Colts are still dangerous, especially with Manning at the helm

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Bring on the Indianapolis Colts.
Bring on Peyton Manning.
Should Patriots Nation being worried about the Colts? Especially after pounding the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Of course.
These Colts are still dangerous, even though they are completely banged up. But don't get me wrong, it's nice to be playing the Colts with some key guys out, including tight end Dallas Clark.
But Indy can still run with the big boys. Plus, the Pats have shown they can play and beat the best (see Steelers game) and play way, way down to the competition (see Cleveland Browns).
So what team will show up for the Patriots? Let's hope it's the team that isn't stuck in neutral in the first half and falls way behind. But I'm betting that's not going to happen.
I think we're in store for a great ballgame. Well, it's Tom Brady and Manning trading pass for pass. What's not to like about that matchup?
Chalk this one up to the defenses.
While it's not going to be a defensive battle -- expect both teams to move the football with relative ease (Colts through the air, and don't be surprised if the Pats try to pound away with the run to set up the deadly play-action game) -- the defensive guys will need to come up with some big plays.
I'm talking about a key interception, a huge third-down tackle to prevent a first down, a strip-sack, a fumble recovery. That's how you win football games, anyway.
But every time the Pats face Manning, I get a little nervous. This isn't the old Manning who was wetting his pants having to face a Bill Belichick defense. This is the television commercial comedian who has won a Super Bowl and isn't afraid to air out the ball. It's tough to outsmart Manning, too. He's Mr. Audible, whether what he's doing is for real or for show.
So, who will rise to the challenge on defense? They hold the key to this game.

Prediction: Patriots 27, Colts 24