Patriots Prepare To Host Colts In AFC Championship Game
Monday, January 12, 2015
The 2014 AFC Championship game is set. The New England Patriots will play host to the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at 6:40 PM. New England won the right to host the AFC Championship game after defeating the Baltimore Ravens 35-31 while the Colts advanced after defeating the Denver Broncos 24-13.
This will not be the first time these teams have met this season. The Patriots took the first meeting 42-20 in Indianapolis behind a breakout game from Jonas Gray.
Looking Back
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe last time the Patriots and Colts took the field was on November 16 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Patriots were in the midst of a five game run that put New England against five of the top teams in the NFL, at the time. The Colts game came in Week 11, immediately after the Patriots’ Bye Week.
The game was billed as a chance for the Colts to show their mettle against the NFL’s elite. That plan did not work for the Colts as the Patriots rode a four rushing touchdown game from Jonas Gray. Gray finished the game with 37 carries for 201 yards and four touchdowns in just his 4th career game and 2nd career start.
Tom Brady took a back seat to the running game that week, throwing for just 257 yards and two touchdowns. Andrew Luck, on the other hand, was the main attraction for the Colts. Luck finished the game 23-39 for 303 yards and two touchdowns. Luck was also the Colts leading rusher with 15 yards on three carries.
Luck’s favorite target on the night was tight end Colby Fleener. He dominated the middle of the field for seven catches and 144 yards. The Colts also used some deception on the Patriots in the game, completing a touchdown pass to left tackle Anthony Castonzo.
Clear Rushing Pattern
The November game was not the only time the Patriots dominated the Colts on the ground. As a team, the Patriots averaged 174.5 yards per game and four touchdowns per game rushing. This includes a 166-yard, four-touchdown game from LeGarrette Blount in the 2013 AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Each of the three games have been huge Patriots wins — winning by 35 in 2012, 21 in 2013 and 22 earlier this season.
Preparing for a Battle
The Patriots will be participating in their 4th consecutive AFC Championship while the Colts will be participating in their first AFC Championship since the 2009 season, and for the first time with Andrew Luck under center.
Although the Patriots hold a clear advantage in the experience category, they know that Luck is a dangerous quarterback and that the Colts have been gaining experience with each of their recent wins.
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