A Dichotomy: The Colts Offense and Defense

note:  I put this up as a response in another thread but thought I would make it into a fan post in case people wished to discuss it.  IE - I have no desire or intent to hijack someone else's well thought out and well-written thread.

Something that has proved true this season should concern the rest of the NFL a great deal when facing the Colts. The offense, early in a game, or with the lead is human.  With a lead we tend to be more conservative, which keeps games closer than they would be and keeps us from running up scores like the Patriots.

When we lead, however, the defense tends to be vicious. 

via images2.wikia.nocookie.net

The pass rush is let loose and opposing offenses are set up to make mistakes more often, we start forcing turnovers.

via www.coltsgab.com

This makes it very difficult for teams to come back against the Colts.

So… with a lead, the defense is dangerous, opposing offenses typically are forced to make risky plays that lead to turnovers, and coming back is extremely difficult.

When the Colts are behind, the defense tends to struggle more. The opposing offense can typically set the pace of the game, attempt to be balanced and keep the defense on its heels.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, "that used to be the case bamock but not anymore." To a degree, you would be right for saying so.

Since Coyer has taken over and put a few wrinkles in the Dungy-2 defense, we are far more resilient and capable of making adjustments in scheme or picking up our play defensively to keep games "close enough" to be in striking distance.

This brings me to the offense from behind, which should be a scary thing for any team in the NFL who has to play a game against the Colts. The margin of "close enough" or "in striking distance" is wider for the Colts than any other team in the NFL… HANDS DOWN and it isn’t even close.

When we’re playing from behind the offense is sharper, plays harder, and finds inventive ways to score points by putting together long (yards) 2 min. scoring drives that close the gap or result in 4th quarter comebacks that have not been rivaled in NFL history.

via nimg.sulekha.com

If you’re up 14 on the Colts, particularly late in a game, you had better watch out. That is when Manning and Company have calculated and weighed your defensive scheme and plan and will start to move the ball.

Add to this the pace of the Colts no-huddle offense, a pace that is faster than any other team in the NFL... HANDS DOWN and it isn't even close, and it's no surprise that opponents tend to be fatigued and incapable of stepping up when the game is on the line.

via images.chron.com

So… if you’re behind, you’re in real trouble… the defense will start to eat you alive with its pass rush and it will be really difficult to find balance or true success moving the ball.

If you’re ahead… WATCH OUT, because the offense has seen what you’re doing defensively long enough that Moore, Manning, and Co. will start moving the ball.

Either way, the Colts play on momentum, and the momentum comes from one side of the ball no matter the circumstances on the scoreboard. Once that momentum swings, stopping Indy is insanely difficult.

via cache.daylife.com

No team, none, zero, in the NFL wants to play the Colts. Not the Saints, not the Titans, not the Jaguars, and not the Patriots (Vikings either).

This team is balanced, and the balance usually results in relatively close games.  But it is this specific synergy that makes it harder for an opponent to pull out a victory against Indianapolis than it is when they face any other team in the NFL.