to say because there won't be an open hearing. In fact, the hearing is supposed to be done by phone as early as late this week. The commissioner doesn't have to supply details of the Patriots' position. He just has to render a decision. Bringing Belichick to New York would be a circus. There is no reason to have a circus involving this one. The video either says the Patriots were spying or not. Goodell will listen to Belichick's defense and then deliver his penalty.

What will be the longterm effect on Belichick and the Patriots?
Although this is embarrassing, you can't take away what this franchise can do. They may have the best team in football. Robert Kraft is one of the league's best owners. The team has three Super Bowl rings and a great chance to get a fourth. Other great organizations have paid penalties for violating league rules. The Broncos lost a draft choice for violating the salary cap with John Elway. The Steelers once had to forfeit a third-round draft choice for working out in shoulder pads in the offseason. The Patriots may lose a draft choice or two. And whether or not the Patriots videotaped the Jets' defensive signals, Belichick won't be any less of a coach.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

Colts Motivated By OL Jeff Saturday's Speech On The Night Before The AFC Championship

Saturday's Words Motivated Colts Throughout Championship-Game Victory
INDIANAPOLIS - Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy’s not one for fiery speeches, pre-game, halftime or otherwise.
But he knows a good speech when he hears it.

And on Saturday night, he heard one from Colts center Jeff Saturday.

Saturday, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a leader of the Colts’ offense, spoke to the team late Saturday night. This was after the Colts’ final meeting of that, and it came after Dungy’s final words to the team.

“He said, 'This is our time,’’’ Dungy recalled. ‘‘ ‘We’ve got to make it happen.’’’

Saturday recalled it in detail after the Colts’ 38-34 victory in the AFC Championship Game Sunday night.

“I started by telling all the guys how much respect I had for each one and I believe in them,” Saturday said. “We all knew this was our opportunity. I kind of made a parallel to the move, ‘Miracle,’ with Herb Brooks and what he said. The thing I tried to emphasize the most is, ‘This is our time, this is our team. We just need to step up and make it happen.’

“Guys did it.”

Throughout the second half, as the Colts scratched and clawed their way back from a 21-3 first-half deficit and into their first Super Bowl in their 23-year history in Indianapolis, Dungy made sure Colts players didn’t forget those words.

That was particularly true early in the second quarter, Dungy said.

In a 53-second span, the Patriots scored two touchdowns to turn a 7-3 lead into a 21-3 deficit that appeared insurmountable to some.

It didn’t seem that way to Dungy.

To make sure the players believed that, too, he referred to Saturday’s speech.

“All I did at that time

was go up and down the sidelines and tell the guys, ‘It’s still our time – we got plenty of time left,’’’ Dungy said.

Dungy also relied on past history with the Patriots. In 2003, in the first game of the current Colts-Patriots rivalry, New England led 31-10 in the second half before a dramatic fourth-quarter rally by the Colts.

Indianapolis eventually tied the game, 31-31, and trailing 38-34 late, had a chance to win late in the game before running back Edgerrin James was stopped on 4th-and-goal from New England’s 1-yard line.

“We were in this situation the last time we played these guys here,” Dungy said. “They got way up on us and we had the ball at the end to win the game. I think we were down 21 in that game. I told the guys at halftime, ‘We’re going to have the ball with a chance to win in the fourth quarter. This time, we’re going to make it happen.’’’

Only 18 players remain from that team, but those that did remembered.

“Jeff Saturday talked and Tony talked and we just felt like this was our time. We’ve been through a lot. Guys have been through a lot from a personal standpoint off the field this year. When things started coming together at the end, we just said, ‘You know what? Things are going well. We’ve got the home game. This is our time to take advantage of this.’ We’ve got one more game.

“A lot of the veteran guys remembered we were in the exact same position in ‘03. The momentum shifted. We got some turnovers, got some stops and the offense got going.”

Said Dungy, “Our guys just fought. Nobody ever got to the point. We just wanted to fight. Even if we didn’t win it, they just wanted to fight all the way and that’s what this team is all about.”

Call The Colts / Pats Game "The Encounter In Indy"

Sports Illustrated's Andrew Perloff calls the 2007 AFC Championship Game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, was one of the greatest in history. I have to agree. In this article below, he asks for a nickname for the game. That's hard because unlike "The Drive" -- Denver v. Cleveland -- or "The Catch" -- SF v. Dallas in 1981 -- there were so many moments and plays it's hard to pick just one defining moment. In the sprit of "The Thrilla In Manilla" I'll call it the "Encounter In Indy." Short and sweet.

There are so many reasons for this nickname. First, we all expected -- and got -- a massive battle. For the Colts was the fourth best comback in NFL Playoff History, and the best comeback in Championship Game History. Second, it was billed as the most inportant game in Colts QB Peyton Mannings's life, and his performance was the defining one in the game. Manning has six key drives -- not one but six -- where he placed his team in position to keep pace with New England and then beat them. He led the Colts to scores on six of their final eight drives (not counting the final kneel-down). The shortest of the six drives was 59 yards, and four of them ended in touchdowns. Third, it was the third playoff meeting between these two teams in four years, and the Colts had lost the previous two "encounters" in Foxborough, thus the name "Encounter In Indy."

Here's Andrew's article:

The Colts' 38-34 win over the Patriots tonight ranks as one of the top three conference championship games in NFL history. The only two contests I'd put ahead of Indy's stunning victory were the 49ers' 28-27 win over the Cowboys in 1981 (“The Catch”) and the Broncos' 23-20 overtime win over the Browns in 1986 (“The Drive”).

The showdown at the RCA Dome might not have a nifty nickname yet, but there are so many remarkable stories coming out of Indianapolis. It was the biggest comeback (18 points) in championship game history. Peyton Manning is no longer the best quarterback never to reach a Super Bowl. Tony Dungy will join Lovie Smith as the first two black coaches in Super Bowl history. The great Tom Brady finally falters in the final minute of a playoff game.

From a historical perspective, this game could end up having a parallel to the '81 49ers' win. San Francisco was able to slay the mighty Cowboys, who had thoroughly dominated the NFC, and begin a new era in the NFL. Perhaps this game will mark the end of New England's domination of the AFC and usher in Indy's time to shine.

The game started out looking like a typical Patriots' domination of the Colts. And until the end of the first half, Indy gave no one any reason to think differently. But this Colts team is different from ones that have wilted in Foxboro in years past. It shook off New England's best shot early on and finally played like the team that is so hard to beat during the regular season. Now Indianapolis has to beat Chicago so this masterpiece doesn't go to waste.

Let me know where you think this game ranks among the best conference championship games of all time.

Indianapolis Colts Answer Enough New England Patriots Riddles To Win 38-34

My good friend Mike Silver over at Sports Illustrated has observed that the New England Patriots focus and preparation is better than most teams. That the New England Patriots are a well-coached team and that they do this is is true but not well defined and doesn't adress why they lost to the Indianapolis Colts in one of the best games in NFL History. But few have deconstructed their game planning pattern and apparent philosphy which in my view led to their loss. I did that while watching the AFC Championship Game and came away with this observation.

Very simple, the Pats entire approach -- their strength -- is to focus relentlessly on your weakness. Or to put it another way, their strength is to focus on your weakness, but the very process causes their weaknesses to be exposed.

Pay attention to that.

Some teams emphasize their strength; not the Pats. Again, their advantage is only -- only to concentrate on your weakness. In the case of the Colts, the Pats game plan detail was obvious to me.

1) The Colts main weakness is in difficulty blocking blitzes out of Oklahoma - 3-4 style -- defenses. The Colts are known for throwing on first down out of play action. So, what does New England do? Use a PURE 3-4 set on first down.

2) The Colts weakness is an inability to recognize a coverage where two midle-linebackers exchange zone assignments with linemen on second down. (A specific type of zone blitz.) What do the Pats give the Colts, a rather exotic two-down lineman, five-LB, and five-DB defense, first created by the late Fritz Shurmer with the LA Rams over 25 years ago. Then they line up in a variation of this inside the 15 yard line.

3) The Colts defense has been "gashed" by the following kinds of run plays:

A) Weakside "slide" cutbacks off the tackle -- this is a seldom-used but effective approach. I remember seeing Dick Vemeil's Philadelphia Eagles use this against the Tom Landry-coached Dallas Cowboys. See, the Cowboys ran the Flex Defense, which is such that not only is each lineman assignd a gap -- a zone defense against the run -- but because of the design of the defense, the entire front essentially moves as one with the offensive line (thus no hole to run through). The weakside slide calls for the offensive line to (for example) block right, and the running back takes a step in that direction, but then gets the ball and waits for the line and defense to slide to the right, and just runs outside the tackle on the left side. Both Corey Dillon and Lawrence Mulroney got fair gains from this manuever.

B) Draw plays from 4-wide formations.

C) "Bounce" running plays -- this technique was created by Bill Walsh first with the Bengals in the 70s. It calls for the running back to first approach the off-tackle area as if a direct dive play, but then push off the inside foot and litterally "bounce" to the outside. Lawrence Mulroney did this five times in the first half.

D) Defensive End or Tackle "ISO Block" with the Tight End. -- What's refered to as "WHAM" blocking. This is where Dillon took off for a 41-yard gain.

What's the answer to these? Just have Colts Safety Bob Sanders watch the weakside, and keep the defensive ends outside for station-keeping (and altering this assigment with the outside linebackers), and not inside -- thus diminishing the effectiveness of the bounce run. For the draw plays, the old fashioned way of tightening the tackles in closer to the ball works, and having one defensive end between tackle and guard -- not outside -- to "catch" the running back. You have to vary this.

On defense, going without a huddle -- which the Colts did in the second half -- makes it harder to play the more exotic defenses as the Patriots have to get the right personel group in to do it.

I could go on in detail, but the bottom line is that once you've determined the answer to this approach, the Pats have no advantage to fall back on. It's not like playing the Seattle Seahawks where you know that they're going to run left with RB Shawn Alexader behind Offensive Tackle Walter Jones -- that's a strength and they've done it almost regardless of the situation. By contrast, the Pats specialize in being a kind of chameleon and that's their strength. But it's their only one. It's not that they don't have personel strengths, but they don't emphasize them. It's not their style. They'd rather throw a set of riddles at you.

Once you've figured out their riddles, they don't think "We'll just pound the hell out of the ball" or "We'll throw deep" which is what the Oakland Raiders teams do -- when Jon Gruden's not coaching them.

And that's why the game came out the way it did. The Colts found answers to enough Pats riddles to launch a comeback and eventually win. It also should put to rest those people who don't think Indy Coach Tony Dungy can match wits with New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichek. It's more to the pont to say that Dungy took Belichek's wits away from him.

Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson Goes Off On Bill Belichick And The New England Patriots; Calls Them "No Class" Organization

I've included the video version of LT's rant as well.



LT rips Pats' 'no class' dance on field logo

And so begins a nasty new rivalry. And this is one born not from two good teams in the same division, but from the way two good teams treat each other when they play. I think LT has something of a point. Moreover, my own mother pointed out that had it been Terrell Owens who was responsible for the nasty act at the end of the game, he'd have been criticized and fined. Not so with the Patriots.

By Jay Posner and Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERS
January 15, 2007

No team wants to watch another team celebrate on its home field, especially after a playoff game. But several Chargers were particularly disturbed at the way New England celebrated after yesterday's AFC divisional playoff game.

And no one was more upset than league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson, who had to be restrained by more than one Patriots player from going after another New England player. Tomlinson later accused some Patriots of showing “no class at all” and added “maybe it comes from the head coach (Bill Belichick).”

Said Tomlinson: “I would never, ever react in that way. You guys know me; I'm a very classy person. I wouldn't have reacted like that, so yes, I was upset, very upset.

“When you go to the middle of our field and you start doing the dance that Shawne Merriman is known for, that's disrespectful to me and I can't sit there and watch that.”

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said he saw some Patriots pointing to the scoreboard, doing Merriman's “Lights Out” dance and stomping on the Chargers helmet logo at midfield.

“They won and they deserve a lot of credit,” Rivers said. “Personally I was disappointed in the way they handled winning. I mean, for as much as everybody said they expected them to win, they didn't act like it. But that's neither here nor there. They're playing next week and we're not.

“I think what got LT, and I was right there, was just a little of the taunting. Hey, celebrate – we'd have been sprinting on the field, too, I guarantee you. But it was a little finger pointing and I don't know where it came from.”

The teams will play in Foxboro next season, and Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips said he can't wait.

“Every time I will play New England it will be a personal grudge,” Phillips said. “That was very classless. . . . When we went in and beat their head in New England (last season), blew them out (41-17), we did nothing but compliment them and say they were a good team. We would never disrespect a team like that. We have class, and that's how classless individuals are. Shaun Phillips will have a grudge against them the rest of his career.”

Added Phillips: “What it is, they didn't expect to win and they won, so they were excited.”

The Patriots were not available to answer the Chargers' comments, although linebacker Rosevelt Colvin said San Diego's players “talked from the beginning to the end. We'll take the win.”