Patriots coach Bill Belichick has a difficult task in game planning for Colts quarterback Peyton Manning this week, and he says what makes that task particularly difficult is that trying to put pressure on Manning usually makes things easier for him.
According to Belichick, Manning is the least-sacked quarterback in the NFL not because of the Colts’ offensive line but because Manning thrives when he’s facing a blitz.
“He gets rid of the ball,” Belichick said, per the Boston Globe. “He throws it away. The only way to sack him is for somebody to come that he doesn’t expect – the guy’s blocked and he beats a block and Peyton’s not thinking about him or for some reason he just doesn’t see him. If he sees him coming, he’ll get rid of the ball. And he has a quick release anyway.
“Historically, we’ve seen people blitz him, and the blitzer comes clean from the center guard gap or right from the line of scrimmage, and he still gets rid of it. And sometimes for big plays.”
David Cutcliffe, who played an integral role in Manning’s development as a quarterback while serving as offensive coordinator at Tennessee, told the Boston Herald that Manning’s detailed film study often allows him to know where the pressure will come from before a play starts.
“One of the first things is to be absolutely totally focused and dedicated to studying tape to where recognition pre-snap is the key to all of it,” Cutcliffe said.
According to ESPN’s research, opposing teams are starting to figure out that blitzing Manning won’t work, and that’s why Manning has faced four or fewer pass rushers on 231 dropbacks this season, the third-highest total of any quarterback in football. Most teams have decided that it’s better to drop more players into coverage against Manning than to bring more pressure.
But if there’s any coach who can find the right way to pressure Manning, it’s Belichick.
I would be fine if the Pats D just gets physical with the receivers and Clark on the line…that’s how you take Peyton out, disrupt his sync…
If I see Bodden and Butler lining up 10 yards off the line I will be screaming for Pees’ head on Sunday night.
“But if there’s any coach who can find the right way to pressure Manning, it’s Belichick.”
Or Dick LeBeau… see you in the AFCC game bitches!!
Our pressure up front has been lackluster so far, but the secondary — specifically safety — is so much better than it was in the last couple years that I think we’ll take this one. Plus the Colts secondary is banged up, too. Should be a great game. Go Pats!
and immediately after the interview, Billicheat kicked a blind kitten across the room. you forgot to add that.
I hope they tie.
Looks like Belichick’s going with some mind games here. He’ll be coming with some interesting blitz packages.
I’d expect Bill’s got some stuff he’s been saving all year for Peyton.
Sacks aren’t nesseccary, but pressure is!
BB wouldn’t tell you what his plans are. We won’t know what the D plans are until Sunday.
This is a differint D than Manning is used to seeing. It’s a 3-4, 4-3, 5-2, 1-6 with a much improved secondary, since Law and Samuel..!
I’ve been waiting all week for Sunday Night!
I actually believe the Patriots will win this one pretty handadly….sure Peyton will put up yards but not points….even though these matchups are historically close, I see Pats winning 34-20
rusH1023 says:
November 13, 2009 4:29 PM
Our pressure up front has been lackluster so far, but the secondary — specifically safety — is so much better than it was in the last couple years that I think we’ll take this one. Plus the Colts secondary is banged up, too. Should be a great game. Go Pats!
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“Our”, “we”…when discussing professional sports, this is the terminology of a lifelong LOSER. No wonder so many Pats fans use that language on these boards. LMFAO!!!
Payton is not worried he has ice water for blood just like his little bro calm and cool
The colts signed David Tyre this week just to make sure Manning has a sure handed target
Joey Porter was able to sack him several times in the 2005 season playoff game when he was with the Steelers.
There is a reason Billy and his Pats have won most games against Peyton.
There is a reason Billy and his Pats have won most games against Peyton.
Till the 2006 AFC playoff game when Dungy would not allow cameras to be brought in.
Uhhh… patriots can’t sack anyone. Mike Wright leads the team with 4 sacks.
This is a red herring.
I would like to put pressure on Beth Stern’s vagina.
spyboots, Speaking of cameras, how’s your sister doing in Mexico?