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Tedy Bruschi

  (12:01 PM)

Colts week is the biggest game of the year. Let's chat!

KW (Brooklyn)

What should we expect out of the rookies in the Colts' secondary?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:01 PM)

You should expect the Patriots offense to test them often. Whether it's underneath with Wes Welker or over the top with Randy Moss.

Jim L. (Macon, GA)

Tedy: Prior to the 5 yard contact rule, you had success with re-routing the Colts receivers and disrupting the timing. How can the Pats disrupt Manning's timing with his receivers without that option?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:03 PM)

They'll still find ways to distrupt their timing. The officials still allow contact prior to 5 yards and the Patriots coaches know how to still get a re-route on those receivers.

Kevin (NC)

How do you think Vollmer matches up with Dwight Freeney? Is he quick enough to contain Freeney?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:03 PM)

That's one of the biggest matchups of the game, Kevin. We won't know that answer until we watch the game, because this is Vollmer's first year and his body of work is so small. We'll see if he can hold up. Freeney is playing at a very high level right now.

Chicago (Boston)

Hi Teddy, Why are the Colts leading the league in least amount of points allowed? There defense does not seem impressive with all of the injuries. Freeney and Mathis are the only two stars remaining, am I right?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:05 PM)

With the loss of Bob Sanders, Freeney and Mathis are the big stars on that defense. The Colts' defense has been overshadowed by the offense. Leading the league in scoring is a very impressive statistic, but Peyton Manning always takes away the attention.

Tim (Manhattan)

How effective do you think the Patriots will be in stopping Addai and the run game when the secondary's main focus will obviously be on Manning and Clark/Reggie?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:06 PM)

The front seven won't get much help this week. They must stop the run on their own. Coach Belichick always told us that during Colts week. Because the secondary has Peyton Manning and those receivers to worry about, they can't help the run. It's the front seven's job.

Josh (Killeen, Tx)

Tedy, What do you expect to see out of the pats D on Sunday, alot of nickel with McGowen on Clark?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:07 PM)

When the Patriots went up against TEs Tony Gonzalez and Kellen Winslow earlier in the season, McGowan was their answer. I see them doing the same this week, but McGowan getting help with defensive linemen or linebackers with re-routes at the line of scrimmage, before Clark gets into his route.

Brian (Cambridge, MA)

Tedy: What are the three things the Pats must do in order to win Sunday night?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:08 PM)

No. 1, contain Dallas Clark. He caught 14 balls last week. No. 2, attack the young secondary of the Indianapolis Colts. We've seen in the past weeks what the Patriots offense has done against unproven secondaries. No. 3, block Freeney and Mathis. They could ruin the game very quickly.

Alan (Nashua)

With Freeney and Mathis attacking Tom, do you see the Pats responding with a whole lot of Kevin Faulk?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:09 PM)

Alan, you must have been watching NFL Live last night. That's exactly what I was talking about. That Patriots can use Kevin in the short passing game with draws and screens to counteract that rush. Good question, buddy.

Joe (Florida)

Why is Tully Banta-Cain playing so well this year?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:10 PM)

Tully is coming into his own. I think he is responding to being back in New England. After spending two years in San Francisco, you realize how good of a team New England is. He's back with a winner and that can motivate a lot of players.

Carl (Amherst)

With so many matchups between Belichick/Brady versus Manning, who if either side has more of an advantage?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:11 PM)

I think the Belichick/Brady duo has the advantage. It's Jim Caldwell's first year as head coach and that head coach/QB relationship probably isn't as developed as well as the Belichick/Brady one.

Mad Matt (Berkeley, CA)

Your thoughts on the Chung fine? Seemed like a legal hit up against the chest. Love his intensity!!

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:12 PM)

I'm a fan of Patrick also. But he did put the crown of his helmet on Chad Henne's chin and that's why his neck snapped back as it did. He still must keep that aggressiveness and play hard. If you get a fine and a penalty, so be it.

Justin Halas (Chebanse, IL)

The bears will win tonight. If anyone deserves a win its Chicago. There offence is putting up enough points to win a game. But they would have a better chance in the play-offs if they work on their D. Who Agrees?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:14 PM)

I don't think the Bears win tonight. Along with Jay Cutler's inconsistency, last week the Arizona Cardinals, traditionally a passing team, ran the ball right down their throat. Now they have defensive problems, along with inconsistent QB play. I think the 49ers win this game. You sound like a Bears fan, but that's just the way I see it, Justin. If the Bears win tonight, I'll be thinking about you.

Jon (DC)

Correct me if I'm wrong Tedy, but I believe Seau didn't play any snaps last week. Do you have a feeling of what his role is going to be the rest of this season?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:14 PM)

Right now, he's a safety valve, providing depth. He's a leader in the lockerroom and he gives those young kids a lot of football knowledge. But in terms of playing time, Mayo and Guyton are doing very well.

Carl (Amherst)

How are the Patriots incorporating 3 safeties at times? Is it because they are able to play McGowan up in the box and because of our poor OLB play at times? I don't remember seeing 3 safeties on the field so often (Meriweather, McGowan, Sanders/Chung).

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:16 PM)

They're starting to view McGowan like they did Rodney Harrison. He's a player that can do many things for that defense. If he ends up playing like an outside LB on Dallas Clark, he could be the answer to that matchup. McGowan is giving the coaches one thing that they love and that is flexibility.

Richie Rich (Arlington VA)

How good is the Colts D-line? Can the Pats stuff the run down their throats?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:17 PM)

I think they definitely have to attempt it, along with the short passing game, it will nulify that defense's best weapon and that's the pass rush. Vollmer and Kaczur have a size advantage on those undersized ends. Running the ball will help them utilize that size advantage.

James (New York, NY)

Hey, Tedy. Do you see Maroney having another quality game this week?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:18 PM)

I hope so. He has to establish some consistency.

Jim (Macon, GA)

So, how much to you miss playing when a game like this one rolls around.

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:19 PM)

When these games come around is when I miss it the most. Since I've retired, this week is probably the first time I wished I was still playing. The bigger the game, the funner it was.

Brandon (Auburn, ME)

Love your insight Tedy; I'm wondering if we'll see either team go to a hurry-up offense early in the game. It seems that the Colts tend to go to that early in their past games against the Pats, do you see either team going to it early to dictate the pace of the game?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:20 PM)

Last week versus the Texans, the Colts used a true hurry up. Their offensive tempo was the fastest I've ever seen it. That was the biggest game in their division. It seems like they save that true hurry up for the game against the Texans. This is an even bigger game. I think it is a possibility that they could come back to it.

Alex (Cape Cod )

Hey Tedy, now that you don't have to worry about providing Bulletin Board material you can tell us the truth...how do you REALLY feel about Peyton Manning.

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:21 PM)

In the beginning of his career, I felt it was easy to get into his head. We thought all we had to do was hit the Colts in the mouth and they would fold. This Patriots-Colts matchup didn't turn into a rivalry until they beat us in the AFC championship game. That's when they proved they were legit in our eyes. Peyton has come a long way and so have the Colts. The Patriots truly respect them now.

Mile High Pats Fan (Denver, CO)

Who is a better WR now, Reggie Wayne or Randy Moss? Can the Pats contain Wayne simply by rolling Merriweather his way?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:22 PM)

There is no discussion, Randy Moss is a better reciever than Reggie Wayne. That's all they'll need to do at times, but Reggie is a good player in his own right. He'll find a way to make plays.

Travis (Boston, MA)

With Edelman still recovering and Tate's status uncertain, how do you think Aiken matches up against the Colts' secondary. He's made some nice catches and a few big plays, but hasn't really shown a ton of consistency.

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:23 PM)

He will probably contribute his usual 2 or 3 catches. Brady does a good job of spreading the ball around. If you're open, he'll find you.

Adam (NYC)

How important is the dome field advantage for Indy? Will the Pats come out swinging in hopes of playing at home in the playoffs?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:24 PM)

The season's still early, but this is an early indicator of who could end up getting that first round bye. But that won't be the Patriots motivation. They'll come out swinging because this is the biggest game of the year.

Dan Boston

I know you guys take the game one at a time, but how often did you look ahead to the Colts game?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:25 PM)

Now that I'm not a player, I can tell you, Dan. As soon as I got that schedule, I circled that Colts game. I wanted to know when it was, where it was and anticipated that both teams would be undefeated at that time. This is as big as they get in the regular season.

Ace (Boston, MA)

Any chance the Pats take a look at Larry Johnson?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:26 PM)

There's a chance. The Patriots look at everyone and try to project how they would fit into their system. I don't think Larry Johnson is the answer. He has shown in his past to be a front runner. He only plays hard when things are going well for him.

Bob (Worcester, MA)

Tedy, who needs this W more, the Colts or the Pats?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:27 PM)

Both teams are comfortably at the top of their divisions. This isn't really a must win. It's a statement maker.

Gary Huntley (Venice, FL)

Hi Tedy, I think the best way to defend the Colts is by an effective pass rush. Do you think the Patriots will play coverage or will see numerous blitzes?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:28 PM)

The way the Patriots have viewed in the past is, if you blitz Peyton Manning, you will get burned. He gets the ball out too quick. Pressure will have to be the result of a four-man pass rush.

Travis (Boston, MA)

There was a poll on SportsNation asking which team's defense was better. Obviously the Colts have had some injuries and both teams have played some soft opponents, but how would you compare the two straight up.

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:29 PM)

Overall, the Patriots defense is better. The Colts defense has some injuries and they mainly rely on Freeney and Mathis to make plays. I think there are more playmakers on the Patriots defense. From Banta-Cain to Mayo to Merriweather and McGowan. Those are playmakers on all three levels.

Peter (Maine)

Hey Tedy, Do you have a prediction for the game?

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:30 PM)

I think the Patriots win on the last drive of the game off the foot of Stephen Gostkowski.

Tedy Bruschi

  (12:31 PM)

OK everybody. I call it like I see it. These were some of the most football intelligent questions we've had in the chat room. I appreciate the effort. These questions were championship worthy. And props to Jeremy.

Mike Reiss

  (12:32 PM)

Tedy, how do I follow that up?

Mike Reiss

  (12:32 PM)

This is like the fourth preseason game and I just got the call off the bench to play the second half :)

Mike Reiss

  (12:33 PM)

My favorite line, and it shows just what this Patriots-Colts rivalry is all about: "When these games come around is when I miss it the most. Since I've retired, this week is probably the first time I wished I was still playing."

Mike Reiss

  (12:34 PM)

I'll try to pick some different questions that haven't already been asked.

TBfan4life (RI)

Mike,What's with the secondary giving up 5 to 8 yards most of the time against Miami. I got the feeling that Chad Henne didn't have any problems taking his time and picking receivers. Manning would drill a hole through us if we play the same way this sunday night!

Mike Reiss

  (12:36 PM)

This game against the Colts will be a completely different plan than the Dolphins. The Patriots were in their base 3-4 alignment for most of the Dolphins game, and I think they'll be in the nickel or dime for most of this one. I see them playing tight against Clark, with plenty of double coverage, and keeping things in front of them with the other weapons.

Clark (Indiana)

The Pats have had a huge upswing in penalties this season. Gone from the dynasty is Teddy, Rodney,Vrable, and Seymore. Could this be the result of lack of leadership?

Mike Reiss

  (12:37 PM)

I charted the penalties today on our Patriots blog, and I don't think it has anything to do with leadership, Clark. There are more penalties on the offensive line this year. I think it's more about concentration and focus.

The Ghost (Gillette Stadium)

Mike, I didn't get one of your 3 stars of the game despite going 4/4 on FG's and a couple of touchbacks, one after an annoying offside penalty that went about 100 yards!!!. I even made a potential score saving tackle. Where's my love?

Mike Reiss

  (12:38 PM)

Stephen Gostkowski (a.k.a. The Ghost), I dropped the ball. What can I say? I think I practiced some kicker bias there. I wanted to get Moss in there, as well as Banta-Cain and Vollmer. I should have had you in there, probably over Vollmer.

David (North Attleboro,Ma)

I think this the best I have ever seen Ben Watson play and he is really the teams third best receiver. Do you think they will throw to him more in the second half of the season or would that hurt the Patriots pass protection too much?

Mike Reiss

  (12:39 PM)

David, I agree on Watson. He is playing loose and looks the best I've seen him in his time with the club. To me, the number of footballs he sees will be dictated on how defenses defend Moss and Welker.

alex (rome,ny)

Hi Mike, do you seee Brady become the talk of being an MVP if he defeats the colts or it is probably too late? I personally dont think peyton deserved the MVP last year and if Brady has the same year as manning had last wouldnt he get it too?

Mike Reiss

  (12:40 PM)

I don't think it's too late, Alex. Brady is starting to enter the discussion.

Ej (Virginia)

going into this season people were talking about this possibly being Maroney's last chance to solidify his future with the team, if he has a huge week in this rivalry game do you see him turning people's opinions and getting an extension this offseason?

Mike Reiss

  (12:40 PM)

I don't see it turning that far, Ej. I think given the uncertain labor forecast, the Patriots would let the fifth year of Maroney's five-year deal play out.

Ej (Virginia)

do you see the patriots going with even more nickel and dime sub packages this weekend? it looks like donald brown might be out and mcgowan will be covering dallas clark all day.

Mike Reiss

  (12:41 PM)

I think they'll be in the dime most of the time, treating Clark like a receiver.

Mike (Somerville, MA)

Hello Mike! Really enjoy your work starting back with the Globe! I feel Sunday night will be an opportunity for Maroney to have some explosive plays off of screens, etc. due to the potent front 4 the Colts have and their tendency to pin their ears back to get to TB...your thoughts?

Mike Reiss

  (12:42 PM)

I'd agree with that, Mike. As Tedy points out, the short passing game is one to combat the rush.

Dean Pees (NH)

Mike,What type of looks do you see from the Pats D this week? Mostly 3-4 man rushes with 7-8 dropping into coverage on passing plays? Doesn't seem like teams have much luck blitzing Manning too often.

Mike Reiss

  (12:45 PM)

Flattered that you would ask me Dean Pees, although Patriots fans might be a bit concerned that you are logging onto the chat during practice. Here is a great stat from ESPN's Stats and Information group: Manning has faced standard pressure (4-man rush) on 231 plays, the third highest total in the NFL. That's a sign that opponents fear blitzing him. He's so smart.

Mike Reiss

  (12:45 PM)

So I think the Patriots will probably follow suit and pick their spots sparingly with the blitz.

Dr. Van Nostrand (NH)

Hey Mike, what are your thoughts as far as some of the injured guys and their timelines for a return to action...Taylor/Morris/Edelman/Light/Koppen/Tate etc...geez we have a lot of injuries right now...any updates would be much appreciated...Thanks

Mike Reiss

  (12:46 PM)

This is all speculation, but I'd say Edelman and Morris are between this week and next. Taylor maybe 3-4 weeks. I don't have a great feel on this.

Nick (Worcester, MA)

Whats your prediction on the game? I say Colts 24-19. The patriots offense has had RZ troubles and I think this is the time where it bites them in the .....

Mike Reiss

  (12:47 PM)

I think the red zone is a good point, Nick, but the Colts have had some recent problems there as well. I'm going to sleep on it one more night and then deliver a prediction tomorrow.

Mile High Pats Fan (Denver, CO)

Adalius Thomas, has he been as good for the Pats as he was for the Ravens? Seems like he's been asked to perform several different roles here, instead of pinning his ears back and rushing the passer. He's gotta get points for versatility there, right?

Mike Reiss

  (12:48 PM)

I don't think Adalius has been as good for the Patriots as he was for the Ravens. Part of that is tied to how he was used, so it's not all on him in my view. I thought he played well last week against the Dolphins.

Alex (Cape Cod )

I feel like in all the coverage of the history of this rivalry, where so many integral parts have remained unchanged on each team the departure of Tony Dungy has been slightly overlooked. How much of an advantage is it for Belichick to be going against a new coach? Or is Indy such a tight ship that there is almost no hangover from a coaching change?

Mike Reiss

  (12:49 PM)

Solid point, Alex, and I noticed Tedy mentioned it earlier in the chat so I'll highlight what he said. He gives the advantage to Brady/Belichick because Caldwell is in his first year as head coach.

Mike (Sharon)

Could Wes Welker play another big role in the short passing game? Is he the only short option with Moss, Aiken, Tate and Watson being big play receivers?

Mike Reiss

  (12:50 PM)

I think this is spot on, Mike. Quick, short passing game is going to be very important. Welker is lethal in that area.

Anthony (Douglas, MA)

Sportsnation, prefers Manning over Brady by 70%! What a joke. They are just haters that want Brady and the Pats to just go away and stop winning. They fail to recognize what Brady has done coming off major knee surgery is remarkable. Stop hating America! Your just jealous, you wish you had Tom instead of Kerry Collins, and Jamarcus Russell, and other greats!

Mike Reiss

  (12:51 PM)

Anthony, I think questions and debates like that can be fun, and maybe I'm losing my edge, but my thought is this: Why do we have to choose one over the other? They're both great.

Brandon McGowan ( )

Am I the patriot's MVP so far?

Mike Reiss

  (12:52 PM)

I'd give it to Wes Welker or Tom Brady, but you make a strong case on the defensive side with Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren in my view.

VG (Germany)

Hi Mike, the Pats have lost 4 of the 5 games vs. the Colts. And as i see it they almost lost that game in 2007 until they finally decided to open up their attack and throw it deep.Do you think they will use again the same approach like the did in the past games, play their game conservatively, try to hang with the Colts and win it at the end (which i don't believe it will work) or do they finally understand that they have become the underdog again vs. the Colts and try something special (trick plays, remember the game at Indy in 2001; vertical passing attack, trying to score big or to get pass interference calls; going on 4th and medium (let's say 3-5 yards to go) instead on kicking FG) ?

Mike Reiss

  (12:54 PM)

I don't sense a conservative approach from the Patriots in this game, assuming they can pass protect. I think once they gain a certain comfort level with the pass protection, they will open it up. The key is if thet comfort is there because that is an unknown how Vollmer/Connolly would respond.

Chris (Cambridge)

Speaking of the AFC Championship game against the Colts- do you think one more experienced WR would have made the difference in that game

Mike Reiss

  (12:55 PM)

I think this might have been for Tedy, Chris, but I'll jump in. 38-34 game. I've thought about the third-down play the Patriots couldn't convert and wondered if a top-tier receiver might have helped make that play. But I'd put it more on the defense in that one.

Cape Mike (Forestdale, MA)

would it also be possible that the would colts try to slow the game down keeping the ball away from Tom Brady to exploit their weak secondary?

Mike Reiss

  (12:56 PM)

Absolutely Cape Mike. The Colts haven't been running it very well, but they can slow it down with their short to intermediate passing game.

Steve (London)

Is it finally time to call Derrick Burgess a bust in New England? The season is half over and he has yet to make an impact.

Mike Reiss

  (12:56 PM)

I wouldn't go as far as to say bust, but I think it's fair to be disappointed with his production given the cost of draft picks to acquire him (3rd round, 5th round).

BS (Boston)

Do you see the Law Firm getting more time in the back field? Maroney has been running better, but I'm not sold on him being the feature back while Taylor and Morris are out.

Mike Reiss

  (12:57 PM)

I don't think this is a BJGE game. The Colts close so quick that I'd think this is more tailored to Maroney's speed/explosiveness and Faulk's experience.

Mike Reiss

  (12:57 PM)

Going to wrap it up with one more question before running out to practice.

Jacob Noertov (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Mike, appreciate your work. I know this game is huge for players, but how big is it for you as a journalist?

Mike Reiss

  (1:00 PM)

Neat question, Jacob. This is the type of week where you are reminded how lucky you are to do something you enjoy so much. From a work standpoint, I have filled a few more radio interview requests than usual, and you notice a larger media presence at the stadium. I have come to appreciate football played at a high level, and that's part of why I get excited myself for games like this. Two great teams. A great rivalry. And the chance to have a seat close to the action to watch it unfold. It doesn't get much better than that from a work perspective.

Mike Reiss

  (1:00 PM)

Thanks to everyone for participating in the chat. We'll do it again next Thursday.