In order for the Patriots to secure a victory in Germany they'll need to punkten (score points). Unlike most recent games, 25 points might not be enough to beat the Colts.
PUNKTEN- Although they also have a losing record, the Colts are averaging 25.8 points per game this year. That is more than one touchdown more than they averaged last year (17 ppg). This Colts' high point total is the result of a consistent offensive output. Their lowest offensive output came against the Jaguars when they scored 20 points. Since that anemic offensive showing they've scored 38, 27, and 27 points respectively. Other than scoring 29 against Buffalo, the Patriots haven't put up comparable numbers this season. As a matter of fact, you have to go back to last season to find two more games which are comparable to what the Colts have done lately.
CLEAN UP SPECIAL TEAMS- Yes, there have been some ridiculous penalties and fines levied against the Patriots special teams unit lately. Nevertheless, they've still had their share of miscues. One of the things the Patriots have consistently struggled with all season is punt returns. While they haven't had highlight worthy miscues, their questionable decision-making on when to field punts is driving me crazy. Of course last week when they finally made the correct decision to take a touchback, Schooler got called on a weak holding call putting them inside their 10 as usual. If they could just go with a simple formula of not fielding the ball inside their own 10, I'd be happy.
RED ZONE- One year after being the worst offense in the red zone, the Patriots are now one of the best. Of course since they seem to avoid that part of the field like the plague, it hasn't mattered a whole lot. Of Mac's 9 interceptions this season, 7 have come between the opponents' 49 and 20 yard lines. If the Patriots could just make it into the red zone more than twice per game they could probably average more than 15 points. When approaching the red zone their most productive players have been the tight ends.
FAST START- The Patriots have had a lot of slow starts. With a game that is at 9:30 in the morning, they better be ready to go or it could be a long bye week. The Colts have no problem running the ball once they get ahead in a game. Of course the Colts run defense isn't that great, so if the Patriots could take an early lead they might be able to use a lot of clock as well.
IT'S THE PITTS- Michael Pittman hasn't done much damage against the Patriots in their previous meetings. He is coming off a week where he caught all 8 of the balls thrown his direction. Since both Alec Pierce and Josh Downs were limited this week in practice, Pittman is likely to be the most likely deep threat.
FAST START- The Patriots have had a lot of slow starts. With a game that is at 9:30 in the morning, they better be ready to go or it could be a long bye week. The Colts have no problem running the ball once they get ahead in a game. Of course the Colts run defense isn't that great, so if the Patriots could take an early lead they might be able to use a lot of clock as well.
IT'S THE PITTS- Michael Pittman hasn't done much damage against the Patriots in their previous meetings. He is coming off a week where he caught all 8 of the balls thrown his direction. Since both Alec Pierce and Josh Downs were limited this week in practice, Pittman is likely to be the most likely deep threat.
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