Six Points: Over before it started
Yahoo! Sports' Cris Carter puts six points on the board in the aftermath of Sunday's 20-3 Patriots win over the Colts.
1. A double loss
It's hard for the Indianapolis Colts to play the kind of football they want to play when the wind is blowing and it's cold. Home field advantage is so crucial for them. That first game in Foxboro, when they moved the ball up and down the field but still lost, came back to haunt them on Sunday.
2. The physical approach
People always talk about the New England Patriots' physical approach with the Colts' receivers, but it's not just that. They're physical rushing the passer. They're physical in their running game; New England dominated time of possession almost two to one on Sunday. Their whole style of play is very physical.
3. The Colts will be back – but where?
I love the way the Colts play. Given that they don't have a lot of people defensively, their goal this offseason is to keep their offense together. But no matter what they do, they have to have home field advantage in next season's playoffs. Given that the balance of power in the AFC includes Pittsburgh and New England – both cold climates – the Colts have to find a way to play this game next year in Indy.
4. Playing keep away
The Patriots' long drive in the third quarter was huge. The Colts didn't play well in the first half, but the score was still 6-3. Then New England gobbled up pretty much the whole third quarter and took a 10-point lead, and it made a huge difference.
5. Simple math
New England's offensive line averages just under 310 pounds, while the Colts' defensive line averages around 270. If the Colts' defense stays on the field too long, the Patriots are going to wear them out.
6. AFC championship game early look
The Patriots will be a lot tougher on Ben Roethlisberger in Sunday's AFC championship game than when they met earlier this season. They're going to give him different looks. And the Pittsburgh Steelers have to be able to run the football.
Extra Point
I'm going with New England. They have so much experience, and I don't believe that a rookie quarterback can beat them in an AFC championship game.
