Colts vs. Patriots

I don't usually attempt sportswriting, but I can't let this sit any longer.

Colts vs. Patriots. In Foxboro.

You'd think the Colts shouldn't even bother to show up. All we keep hearing about is how Belichick owns Manning, how the weather will be a nemesis to the "dome team", how Indy's 28th ranked defense is like swiss cheese and how all Brady does is win.

But let me get this straight: the two primary pieces of evidence are last year's AFC championship game and this season's opener. Both Colt's losses. Both at Foxboro.

In last year's AFC championship game Manning tossed four (count 'em, four) interceptions, James had a fumble, and the Colts high-snapped a punt into the end-zone for a safety. The Patriots were on a roll, playing on a muddy field in cold, windy conditions. All these advantages--weather, conditions, and turnovers--led to: that's right...a 10-point victory.

Fast forward to Week 1 this year. The Pats are defending champs opening up on their home-turn against the Colts. What does Indy do again? Manning throws a pick, two fumbles by Edge (one on the goaline), and a late sack of Manning drives the Colts outside of chip-shot field goal range. Then, of course, Vandy misses the 48 yarder that would have sent the game into overtime. All these miscues led to: that's right...a 3-point victory.

So you mean to tell me that The Pats need three turnovers and a missed field goal to win by 3? Or that they need four picks and a safety plus a muddy snowstorm to win by 10?

Over the last two games between these two the Colts have handed the Pats every conceivable advantage and the total point differential is 13? Why not 40?

Yeah, the Patriots are terrific. Yes, Manning played awful in last year's Championship game. But really, will the Colts forever be destined to lay eggs in New England? Perhaps.

Clearly this game should be competitive from the beginning. It will likely be close. In fact, no outcome will surprise me. But viewing the Pats as a sure thing or thinking that the Colts are somehow fated to futility is asinine. Someday the Colts will play the Patriots well. When Manning plays even average football, when Edge can hold onto the ball, when Vandy makes his field goals, when Brady makes that inexplicable pass, when a Patriot DB falls down in coverage, when Dillon drops the ball...someday these Colts will win. And that day could be Sunday. That's how the vaunted Patriots could lose a playoff game on their home turf.

Come on...New England fans should know this. Given that the Red Sox won the World Series obvioulsy anything is possible--even a Colts victory in New England.