Richards: Colts' D Turns up the Heat in the Second Half
Well, how about one more recap; this one from another local reporter.
Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star looks at the defensive "attitude adjustment" that spurred the Colts' improbable comeback victory over a very good Packers team. Richards spoke to Robert Mathis and Cory Redding and also broke down how the Colts hybrid 3-4 defense managed to shut down so many Green Bay drives with big defensive plays:
Cornerback Jerraud Powers made the interception that turned the momentum and set up the first Colts touchdown. On almost every series thereafter, the Colts made a disruptive play to spike the possession and return the football to their offense.
>> Redding sacked Rodgers to force a third-and-15 that eventually led to a Colts field goal.
>> Linebacker Kavell Conner shot a gap and nailed running back Alex Green for a 4-yard loss and third-and-14.
>> Outside linebacker Dwight Freeney buried Rodgers to force fourth-and-16.
>> A Mathis sack resulted in second-and-16.
>> Linebacker Moise Fokou's sack put the Packers in third-and-11 and Redding crashed into the backfield on the next play to take down Rodgers and make it fourth-and-18.
Seven big plays, beginning with Powers. Six drives killed.
Let me stress, this wasn't some team bound for a high draft pick. This was the high flying offense of the Packers that was foiled by the unrelenting Colts defenders. Check out Phil's article. It's a good one.
