Billy Bullocks
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This week is a make or break week for Dallas. A loss puts Dallas at 5-5, most likely in the hunt for the wild card. A win puts them at 6-4, and a step closer to catching NY for the division crown. But more importantly, a win will finally give Dallas the confidence knowing they can beat a good team. The team will translate it's talent on paper into a convincing result on the field. Everyone expects Dallas to beat teams like Tennesee, Houston, and Arizona. So far they have failed all tests against good opposition. A win against the only undefeated team in the NFL will fuel the fire Dallas needs for a late season push.
Peyton Manning has been the regular season champion of the NFL for the last several years. His statistics have been super-human. His team has dominated on almost every Sunday. However, Indianapolis still has failed to advance past the AFC Championship game. They hit a road block in the playoffs. Usually that roadblock is New England, run by Bill Parcells former Defensive Coordinator, Bill Belichick. He is the man who has written the blue print on beating Peyton Manning.
Over the last few years, Peyton Manning is 2-7 against New England in the playoffs and regular season. None of those two wins have come in the playoffs. Peyton Manning has looked mortal in his outings with the Patriots, throwing 9 TD's compared to 17 INT's. New England has beaten Indianapolis by playing a physical breed of football, the type of football that breeds sucess late in the season.
Indianapolis is built to perform well on their track like surface at the RCA Dome. They boast 2 strong WR's in Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Dallas Clark is another one of Peyton's favorite targets at TE. They also host a stable of solid RB's in rookie Joseph Addai and Dominick Rhodes. As it has been stated, the best way to stop Manning and Co. is to simply keep them off the field. The good news for Dallas when the Colts are on offense is that Manning has struggled against the 3-4 defense (run by New England, San Diego, and Pittsburgh, all teams who have given Indy problems.) The loss of Greg Ellis will hurt Dallas because of his pass rush ability. Dallas will need to generate pressure both from the Blitz, and also when rushing with just 4. If you can get Peyton to have to move around and knock him off rythm, he can be contained. Dallas has a big front 7, which should allow them to be more physical than the Colts, which has been the best way to stop them.
Another thing that will benefit Dallas is the fact that Indianapolis has been horrid against the run this year. My fingers are not too fat to hit the correct keys, Indy has given up 5.1 Yards Per Carry. If you wonder how Buffalo kept the game so close last week, look no further than Anthony Thomas torching the Colts running defense. A succesful running attack helps keep Manning off the field. Dallas has a rather big offensive line. Indianoplis has a defense built on speed, with their front weighing an average of about 250 lbs. The key to beating Indianapolis is being more physical than they are. Being able to ram the ball down Indianapolis' throat will be a key factor in deciding who wins this game.
Bill Parcells loves to set up the pass through the run. Tony Romo has been excellent at making fast reads and spreading the ball around. If Dallas can establish the running game, Indianapolis may be forced to bring an 8th player into the box. This should give the Dallas WR plenty of 1 on 1 opportunities against the Colts defense.
In theory the game plan is simple. Run the ball. Keep Peyton off the field. When he's out there, be more physical, and try and force him to make mistakes. It might not be as easy as it sounds though, because Indy is 9-0 for a reason. Most teams might be able to run the ball, but Peyton makes enough of his opportunities to win.
Peyton Manning has been the regular season champion of the NFL for the last several years. His statistics have been super-human. His team has dominated on almost every Sunday. However, Indianapolis still has failed to advance past the AFC Championship game. They hit a road block in the playoffs. Usually that roadblock is New England, run by Bill Parcells former Defensive Coordinator, Bill Belichick. He is the man who has written the blue print on beating Peyton Manning.
Over the last few years, Peyton Manning is 2-7 against New England in the playoffs and regular season. None of those two wins have come in the playoffs. Peyton Manning has looked mortal in his outings with the Patriots, throwing 9 TD's compared to 17 INT's. New England has beaten Indianapolis by playing a physical breed of football, the type of football that breeds sucess late in the season.
Indianapolis is built to perform well on their track like surface at the RCA Dome. They boast 2 strong WR's in Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Dallas Clark is another one of Peyton's favorite targets at TE. They also host a stable of solid RB's in rookie Joseph Addai and Dominick Rhodes. As it has been stated, the best way to stop Manning and Co. is to simply keep them off the field. The good news for Dallas when the Colts are on offense is that Manning has struggled against the 3-4 defense (run by New England, San Diego, and Pittsburgh, all teams who have given Indy problems.) The loss of Greg Ellis will hurt Dallas because of his pass rush ability. Dallas will need to generate pressure both from the Blitz, and also when rushing with just 4. If you can get Peyton to have to move around and knock him off rythm, he can be contained. Dallas has a big front 7, which should allow them to be more physical than the Colts, which has been the best way to stop them.
Another thing that will benefit Dallas is the fact that Indianapolis has been horrid against the run this year. My fingers are not too fat to hit the correct keys, Indy has given up 5.1 Yards Per Carry. If you wonder how Buffalo kept the game so close last week, look no further than Anthony Thomas torching the Colts running defense. A succesful running attack helps keep Manning off the field. Dallas has a rather big offensive line. Indianoplis has a defense built on speed, with their front weighing an average of about 250 lbs. The key to beating Indianapolis is being more physical than they are. Being able to ram the ball down Indianapolis' throat will be a key factor in deciding who wins this game.
Bill Parcells loves to set up the pass through the run. Tony Romo has been excellent at making fast reads and spreading the ball around. If Dallas can establish the running game, Indianapolis may be forced to bring an 8th player into the box. This should give the Dallas WR plenty of 1 on 1 opportunities against the Colts defense.
In theory the game plan is simple. Run the ball. Keep Peyton off the field. When he's out there, be more physical, and try and force him to make mistakes. It might not be as easy as it sounds though, because Indy is 9-0 for a reason. Most teams might be able to run the ball, but Peyton makes enough of his opportunities to win.
