Colts Hope New D-Line Can Stop Patriots Ground Game

In their last 3 matchups, it’s no secret that the Indianapolis Colts defense has simply been pummeled by the New England Patriots rushing attack–to the tune of 657 total rush yards on 130 carries (5.05 ypc avg.) and 13 rushing touchdowns.

It hasn’t mattered whether it’s been LeGarrette Blount or Jonas Gray, the Patriots ground game has gouged the Colts run defense in recent games. Consequently, Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is well aware of the Patriots prominent rushing success against his defense:

"“They do a nice job based on matchups,” said Pagano. “They’ve got good players. Got good runners. Got guys blocking that are good players for them.”“It’s one of those things where based on what we give them from a defensive standpoint–lookwise, you go big people out there, they might spread you out, displace personnel, get an empty, throw it around,” added Pagano. “You go smallball on them, try to match up from a coverage standpoint as well as a run standpoint, and they run it on you.”"

Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano laughs with defensive coordinator Greg Manusky on the sidelines prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

However, what separates this year’s defense is that they’ve got 3 brand new defensive starters along their defensive line in defensive ends Henry Anderson and Kendall Langford, as well as nose tackle David Parry.

A trio that has already impressed Pagano and could very well be the difference this time around in limiting the Patriots ground game:

"“They’re doing a great job of controlling the line of scrimmage,” said Pagano regarding his new starting defensive line trio. “They’re getting knock ’em back. They’re making plays. You know they’re able to take on doubles and singles and get off blocks and make plays.”"

It’s worth noting that last week, the team’s run defense held Houston Texans running back Arian Foster-a notorious Colts killer, to just 41 rushing yards on 19 carries for a paltry 2.2 rushing yards per carry average.

In fact, Pagano went as far to say that this is the best run stopping defense he’s had in over 3 seasons as Colts head coach, and that he feels ‘really good’ about this group:

"“I feel really good about our run defense right now,” said Pagano. “Probably better than any point we’ve been playing run defense. This team has not faced their team. We’re different upfront. Still, we’ve got a heck of a challenge in front of us, and I think everybody knows that.”"

His defensive coordinator Greg Manusky knows that it’s just as much on the coaching and playcalling, as it is on his defensive players in stalling the Patriots rushing attack:

"“Any team that runs the ball for as many yards as they have, I think it’s a combination of not doing the right thing and not being physical enough,” remarked Manusky. “It’s every week when you play guys like that,” added Manusky. “It’s across the board even from a coaching standpoint. Put them in the right call. Put them in the right front. During practice, the same thing, and we’ve got to stop them.”"

Aided with better playcalling, the Colts coaches will be hoping that their new defensive line is the difference this time around against the New England Patriots ground game.

They’re not alone.

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