Patriots Prepare To Host Colts In AFC Championship Game
Matt LaPan, Go Local Sports Reporter
Patriots Prepare To Host Colts In AFC Championship Game
This will not be the first time these teams have met this season. The Patriots took the first meeting 42-20 in Indianapolis behind a breakout game from Jonas Gray.
Looking Back
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe last time the Patriots and Colts took the field was on November 16 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Patriots were in the midst of a five game run that put New England against five of the top teams in the NFL, at the time. The Colts game came in Week 11, immediately after the Patriots’ Bye Week.
The game was billed as a chance for the Colts to show their mettle against the NFL’s elite. That plan did not work for the Colts as the Patriots rode a four rushing touchdown game from Jonas Gray. Gray finished the game with 37 carries for 201 yards and four touchdowns in just his 4th career game and 2nd career start.
Luck’s favorite target on the night was tight end Colby Fleener. He dominated the middle of the field for seven catches and 144 yards. The Colts also used some deception on the Patriots in the game, completing a touchdown pass to left tackle Anthony Castonzo.
Clear Rushing Pattern
The November game was not the only time the Patriots dominated the Colts on the ground. As a team, the Patriots averaged 174.5 yards per game and four touchdowns per game rushing. This includes a 166-yard, four-touchdown game from LeGarrette Blount in the 2013 AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Each of the three games have been huge Patriots wins — winning by 35 in 2012, 21 in 2013 and 22 earlier this season.
Preparing for a Battle
The Patriots will be participating in their 4th consecutive AFC Championship while the Colts will be participating in their first AFC Championship since the 2009 season, and for the first time with Andrew Luck under center.
Although the Patriots hold a clear advantage in the experience category, they know that Luck is a dangerous quarterback and that the Colts have been gaining experience with each of their recent wins.
Greatest Places in Providence to Watch Football
English Cellar Ale House
165 Angell St., Providence, RI 02906
Known on college hill as a great place to study and grab a bite to eat, English Cellar Ale House also has a wide selection of draft beers and a great many places to sit and still have a front-row view of your favorite team.
Ladder 133
133 Douglas Ave., Providence, RI 02903
This renovated firehouse is everything you could want in a sports bar: great atmosphere, great food and 30 televisions! Come watch every touchdown, and every let down at Ladder 133.
Photo: Ladder 133
The Ivy Tavern
758 Hope St.,Providence, RI 02906
Ivy Tavern has the perfect sports combination down: cold beer and scrumptious, hearty burgers!
Photo: Ivy Tavern
The Fatt Squirrel
150 Chestnut St., Providence, RI 02903
With stellar Yelp reviews, The Fatt Squirrel is a great place to be yourself, play some pool and watch the game with a drink in your hand.
Snooker's Bar and Grill
53 Ashburton St., Providence, RI 02904
Since 1989, Snooker's has hosted billiard tournaments, trivia nights and even celebrities like Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, Orlando Bloom, and Conan O’Brian. Moreover, Snooker's has a lively atmosphere to immerse yourself in when it's game time!
Photo: Snookers
Whiskey Republic
515 South Water Street, Providence RI, 02903
Weekday nights are low-key at Whiskey Republic, and opportune for the sports fan who values a good meal and a well-made whiskey drink to boot.
Photo: Whiskey Republic
G Pub
61 Orange St., Providence, RI 02903
The new kid on the block is Providence's G Pub. Described as ESPN-Zone-esque this pub features great food and a casual atmosphere to sit down and enjoy America's past-time.
Photo: G Pub
Rick's Roadhouse
397 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903
Rick's Roadhouse projects the latest sports games up on their wall for an in-your-face experience... not to mention the tasty wings and appetizers you can chow down on while you watch your favorite team.
Union Station Brewery
36 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903
Union Station Brewery is a member of the John Harvard's Brewery and Ale House family and it's bar hosts many television screens for you to view each play as you enjoy some delicious pizza, burgers or even a steak.
Photo: Union Station Brewery
The Abbey
686 Admiral St., Providence, RI 02908
Sometimes you just need to get away from the bustle and noise of a large-scale sports pub. If a cozy, intimate setting and amazing food sounds right up your alley head over to The Abbey.
Photo: The Abbey
