3 Defensive Keys to Colts Beating Patriots

Last week, the Indianapolis Colts’ defense dominated Frank Reich and the Carolina Panthers offense en route to a 27-13 win. Heading into Week 10, Indy looks to close another win against a team also struggling to move the ball in the New England Patriots.

With a win being a must for the Colts to keep their playoff hopes alive, let’s get into the three keys to their defense halting the Patriots’ offensive attack in Frankfurt, Germany.

#1.) Force Mac Jones to Make Difficult Throws

The Patriots offense has looked inoperable at times this season. This also happens to be the case with former NFL Rookie of the Year Mac Jones.

So far this season, Jones has thrown nine interceptions, which ties him for the league lead with Las Vegas Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppollo, Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell, and Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.

The Patriots have had injuries to important receivers like DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne, the latter of whom is out for the season (torn ACL). However, even with these two pass-catchers and JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Patriots haven’t moved the ball well through the air in nearly any fashion.

What’s interesting is that Jones has only been sacked 16 times but has thrown so many interceptions. What this could translate to for Indianapolis is if they can get through New England’s pass protection, they could force multiple interceptions from Jones.

Defensive ends Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Dayo Odeyingbo will be big pieces for the Colts’ defense on Sunday. If they play well enough, they could force good things to happen for the Colts defense.

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

#2.) Colts LBs vs Patriots TEs

As has always been the case, Bill Belichick likes two-tight end sets where he can utilize them as both blockers and pass-catchers. Now, he has Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki in those spots.

Here are the pass-catching numbers on the year for each of them:

Henry: 27 receptions; 277 receiving yards; 3 TDs
Gesicki: 19 receptions; 160 receiving yards; 1 TD

Colts linebackers Shaquille Leonard, E.J. Speed, and Zaire Franklin have each played well enough through pass coverage to have a chance of neutralizing Henry and Gesicki. Below are each of their coverage grades per Pro Football Focus.

Leonard: 60.3
Franklin: 54.6
Speed: 52.0

These linebackers will likely see a lot of the tight ends in coverage when they’re out on passing routes. Look for both Henry and Gesicki to do everything they can to help Jones and open up opportunities for the other New England pass-catchers.

#3.) Don’t Allow the Ground Game to Be Established

The Patriots are best when they’re moving the ball well on the ground. While New England running back Rhamondre Stevenson played solid as the bell-cow ball carrier in 2022, this year has been different alongside veteran RB and former two-time All-Pro Ezekiel Elliot.

Through nine games, below are the marks that both backs have put up through running and receiving in 2023:

Stevenson: 106 carries; 394 rushing yards (3.7 avg); 3 rushing TDS/29 receptions; 215 receiving yards (7.4 avg)
Elliot: 73 carries; 277 rushing yards (3.8 avg); 2 rushing TDs/16 receptions; 74 receiving yards (4.6 avg)

Without a rhythmic ground game, the Patriots’ offense falls back on Jones and a receiving corps that isn’t working well together. This plays into the Colts’ defense's favor. This year, as the numbers above display, this New England running back duo hasn’t panned out as hoped.

If DeForest Buckner and the defensive front of Indianapolis can halt the Patriots’ ground game, it will give them the best chance possible to get the win. This will also get the ball back into the hands of QB Gardner Minshew, allowing Shane Steichen to go to work offensively.

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.