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Top 6 Storylines For Colts vs. Patriots In AFC Championship Game

Top 6 Storylines For Colts vs. Patriots In AFC Championship Game

Andrew Luck Tom Brady AFC Championship Game
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

We have our AFC Championship Game sliced, toasted and buttered. After bouncing the Denver Broncos from the playoffs, the Indianapolis Colts will face the New England Patriots for the AFC title. The stakes are airplane tickets to Glendale, Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX. Here are six storylines to keep in mind as kickoff approaches.

6. Tom Brady Defending the Quarterback Throne

Tom Brady New England Patriots
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

6. Tom Brady Defending the Quarterback Throne

Tom Brady New England Patriots
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Peyton Manning had his shot; now it’s up to Brady to hold off Andrew Luck, the representative of the next generation of great NFL quarterbacks. If Luck cruises past both of the old guys in this postseason, a changing of the guard will have taken place at the top tier of the NFL’s passing ranks. if Brady is able to triumph over Luck, however, then the narrative will revolve around Brady’s sustained greatness.

5. Andrew Luck Overcoming His Patriots Problem

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

5. Andrew Luck Overcoming His Patriots Problem

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

In three career games against the Patriots, including a Divisional Round game last postseason, Luck has been on the losing side. For him to reach the next level toward the quarterback pantheon, Luck needs to beat the Patriots. Of course, Luck isn’t the first Colts quarterback to struggle against a Bill Belichick-coached Patriots team early in his career …

4. Patriots’ Run Game Becoming More Involved

LeGarrette Blount New England Patriots
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

4. Patriots’ Run Game Becoming More Involved

LeGarrette Blount New England Patriots
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Granted, running the ball was not part of the game plan against the Ravens (they rushed for a whopping 14 yards), but the Patriots must utilize their ground attack better in the AFC Championship Game. The Colts’ secondary is no joke; the Pats can’t rely on Brady having a field day against the likes of Vontae Davis and Greg Toler. LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, Brandon Bolden, Shane Vereen — it doesn’t matter who, but someone has to get going.

3. Colts’ Secondary Keeping Up the Good Work

Vontae Davis Indianapolis Colts
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

3. Colts’ Secondary Keeping Up the Good Work

Vontae Davis Indianapolis Colts
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Indy’s defensive backs need to be highlighted. Vontae Davis, Greg Toler and others held Peyton Manning to 211 yards passing and allowed completions on just over half of his throws. Keep an eye on Darius Butler, who the Patriots drafted in the second round back in 2009. Davis, a Pro Bowler, will bring his 19 passes defended in the regular season into an enticing matchup with Brandon LaFell.

2. Wealth of Colts’ Offensive Weapons Paying Dividends

T.Y. Hilton Indianapolis Colts
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Wealth of Colts’ Offensive Weapons Paying Dividends

T.Y. Hilton Indianapolis Colts
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

T.Y. Hilton isn’t the only public enemy for the Patriots entering Sunday’s showdown. Hakeem Nicks had himself a game against the Broncos, and rookie Donte Moncrief cannot be underestimated. At the tight end position, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen present a threat as well. Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty and the rest of the Patriots’ secondary will have their hands full.

1. Patriots’ Pass Rush Reemerging

Chandler Jones New England Patriots
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

1. Patriots’ Pass Rush Reemerging

Chandler Jones New England Patriots
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots failed to sack Joe Flacco on Sunday, and it nearly cost them the game. It is paramount that the Pats find ways to pressure Luck. He may be the future of the position, but Luck is very prone to mental errors when under duress, as evidenced by his 16 interceptions in the regular season. A big game out of Chandler Jones would go a long way toward the Patriots securing the victory.

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