Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - Indianapolis Colts Crossover Special with Locked On Patriots

Episode Date: December 16, 2021

It's the latest installment of our Locked On NFL Crossover Special! Locked On Colts x Locked On Patriots gets you ready for a gigantic matchup in the AFC on Saturday night.Who comes out on top? What are the biggest keys to the game? After going in-depth on both teams, we provide predictions as well.This is a must-listen, Colts fans! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Colts, your daily Indianapolis Colts podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello everybody, welcome to your latest Locked On NFL crossover special for I think arguably the best game here for this weekend's slate. I am Evan Sidery, the host of Locked On Colts, joined by Mike DeBate, the host of Locked On Patriots. We are here today on a Wednesday afternoon as we're recording this to go over I think one of the best games of the entire month of December, Mike. Colts versus Patriots, the rivalry is back on, so to say. Huge game for both sides here in Indianapolis on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium. month of December, Mike. Colts versus Patriots. The rivalry is back on, so to say. A huge game for both sides here in Indianapolis on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium. How are you doing today?

I'm doing great, Evan. It's always an honor to join you here on the microphone for these crossovers. And the Colts games are always ones that I know Patriots fans get up for. I know the Patriots players get up for it. I know it's the same on the side of the Indianapolis Colts. That rivalry is still there. A lot of respect between these two teams. I know it's the same on the side of the Indianapolis Colts. That rivalry is still there. A lot of respect between these two teams. I think two of the hottest teams in football right now. They're peaking at the right time, both playing their best football. This one on Saturday night has the makings of a seasonal classic. I, for one, can't wait to watch this game and to cover this game and to be able to absorb everything that we're going to see on

Saturday. Absolutely. We're going to start off the show today, I'm going to ask you some Patriots questions, then you'll ask me some Colts questions, then we'll end the show today talking through our keys to the game and predictions. So let's start off here, Mike, about the Patriots. And if I would have told you about eight or so months ago, when we knew that Tom Brady was leaving New England, and the Patriots would be the number one seed heading into around Christmas time. What would you have told me back then if Tom Brady left

and the Patriots were in the position they're in right now? I probably would have told you that that was wishful thinking on anybody's part, especially Patriots fans, to think that one year removed from the departure of Tom Brady and everything that went on last season with all of the opt-outs and all of the difficulty in terms of finding their offensive rhythm and Cam Newton going on COVID reserve for a period of time. There was so much upheaval in New England. And especially after watching Tom celebrate a Super Bowl title with the Bucs last year, Patriots fans thought they were in for lean times for many years to come, but they spent uncharacteristically high in the offseason,

really went after a lot of free agents, not necessarily the biggest names out there on the market, although they did sign big name free agents to really lucrative deals, but the Patriots went after the right free agents. They targeted areas that really were deficient in 2020, and they made the best of their cap space and really put it to good use, signing guys like Matthew Judon to come in and really revolutionize the linebacking core, signing a tight end like Hunter Henry, who really is that prototypical wide tight end that can give you options in the middle part of the field, be a threat in the red zone, and also drop back and be a very capable blocker. Sean Smith has struggled a little bit this year early on,

had a shoulder injury, but he's starting to come on as of late and starting to round into form. So the Patriots definitely used free agency to their advantage. And then of course they use the draft to their advantage. And that was really, I think the biggest hurdle in putting them over the top. Drafting Mac Jones at number 15 has definitely paid dividends for them. Christian Barmore in the second round has really helped to shore up the run defense and the pass

defense and that front seven. And then you look at someone like Ramondre Stevenson, who came in as a third rounder and a running back. He's helped to be able to satisfy the running game. So the Patriots are winning with a familiar formula. It's solid complementary football on both sides of the ball. And then of course, exemplary coaching from Bill Belichick. So it happened a lot quicker than a lot of people thought it was going to, but in New England, they'll take it. If it's a one year absence from the playoffs, that's not too bad for a rebuild. Let's talk about how aggressive the Patriots were this off season, Mike. You go out and spend, I believe, $175 million in guaranteed money in free NCAA. Big curveball from what we've seen from the Patriots in the past. Did that throw you off guard a little bit, and how do you think

it's paid off? I mean, certainly look at the AFC standings right now. It definitely is paying its dividends already. Yeah, absolutely, without any question. Look, especially in the first couple of days, the initial legal tampering period that is put together now in the league, you look at what they did and how many names were coming out and how many signings they were having. I was a busy guy that day for the Lockdown Network doing a lot of different videos for the Lockdown Podcast Network, announcing new deals and terms and details. I was surprised by the aggression that the Patriots showed.

It's definitely atypical for a Bill Belichick coach team and a Bill Belichick run team as the GM. He's usually very frugal, very prudent. He'll lie back. He'll take some of the outliers. He'll look for guys that are the right fit for his system, not necessarily the biggest names out there, but guys that can come in and fit in and play well. We've seen him do it throughout his 20-year tenure in New England, but this year, the Patriots had cap space available. They had

the ability to go out and target the players that they knew could come in and make an immediate impact. For everyone that wants to say, oh, Belichick's cheaper, he doesn't want to pay, I definitely point you to the $175 million that you just mentioned in terms of giving contracts out. Really, it broke a team record in terms of spending over $160 million in guaranteed money. Very uncharacteristic, very unpatriot-like. But what was patriot-like about it is the fact that these guys were the right players at the right time and what they needed. So Belichick just pressed the right buttons this year, and he did it in a way that not a lot of people saw coming, but you really can't argue with the results so far. There really haven't been a whole lot of free agent busts for the New England Patriots. Some have performed better than others, but really they're getting contributions from almost every one of the 11

free agents that they signed to either return to the Patriots, guys like Kyle Vannoy and Ted Karras, or some of the newcomers that I mentioned before, like a Hunter Henry or a Matt Judon. Let's go to Mack Jones now, Mike, because the way he's played so far this year has been nothing short of incredible for the Patriots. Helped him get back on top.

He didn't do much against Buffalo, but when the running game was rolling like it was in those conditions, you can't blame Bill Belichick for only having him throw for 19 yards in that game. But total so far this season, almost 3,000 yards, two to one touchdown interception ratio, 16 touchdowns, eight interceptions, almost a 100 QB rating and 97.0. What's been your assessments of Mac Jones so far this year in year one? I have to imagine year two and beyond, the playbook's going to expand even more for him, and it's going to be a smooth ship sailing, so to say,

for the Mac Jones era, even after this season. Absolutely. I mean, Evan, the Patriots clearly made the right call in selecting Mac with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. For all the offseason discussion that went on, and there was a lot of it, especially up here in New England, that the Patriots wanted to move away from their traditional passing game, that they really wanted to try to incorporate more runs, more zone reads, more RPO into what they do and their repertoire,

especially knowing that they had re-signed Cam Newton to come back and what we thought was going to be the starting position for the Patriots in 2021, the aerial attack really remained the same. It remained that timing-based system predicated on vertical routes and the completions from the quick, accurate throws where the receiver can get it. What Mack has done so well, and really I think what he did was build on exactly what he did in Alabama. He ran a very similar type of system under Nick Saban there.

And now what he's done is he's taken it to that next level. Matt Jones is not only putting the ball where the receiver can get it, he's putting the ball where the receiver can get it and create plays by leading his receivers under the defense, releasing the ball quickly, delivering it accurately. And that has really provided the playmakers that the Patriots have on offense whether it be the wide receivers like Jacoby Myers or someone like Nelson Aguilar or Kendrick Bourne a newcomer in the system who's really done a tremendous job for the Pats this

year or their tight end sets when they run with John O'Smith out of the backfield or they try to get Hunter Henry available in the red zone he provides them with the space they need to catch and run with the football. And really, it all starts from just showing poise, I think, beyond his years. Mack has really looked very comfortable in the pocket. When he's had the maneuver out of the pocket, he's also looked like he has some comfort level there. He's a little more athletic than people give him credit for. I'm not saying he's going to win any type of quarterback athletic competitions anytime soon, but he's got a little

more athleticism than people will give him credit for. There are times when the decision-making is very rookie-like, and there will be times where we'll continue to see that. But overall, the quarterback position in New England is definitely in the right hands, you know, and it will be for many years to come as long as they have Mac Jones calling signals in New England. A guy who's helped Mac Jones get to this point this year, and a guy who I think is not going to have a big welcome on Saturday night is Josh McDaniels, the Patriots offensive coordinator. We know the history there, him backing out of the Colts job last minute,

but do you feel like, Mike, is there ever going to be another opportunity here soon where Josh McDaniels goes out and tries to get another head coaching job here soon? Because he's proving it again this year with the rookie quarterback in Matt Jones. I think he is ready again to be a head coach. Or is at this point, do you think from your perspective, he's going to wait out with Bill Belichick and be the next guy up, so to say, in New England whenever that happens? You know, Evan, it's going to sound like a cop-out for this,

but I think that could go either way. Look, bottom line with McDaniels in terms of what happened with Indianapolis, I think a lot of teams, and they still may be, and for good reason. I can understand where Indianapolis fans are coming from on that. You're gun-shy when it comes to pulling the trigger and hiring someone like that. There have been circumstances before where McDaniels has been interested in a job and then all of a sudden pulled back out or said he's not interested. Obviously, Indianapolis being the most high profile and really the deepest into that situation where he was essentially de facto named the head

coach. And then all of a sudden you find out he's going to come back and he's going to be the offensive coordinator in New England. That could limit his options. But for all intents and purposes, this is a business where you can never really say never. So I do think there may be suitors out there for his services, especially when they look at this year, what he's been able to do with Mac Jones in such a short period of time. He's proving that he is a very, very good offensive minded coach and has the capability of working with players and getting the most out of time. He's proving that he is a very, very good offensive-minded coach and has the capability of working with players and getting the most out of them. When it comes to whether or not he's going

to wait it out with Bill Belichick here, there's so many different theories and so many different options on the table right now in terms of what the Patriots may do when Bill decides that his coaching days have run their, and he's ready to move on into retirement, will it be Steve Belichick that takes that, you know, mantra from his father, and will he become a head coach? We've heard, you know, several players, including the Hall of Famer Ty Law the other day saying that he believes that he may be in line for a coaching, you know, position very soon, you know, meaning Steve Belichick, the younger son of Bill Belichick, and also Gerard Mayo, who's on the coaching staff right now as well, may be in line for a coaching

spot. So it's not necessarily a slam dunk that the keys to the kingdom will be handed over to Josh. You always have to strike when the iron is hot in the NFL. And if Josh has the right opportunity with the right quarterback and the right system, it wouldn't surprise me to see him make the move if he feels that it's in his best interest. Right now, his best interest has been remaining in New England. I don't see that changing in the immediate future, but a lot can change between now and the start of next season if a particular job were to open up that McDaniels would find appealing and if the team finds him appealing as well. Don't forget, what happened in Indianapolis does definitely weigh on the minds of teams that are going to hire new head coaches.

And for all intents and purposes, a lot of these teams out there have long memories because of it. Last question I had for you in the first segment, Mike, about this Patriots team entering into Saturday's game as the number one seed in the AFC. How do you feel they stack up this year in the AFC? It feels so wide open now, where if I would have told you a month ago, Mike, the Colts would be in this and maybe potentially a top three or four team in the AFC, I would have said you're crazy myself. But this Patriots team right now is rolling on all cylinders it's a huge game on Saturday but even outside of Saturday's game Mike do you feel like the Patriots getting home field

advantage if they do get that opportunity how important is that for this team because if they do get home field advantage back during the Brady days almost it feels like to me where if they get home field advantage you have two two games in Foxborough to get to the Super Bowl it feels like this team's gonna be really hard to stop with their offense and their defense and Bill Belichick himself what What's your thoughts on the New England this year and how do they stack up in the AFC? I think right now they stack up in the AFC with the elite teams that are at the top of the conference. And I put Indianapolis in that list as well. I know the record of seven and six right now doesn't place them in the echelon of

the Patriots or the Kansas City Chiefs or the Tennessee Titans, who are all nine and four, but I think Indy has played phenomenal football, especially in the last few weeks. I think they're solid at all three levels on defense. They have a much more versatile offense than people give them credit for. They're very well coached by Frank Reich, so I look at the Patriots in that vein and that type of, you know, mold with the Colts, with the Chiefs, obviously, who really are starting to reemerge as a dual threat team. You see that defense has really shored things up.

They look to be formidable. Of course, you can never discount an offense led by Patrick Mahomes and some of the weapons he has at his disposal. If Tennessee can get Derrick Henry back for the stretch run, that all of a sudden opens things up for them, and they can become a formidable unit. We've seen what that defense can do. If those offensive pieces start to come back, they're going to be a tough team. So those right now, I think, are the four teams that I'd put New England right in that mix, but I haven't seen a team that has really emerged as that dominant team that really

is going to be the gauntlet throw for other teams and the standard bearer for everyone to get through. In terms of the first round buy, I think it's really something that every team would love to have. You always want that week off, and because there's only one, it's going to be so coveted. The Patriots have built a little bit differently this year. They actually, believe it or not, had struggled more at home than they did on the road up until recently. So this could be a team that might be able to be built equally on the road or in Foxborough, but there's still that playoff mystique that exists through Gillette Stadium. So if the Patriots were to get it, yeah, I think that puts them in the driver's seat for being the toughest team to beat, but I still don't think it means an automatic push button to the Super Bowl or through the playoffs.

There are some very good teams in the AFC right now, and really, I think the conference is wide open. Great stuff there, Mike, as always going over to the New England Patriots there. We'll be back in just a second here after our quick word from our sponsors. Mike's going to ask me some questions about one of the hottest teams in the NFL as well, in the Indianapolis Colts. No one plays daily fantasy sports to lose. Winning feels so much better. But traditional fantasy sports are a long-term losing proposition because you never know who or what you're up against.

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out and making the Locked On Podcast on the NFL channel your first listen each and every day. Don't forget, Locked On Podcasts are free and available on all platforms. Evan Sittery, host of Locked On Colts, joins me today. I am Mike DeBate, host of the Locked On Patriots Podcast

and Saturday night's all right for fighting between these two teams as they prepare to do battle on Saturday, December 18th, 8.20 p.m., kickoff, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. And Evan, we shared a lot about the Patriots in the first segment, so now it's time to turn things over and speak for the shoe. And the Indianapolis Colts right now at seven and six are a team that I believe is right in the mix of the elite teams in the AFC. And I touched upon this a little bit earlier in the segments when I mentioned how solid they're playing on all three levels on defense. Everything that they're doing right on offense and really, I think, running a very good system,

a solid system under Carson Wentz as their quarterback. We'll start with Carson coming on board. Obviously, the Colts have been in a little bit of a transition, maybe a little bit of a tailspin, and I don't know if I'm speaking out of turn, but I'll use that word, following the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck a couple of years ago. But with Carson Wentz at the helm, he's looked very comfortable in this system. Obviously, the synergy he has with Frank Reich is definitely giving him an option to be able to run this offense well. How much has his presence helped Indianapolis' offense really emerge as a very versatile and almost a dual threat type of offense in the AFC. Yeah, it's really helped diversify their offensive portfolio, so to say, Mike. Just looking at the way that this Colts team has looked ever since their 0-3 start and Carson

Wentz really had no rhythm the first month of the season. He was hurt all throughout training camp. He was also battling some other issues as far as learning the playbook on the fly. But after that point from week four on, this Colts team has only lost twice or three times, excuse me, over that span of the Bucs and as well the Titans and the Ravens. And in those three games, Mike, they've had leads of 10 plus points in every single game. So this team is firing on all cylinders. And Carson Wentz has a lot to do with that. I mean, over that span of games outside of week three, he has 19 touchdowns and four interceptions just running the offense at a very effective level it's almost like Phillip Rivers last year where he was a very good game

manager but Carson Wentz and his arm strength his mobility gives the Colts a look they haven't seen I think since Andrew Luck in 2018 the last year he was their quarterback because Jacoby Brissett what we knew was all a placeholder there Phillipilip rivers was a great game manager but he couldn't push the ball down the field at all but now we're seeing the emergence of michael pitman thanks to carson wentz and his arm strength we're seeing the emergence of jonathan taylor thanks to the the danger of the play action that once provides with his arm strength as well frank reich has even mentioned on the record that this is the first time that playbook's been fully open since 2018 so it just goes to show you how much trust that Frank Reich

and this Colts team has in Carson Wentz. If I would have told you at the beginning of the season, Mike, that he'd be top 10 in QBR and top 10 in touchdown passes and interceptions at this point in the season, that I only have five picks as well, I would have thought it'd be a steal. I mean, getting him for a third and a first-round pick in next year's draft, which officially conveys here on Saturday, for those wondering, after he gets through the first quarter, I believe that is officially the 75% snap threshold for

the season. That'll go to Philadelphia for that first round pick. But Carson Wentz, he's been everything the Colts have hoped for even more than I thought. He's been great. I think at this point, if he can get more comfortable next year, if the Colts can add, I think another dangerous weapon on the outside of wide receiver, they're supposed to have more than $60 million in cast space next offseason. I think this Colts seems to be very dangerous. This is only year one for Carson Wentz, but year one has gone great. I think he's been the best quarterback the Colts have had since Andrew Luck in 18.

Yeah, absolutely. And Wentz definitely has settled into his role, and it's something that you probably knew was going to eventually come. Wentz is a very talented quarterback, had some issues, obviously, in Philadelphia. There was uncertainty surrounding his playing status for a good long time, but really finding a rhythm and finding a home and finding a very talented offense in terms of being able to accentuate his talent has really been all the difference, and he's definitely doing great things in Indianapolis.

You can't mention Indianapolis' offense without mentioning the great Jonathan Taylor. Really I think right now I'd probably say the front runner for AFC MVP and I think that when you look at what he's done, not only leading the NFL in rushing with 1,348 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, despite being a focal point of every opponent's defensive game plan, I don't think can be lauded enough. It's one thing to be able to do it, but it's one thing to know and be able to do it when everyone else knows that's going to be your offensive game plan for him to still be able to do it when every team is gunning for him and trying to stop him. it when every team is gunning for him

and trying to stop him. It says something about Jonathan Taylor and even Bill Belichick this week has been effusive in his praise for Taylor and his abilities. I would say walk us through a little bit what Jonathan Taylor means to this team in the Indianapolis Colts, but it's probably going to be redundant. What is the one thing about him that makes him such an electric player and really such a feared player throughout the league, Evan? Yeah, it really is. I mean, just watching Jonathan Taylor, I've seen some special running backs in Indianapolis,

like Edger and James growing up watching him. But it just feels like to me that Jonathan Taylor is just one of the most unique running backs that I've seen as far as this unique blend of speed and power simultaneously. He can take it 85 yards without being touched. We saw it against the Jets a month or so ago but he also almost every carry he's not going down immediately it takes two or three guys he can drag them about two or three yards down the field it's just incredible watching him consistently just pushing the pile getting yards after contact one of those rare guys who has the ability of doing both

as far as being a home run hitter and a bruiser. And he's also learning as far as a pass catcher goes. He's on pace for 50 receptions this year. He's really a three down back at this point, Mike. And I think he is the NFL Offensive Player of the Year looking on at the end of the season. And over the last 10 games, John Taylor has scored a touchdown. He's on pace for 24 touchdowns this year and over 2,200 scrimmage yards the best season for running back since

with Damian Tomlinson in 2006 when he scored 31 touchdowns it just he's only 22 years old too it's the crazy part about it he's just now beginning to hit his prime years in the NFL and he's a guy to me where I think he might be taking that crown away here very soon if he hasn't already for the best running back in the NFL and it just gets scary to think behind him when this Colton puts a line live at Quentin Nelson they have the formula to go out there and if they do make the playoffs they are a very dangerous team in inclement conditions in January of football because Jonathan Taylor is the engine he's a straw that stirs the drink and he's one of the most incredible running backs I've ever seen he He can really just take the top off a defense. He's so special to watch. I mean,

I was excited when they drafted him two years ago, but what he's doing already in year two, it truly is incredible to watch. Absolutely. It really is incredible to watch, and a couple of weeks ago, Patriots fans were Indianapolis Colts fans, if only for a night, watching him run all over the Buffalo Bills. A lot of smiles in the New England region watching Jonathan Taylor do that. I have a funny feeling that they're not going to be smiling that much watching Jonathan Taylor do that potentially to New England. Of course, New England's defense may have something to say about that. But all kidding aside, it really is a joy to watch him run.

And Taylor, again, I think right now is the frontrunner for MVP based on that performance and that dual-threat capability, not just as a rusher but also being so adept at catching the ball out of the backfield. It gives Indianapolis' offense such a new dimension and such a great dimension to work with that it really does make them a formidable and very scary team to defend. And speaking of defending, at this point,

we've talked a lot about Indianapolis's abilities and their prowess on offense, but on defense, this team, again, is solid on all three levels without any question. You want to talk about being able to stop the pass. We'll talk about that first because I think Indianapolis' defense is going to be single-minded and purpose. I think that'll be a good way to wrap up our conversation today. But in terms of being able to shut down Mac Jones, the Colts ranked 12th in the league, allowing an average of 230.2 yards per game through the air. They have 15 interceptions on the season. While the front seven doesn't really have one dominant performer,

the Colts have 29 sacks. Obviously, DeForest Buckner leading the way with five and a half, and the pressure has led to a lot of turnovers. This is a defense that loves to feed off of turnovers. When the Colts are going to try to make the Patriots one-dimensional, like we've said, and they want to try to take away the run, which we'll discuss in a minute. How do you believe this team will try to attack a rookie quarterback like Mac Jones, show him confusing looks, and keep him uncomfortable to keep the Patriots offense off balance? Yeah, it's a really good conversation point because

this Colts defense can be very multiple, but they can also still be a little inconsistent. I know against some really good quarterbacks this year, they have struggled. Going back to Lamar Jackson, one of that football, he just threw the ball over the place against this team and they try to sell out for the run. So maybe Mac Jones has one of those games,

but I do think we're going to see a lot of pressure. Data from defense coordinator Matt Eberflus, Quiddie Paye, their rookie first round round pick is really coming on off the edge. I think he has four, four sacks over the last month or so for the Colts on top of that, the forest Buckner is an all pro defensive tackles. So those two guys are really starting to hammer home and getting a lot of chemistry together.

We all know about Darius Leonard as well. He is one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He's forced, I believe 12 turnovers by himself this year. If you include forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, interceptions, all that mixed together. He's in a defensive player of the year conversation, I would say. Just all he does, he's a game changer for this Colts team.

And Mike, you know this guy very well, but Kenny Moore, the former New England Patriot who was cut, he's done everything for this Colts team. He's like the Rondé Barber of this Tampa 2 defense for the Annapolis Colts. He can blitz. You can disguise him in coverage. He can play inside and outside. He's a sound, strong tackler. He's on pace for 100 tackles this year and five interceptions. He's been such a gem of a find by the

Colts, and he's on pace to help get some pro-bowl love, or at least get some all-pro love as a nickel cornerback. I know it's rare in the NFL nowadays, but Kenny Moore has definitely been one of the best guys in position so far this year, and he has been the last couple years. So it's really the spine of this defense is DeForest Buckner, Darius Leonard, and Kenny Moore. Those three guys set the tone defensively. But I think in this matchup, I'm very curious to see what New England does, because like we mentioned throughout today's show, the Colts are going to sell it against this run for New England. They're going to try to stop Ramondre Stevenson and his Patriots ground attack. Julian Blackman, though, the Colts are going to sell it against his run for New England. They're going to try to stop Ramondre Stevenson

in this Patriots ground attack. Julian Blackman, though, the Colts' best safety has been out for the last couple months with a torn Achilles. I do wonder, Mike, if Mack Jones, with his arm, tests this safety group deep, because Kari Wills has been very inconsistent this year, and also they've been playing Andrew Sandejo and George Odom as well to replace Julian Blackman, which hasn't gone well so far. So if the Pages want to counteract a really strong

box and really sign off for the run, which Colts going to try to do, I really think maybe testing this secondary deep might be the best way to go. Yeah, I think you're right on that. And look, for all of the flack that Josh McDaniels, Bill Belichick, and even Mac Jones have taken in the past week or so through the bye week for only attempting three passes against the Buffalo Bills, I think Mac is a little eager to show that he can air it out and maybe get the ball downfield a little bit. So don't be a bit surprised to see the kid come out

and maybe test that secondary a little bit down the field. Maybe the cornerback group, maybe the safety group, try to work the intermediate areas of the field. Again, that's where guys like Kendrick Bourne and Hunter Henry become so valuable to this team because they really are reliable targets for Mac. And of course, Jacoby Myers, the wide receiver position. So I think that's an interesting and astute observation. And on a selfish note, I do want to just pick out something that you said about Quiddy Pay, who I happen to share an alma mater with in terms of high school. Bishop Hendrick in high school in Warwick, Rhode Island was my alma mater,

and that is also Quiddy's alma mater. And he is definitely the toast of Rhode Island, becoming the first NFL player taken in the first round of the NFL draft since 1939. So Quiddy Paye has a lot of fans up here. For anyone that doesn't believe that there are New England fans that are happy to see the Colts do well, not at the expense of the Patriots, but he's got a lot of fans because of Quiddy, who is a dynamic person on and off the field. I had a chance to get to talk to him a couple of years ago

when he came back to visit Hendrickson, and I had a chance to do a telephone interview with him. Just a phenomenal, phenomenal kid, and I'm so glad to see him doing well in Indy. And he really has emerged as a force on that edge. So thank you for indulging me for just a moment to speak glowingly about Quiddipay because he really is making a lot of people proud up here in the Wingman and especially in our alma mater at Enderton.

All Hawks quality won in that regard. Evan, thank you for the insight that you have provided here for the Locked On Patriots listeners and for the Locked On Colts listeners that you provide each and every day. But folks, we're not done just yet because in just a moment, Evan and I will provide our keys to victory, our final thoughts on the game,

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do it to take advantage of all the amazing offers available for the 2021 season. BetOnline is the fastest and easiest way to bet on all your favorite sports, and BetOnline is always where the game starts. We are back for our final segment of an amazing show so far. Mike DeBate of Locked On Patriots, I am Evan Sidery of Locked On Colts.

We're here to wrap things up with our keys of the game and predictions for Saturday's massive game, Saturday Night Football on NBC this week. We're Indianapolis Colts versus the New England Patriots. The Colts are two-and-a-half-point favorites on the Vegas odds. The over-under is 45, Mike. I'll start off with you with New England because we went through talking about maybe how this Colts team, their defense is going to suck completely

against this rushing attack for the Patriots. We know it's going to be one of the trenches. What's your biggest key to New England pulling off? According to Vegas, it could be an upset on Saturday in Indianapolis. If the Patriots are going to be successful in this game, they're going to have to do one thing most prominently, and that is protect the football. Again, the Colts are a team that feeds off of turnovers on both sides of the ball.

They love to be able to utilize the field, to get field position, make things happen. Obviously, the defense forcing turnovers, but then the offense capitalizing on those turnovers. And they're one of the best teams in the league at doing both. So the Patriots need to protect the ball. That's going to be vital for Mac Jones and the rest of the offense. Prior to Monday night in Buffalo, Mac only attempting three passes there. Mac had been using Kendrick Bourne and Jacoby Myers effectively in the last few recent weeks.

I really look for that to continue for the Pats on Saturday night. Utilizing two receivers, you know that the Colts defense is going to try to zero in, take away his targets as tight ends in the intermediate part of that field. That's where Matt can really try to utilize someone like a Kendrick Bourne or a Jacoby Myers. Take care of the ball. Do not allow the Colts defense to dictate the game. Easier said than done, but that's exactly what they're going to try to do. And then, of course, on defense, the key to it all is trying to marginally disrupt Jonathan Taylor. You're not going to be able to stop him. You just want to try to contain him.

If they're going to do that, Devon Godchow in the middle part of that offensive line, it's going to have to continue the momentum he provided a couple of weeks ago when he had his best game as a Patriot, having 10 tackles linebackers, Dante Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Juwan Bentley. They need to be disciplined when they attack to prevent any type of cutback lanes for Jonathan Taylor to exploit.

If they can do that and get multiple helmets around him at all times, I like their chances of being able to be competitive in this game. If not, it could be a long one for the New England Patriots on Saturday night, especially if Taylor gets on track early. Yeah, echoing your sentiments there, Mike, a lot of the same things from the Colts side as far as the biggest keys to the game. Carson Wentz has to play turnover-free football in this one.

We know Bill Belichick is going to discuss and try to bait Carson Wentz into some bad decisions, which he has done in high-pressure situations this season against Baltimore or against Tennessee. So there's different situations where Bill Belichick can get in Carson Wentz' head a little bit. It could really alter the Colts' game plan, but it's going to all revolve around Jonathan Taylor, like you mentioned there, Mike.

You can't contain Jonathan Taylor, or you can't stop him. You just have to contain him. And I think if he does get, like, let's say 15 to 20 touches in this game, if he can get at least 100 yards in those, I think the Colts are in a good spot. They can control the clock. They have to win a line of scrimmage battle against this really good Patriots run defense. And that's where it's all going to come down to is this Patriots rushed defense against Colts rushing offense.

Strength on strength there. It's really good to side this game. And on the other side, like I mentioned, Carson Wentz has to play really good football. And I also think the Colts should try maybe to test the Patriots a little bit deep. Michael Pittman Jr. has been quiet the last two weeks, but he is a jump ball threat. He's a Pro Bowl-like receiver this year, taking a huge jump in year two. I do want to try to get Pittman going in the middle of the field as well as deep in this game early on to try to mix things up and take some guys out of the box from the Patriots standpoint. This is a very, very intriguing matchup, Mike. These two teams, I think, are very, very similar

as far as how they're going to attack each other on Saturday night. So we can go into our predictions here, Mike. I'll start off with you. How do you see this game going on Saturday between the Colts and the Patriots as the rivalry is finally getting renewed a little bit? It is. It's definitely getting renewed. And I think this has the opportunity to be the game of the weekend maybe even the game down the stretch for both of these teams i think the patriots toughest test is saturday night coming into the playoffs they've seen buffalo before they've seen miami before uh jacksonville is jacksonville and although you'd never take any games off or anything for granted that's one the patriot should have so I look at Indy as being their toughest test

simply because there is the unknown factor. They haven't faced this team in a couple of years. And also the fact that Indy is so well balanced on both sides of the ball creates a lot of matchup problems. Again, if the Patriots are to be successful, Mac Jones is going to have to utilize play action. He may have to utilize the jet sweep out of the backfield

to get the running game going because I know Indy's defense is going to have to utilize play action. He may have to utilize the jet sweep out of the backfield to get the running game going because I know Indy's defense is going to be looking to stop the run, shut down Damian Harris and Ramondre Stevenson. Mack is going to have to have a big game for the Patriots to be successful, and it's not going to be easy against this Indianapolis defense. I do see the Patriots being able to pull off just enough on both sides of the ball to pull off the road win, so I'm going to go with my Homer Hart on this one, and I'm going to say the Patriots being able to pull up just enough on both sides of the ball to pull off the road win. So I'm going to go with my Homer Hart on this one, and I'm going to say the Patriots pull off the victory, but it's not going to be a very large margin. This is going to come right down to the wire.

I think the Patriots take this by a Nick Folt field goal. I'm right the same way with you on the opposite direction. I think this is a very close game, but I am leaning towards the home team here in Indianapolis. I just think Jonathan Taylor is the best player on the field. If he breaks a couple runs loose, Mike, I think that's going to change the game entirely. Force the ball in the Mac Jones' hands. If he can get some pressure on him, maybe force a turnover for Mac Jones as well. I think the Colts are in the driver's seat to win this game. It's going to be a rowdy atmosphere in Indianapolis on Saturday night, so it's going to be a lot of fun to watch.

But I am going to go Colts 27, Patriots 24. I think the opposite direction. I think Michael Badgley hits a field goal late for the Colts to win this game. But these two teams, Mike, just wrapping up this show, we're going in a field goal direction for either side here. I think both these teams, it will not be a surprise at all, Mike. We're talking again for a crossover special in late January with the cerebral potential on the line.

Because these two teams are humming right now. Absolutely. And again, I think these two teams are peaking at the right time. I think they're both peaking and playing their best football, maybe the best football that any team in the NFL is playing down the stretch, say for maybe a couple that you want to throw in there. Obviously the defending champs, the Bucs are doing a great job. Chiefs are really peaking at the right time, but the Pats and the Colts right now, I think are two of the top teams in terms of being hot teams in terms of being hot and in terms of being ready to make that jump to the playoffs.

And this will be a fun one, Evan. And it's going to be a great one. And I would definitely love to be able to do one of these crossovers again in the playoffs and see these two teams meet once again. It's always a happening when the Pats and the Colts meet. That rivalry is still there. Bring it on. Let's get it game on.

Let's get Saturday night cooking right now because it's going to be a lot of fun. Oh, I know. It's Wednesday night now. I can't wait until Saturday gets here. But Colts fans, Patriots fans, thanks for listening to our Locked On crossover special day with Mike and myself.

Make sure to subscribe to Locked On Colts and Locked On Patriots to get your insight on each team every single day, Monday through Friday. But in the meantime, thanks for listening and have a great one. And stay tuned for a great one. And stay tuned for a great game on Saturday between the Colts and the Patriots as the rivalry is back on, as Chris Bauer would say.