This Week
The New England Patriots host the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Patriots (8-3) are 4-1 at The Razor, 0-0 against the AFC South and 6-2 in the conference. The Colts (0-11) are 0-5 on the road, 0-0 vs. the AFC East and 0-7 against the AFC.
The Line/Prediction
As of Thursday the line on the game from Yahoo! Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 21. The over under is 48.
My Prediction is Patriots 45, Colts, 10. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 7-3-1 against the spread and 7 of 11 on calling the over/under in 2011.
Tickets
The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 189th consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.
Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.
After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.
Getting to the Game
If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.
Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.
Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking and information and map and a Gillette Stadium seating chart.
Tailgating
Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.
And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.
Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
CBS is televising the game regionally and Marv Albert will do play by play while Rich Gannon will provide the game analysis. You can look here for your local affiliate.
The DirecTV designation is Channel 708.
Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules, flex scheduling and commercial breaks.
Radio
The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Gil Santos handles the play-by-play, former Patriot Gino Cappelletti does the color and new this year Scott Zolak will man the sidelines. It all starts with Gary Tanguay, Andy Gresh and Zolak with the pregame show at 10 a.m. along the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.
If you are outside the broadcast are of the stations on the Patriots Radio Network you can purchase NFL Field Pass, which allows you to listen to any game live. You can also pick which teams broadcasters you want to listen to.
All NFL Games are also available on Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio also carries all the NFL games under a special additional package. They usually only carry the home team feed.
The Patriots radio network call is available on Sirius Channel 93, XM Channel 226 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 879.
The Colts Radio Network has Bob Lamey calling the game while former Colt Will Wolford provides the game analysis via their flagship station WFNI. Their call is available on Sirius Channel 132 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 874.
Sports Radio USA will broadcast the game to its national affiliates. Larry Kahn and Ross Tucker will call the game.
Patriots All Access
Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.
- Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
- Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
- Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
- Portland ME on WMTW Sunday at 5 a.m.
- Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
- Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
- Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.
You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.
To continue reading the Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots week 13 preview, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
Last Week
The Patriots beat down the Eagles on the road 38-20; while the Colts lost to the Panthers, 27-19 at home.
History
- This is the 75th meeting between the Patriots and the Colts since the 1970 merger.
- Since 2001, these teams have represented the AFC in 6 Super Bowls winning four.
- The Patriots lead the overall series 45-29, which includes a 2-1 post season advantage.
- The Colts have won 5 of the last 7 meetings.
- The Patriots won the last meeting Week 11 in 2010 at Foxboro, 31-28 when a late defensive stand and pick of Peyton Manning sealed the win.
Patriots Team Notes
Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
2011 Patriots Schedule/Results
The Patriots overall franchise record is 407-366-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in six appearances. They last appeared in the playoffs in 2010 when they lost at home to the New York Jets in the AFC Divisional Playoff, 28-21. They last appeared in a Super Bowl in 2007 losing to the New York Giants 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. They won the AFC Conference championship that season with playoff wins over Jacksonville and San Diego.
The Patriots are the defending two-time AFC East Champions; they have won the division 8 times since 2000.
The Patriots are dedicating the 2011 season to the memory of Myra Hiatt Kraft, the late wife of owner Robert Kraft. Every Patriots player and coach will honor Myra’s memory by wearing a patch with her initials on it in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the local and global community and her influence on the charitable mission of the entire Patriots organization. The patch will be worn on the left chest of every player throughout the season.
New England is 25-12 vs. the Colts at home, 4-2 at Gillette Stadium.
This is the second straight meeting at Gillette Stadium after a streak of four in a row in Indianapolis.
New England is 37-5 in December games since 2001. That’s the best in the NFL in that time period.
The Patriots are 18-1 at Gillette Stadium in December overall they are 71-15 at the Razor.
The Patriots defense has allowed opponents to convert 42% of the time on 3rd down, while the offense has a 3rd down conversion rate of 45%.
The New England defense has sacked the opponents quarterback 25 times in 11 games.
The Patriots are 3rd in the NFL in points per game with 30.1. While they allow 20.3 points per game good for 11th in the NFL.
New England is PLUS 6 in turnover differential, 6th best in the NFL. The offense has given up 10 INT and 5 fumbles, while the defense has 16 INT and 5 fumble recoveries.
Patriots Staff Notes
This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Jets.
Bill Belichick is 11-8 vs. the Colts in his career. He is 9-6 against them as the head coach in New England and that includes a 2-1 post season record.
Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 170-97 in 16 NFL seasons. He is 134-53 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 15-6 in the playoffs, 14-5 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 185-103.
Belichick’s 185 wins are good for 9th all-time. Chuck Knox, who coached the Rams, Bills and Seahawks, is 8th all-time with 193.
He was named NFL Coach of the Year for the 3rd time in 2010.
Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are current Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).
Patriots Possible Starters
Offense:
- LT: Light
- LG: Mankins
- C: Wendell
- RG: Waters
- RT: Solder
- TE: R. Gronkowski
- TE: Hernandez
- WR: Branch
- WR: Welker
- QB: Brady
- RB: Green-Ellis
Defense:
- DE: Deaderick
- DT: Wilfork
- DT: Love
- DE: Carter
- LB: Mayo
- LB: White
- LB: Ninkovich
- LCB: Jones
- RCB: Arrington
- S: Moore
- S: Ihedigbo
Patriots Players Notes
This is Tom Brady’s 12th NFL season he is 8-4 against Indianapolis in his career including the playoffs.
Overall Brady is 119-34 as a starting QB and is 14-5 in the playoffs for an overall record of 133-39. Brady is a 6 time Pro Bowl QB; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
In 2010 Brady won his second NFL MVP and he was the first unanimous winner in league history.
Brady has thrown 28 TD’s and 10 INT’s while being sacked 20 times in 11 games.
Brady has 289 TD passes in his career he is now 8th all-time. Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas is 7th with 290 and Warren Moon is 6th with 291.
Brady has 119 career wins he is tied with Johnny Unitas for 6th all-time. Fran Tarkenton is 5th with 124.
Brady is now 14th all-time in career passing yards (38,371) after passing Dave Krieg last Sunday in Philadelphia.
WR Wes Welker now has catches in 93 consecutive games including playoffs, 76 as a Patriot. The last time Welker did not have a catch in a game was 12/24/05 as a Dolphin.
TE Rob Gronkowski has 11 TD catches in 2011. The NFL record for TD’s by a tight end in a season is 13 shared by Vernon Davis (San Francisco – 2009) and Antonio Gates (San Diego –2004).
DE Andre Carter had a half sack last week he leads the team with 9. DE Mark Anderson has 1.5 sacks he now has 7 on the season, good for 2nd on the team.
Carter leads the defense with 19 quarterback hits, Anderson is 2nd with 9 hits.
Anderson, Wilfork, Carter and LB Jerod Mayo have each forced a fumble this season while Ninkovich, DT Kyle Love and DE Gerard Warren have each recovered an opponent’s fumble.
CB Kyle Arrington leads the team and the NFL with 7 INT’s.
CB Devin McCourty leads the team in tackles with 61, S Patrick Chung is 2nd with 60.
WR Jackie Slater leads the team in special teams tackles with 13, while LB Tracy White has 12.
On Tuesday the Patriots released CB Philip Adams. The team has signed CB Nathan Jones to take Adams roster spot. Jones played his college ball at Rutgers and was a 7th round pick by Dallas in 2004. He has also played with Denver and Miami (twice).
On Wednesday the following players were on the injury list: T Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot) was the only player held out of practice. S Patrick Chung (foot); C Dan Connolly (groin); WR Julian Edelman (back); LB Dane Fletcher (thumb); LB Gary Guyton (shoulder); S James Ihedigbo (shoulder); T Matt Light (ankle); CB Devin McCourty (shoulder); CB Antwaun Molden (concussion); WR Chad Ochocinco (hamstring); WR Taylor Price (hamstring); WR Matthew Slater (shoulder); LB Brandon Spikes (MCL) and C Ryan Wendell (calf) were all limited. G Brian Waters (knee) participated fully.
On Thursday the following players were on the injury list: T Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot) and LB Brandon Spikes (MCL) did not practice. RB Danny Woodhead (abdomen) and RB Shane Vereen (hamstring) were added and were limited in practice. Also limited was S Patrick Chung (foot); C Dan Connolly (groin); WR Julian Edelman (back); LB Dane Fletcher (thumb); LB Gary Guyton (shoulder); S James Ihedigbo (shoulder); T Matt Light (ankle); CB Devin McCourty (shoulder); CB Antwaun Molden (concussion); WR Chad Ochocinco (hamstring); WR Taylor Price (hamstring); WR Matthew Slater (shoulder) and OL Ryan Wendell (calf). G Brian Waters (knee) participated fully.
The Patriots have five New England natives on the roster they are: LB Niko Koutouvides (Plainville CT); TE Aaron Hernandez (Bristol CT); OL Donald Thomas (New Haven CT); S James Ihedigbo (Northampton MA) and DE Ron Brace (Worcester MA). They have 11 players who played for a New England school or a Big East Conference member. They are: WR Deion Branch (Louisville); S James Ihedigbo (UMass); CB Nathan Jones (Rutgers); C Dan Koppen (Boston College – IR); CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers); NT Vince Wilfork (Miami), OL Donald Thomas (UConn); DE Mike Wright (Cincinnati – IR); DE Ron Brace (Boston College); WR Tiquan Underwood (Rutgers) and DE Alex Silvestro (Rutgers – Practice Squad).
The Patriots have 7 retired numbers: 20 – Gino Cappelletti, 40 – Mike Haynes, 73 – John Hannah, 78 – Bruce Armstrong, 79 – Jim Lee Hunt and 89 – Bob Dee.
Pro Bowl voting is open until December 19th, cast your votes for deserving players.
Colts Team Notes
Here is the Colts roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
Indianapolis’ all-time record is 451-407-7 they are 19-20 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 2010 when they lost to the New York Jets in the AFC Division game. They last won the AFC Championship in 2009 by beating Baltimore in the AFC Division Card game and the New York Jets in the AFC Championship game. They lost to New Orleans in Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17. They have won 2 Super Bowls (V, XLI) in 4 appearances.
The Colts hold the NFL record for most consecutive wins (regular season and playoffs) with 23. New England had owned the record with 21.
Despite not being in the same division since 2001, the two teams have met at least once in 9 consecutive seasons.
Indianapolis is 2-9 as the road team since Manning took over as Colts QB in 1998, they are 2-4 in Gillette Stadium.
The Colts are 7-16 in the last 23 games vs. the Patriots dating back to 1996.
Indianapolis is 29-15 in December games since 2001 it’s the 4th best record in the league in the time span.
Since 2000 the Colts have the third best record in the NFL at 134-71.
In 1986 Indianapolis started out 0-13 then fire coach Ron Dowhower and replaced him with former New England head coach Ron Meyer. They finished 3-13.
Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts, is the host stadium for Super Bowl XLVI. Once again the host team won’t be playing on that day.
The Colts defense has allowed opponents to convert 47.7% of the time on 3rd down, while the offense has a 3rd down conversion rate of 32.4%.
The Indianapolis defense has sacked the opponents quarterback 18 times in 11 games.
The Colts are 30th in the NFL in points per game with 13.6. While they allow 29.7 points per game good for 32nd in the NFL.
Indianapolis is MINUS 11 in turnover differential, tied for 31st in the NFL. The offense has given up 10 INT and 11 fumbles, while the defense has 5 INT and 5 fumble recoveries.
Colts Staff Notes
Read what Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell had to say to the New England media about the match up.
Indianapolis head coach Jim Caldwell is in his 3rd season with the team, he is 24-19 since taking over and is 2-2 in the playoffs for an overall record of 26-21.
Caldwell is 1-1 vs. New England in his career.
Indianapolis fired their defensive coordinator Larry Coyer on Tuesday.
With the team winless with 5 games left Caldwell may very well be in danger of losing his job despite losing QB Peyton Manning for the season and several other starters.
Caldwell took the Colts to the Super Bowl in his first season as a NFL head coach and led Indianapolis to its best start to a season (14-0) in his first year. He could be the first coach to also lead a team to its worst start (0-14).
According to his Wikipedia page Caldwell “doesn’t blink, show emotion or speak, as he thinks in binary.”
Colts Players Notes
Colts will start back up QB Dan Orlovsky on Sunday against the Patriots. It will be Orlovsky’s first start of 2011. He has played in parts of 3 games this season.
Orlovsky was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 5th round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of UConn. He is in his 7th NFL season having spent 4 years in Detroit and 2 years with Houston before coming to Indianapolis this season.
He is 0-7 in his career with all his previous starts coming with the Lions in 2008.
Orlovsky is officially the 3rd starting QB for the Colts who have also used QB Curtis Painter (0-10) and QB Kerry Collins (0-1) to start games in the absence of QB Peyton Manning.
If the Colts finish winless Orlovsky would have the distinction of having started games for both 0-16 teams (Detroit 2008).
Prior to missing the 2011 season Manning was 7-12 against the Patriots.
Manning (2008, 2009) or Brady (2007, 2010) have won the last 4 NFL MVP Awards.
Former UConn LB Scott Lutrus was added to the 53-man roster on Tuesday when he was signed off the St. Louis Rams practice squad.
Former Patriots K Adam Vinatieri; LB A.J. Edds and T Quinn Ojinnaka return to Foxboro as Colts.
The 3rd Gronkowski brother, Chris, is a RB for the Colts but he will not play as he is on the IR with a shoulder injury.
The Colts have declared TE Dallas Clark and Manning out for Sunday. Not participating in practice on Thursday was G Ryan Diem (knee); TE Brody Eldridge (hand); WR Anthony Gonzalez (groin); RB Ryan Mahaffey (concussion); DE Robert Mathis (non-injury); DT Drake Nevis (back) and G Joe Reitz (knee). DE Dwight Freeney (non-injury) and C Jeff Saturday (knee) both returned to full practice.
Indianapolis captains for 2011 are: Manning; WR Reggie Wayne; LB Gary Brackett; S Melvin Bullitt and Vinatieri.
There are 14 players on the Colts roster from Big East universities and New England based colleges. They are: LB Gary Brackett (Rutgers – IR); RB Donald Brown (UConn); RB Delone Carter (Syracuse); T Anthony Castanzo (Boston College); DT Eric Foster (Rutgers – IR); DE Dwight Freeney (Syracuse); DB Joe Lefeged (Rutgers); T Jeff Linkenbach (Cincinnati); LB Scott Lutrus (UConn); DT Ricardo Matthews (Cincinnati); P Pat McAfee (WVU); T Quinn Ojinnaka (Syracuse); QB Dan Orlovsky (UConn) and T James Williams (Harvard – IR)
The Colts have retired the following numbers: 19 – Johnny Unitas; 22 – Buddy Young; 24 – Lenny Moore; 70 – Art Donovan; 77 – Jim Parker; 82 – Raymond Berry and 89 – Gino Marchetti.
Next Week
The Patriots visit the Washington Redskins next Sunday at FedEx Field in Landover MD. Kick off is at 1 p.m. on CBS.
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