New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is not taking special teams lightly ahead of Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Indianapolis has employed a familiar face with Bubba Ventrone currently coaching the unit. The Patriots signed Ventrone as an undrafted rookie in 2005. He played 17 games on the special-teams unit for New England over the span of four seasons.
Special teams played a huge role the last time these two teams met last December. The Colts were able to block a punt in the end zone and extend their lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. The punt set the tone for the rest of the game, as Indianapolis was able to take control and play to their strengths. Indianapolis ended up winning by a 27-17 margin.
Belichick remembers that game vividly, and he heaped praise on the Colts’ special teams unit heading into the Week 9 matchup.
“I think they reflect a lot on him,” Belichick said, via NESN’s Greg Dudek. “It’s basically like a mirror image of him: Tough, hard-nosed, highly competitive kid. Played as hard as anybody all the time. Every play. Fearless. He has a lot of players like that playing for him. … He spent a lot of time with Coach (Brad) Seely. And obviously came back and was here, as well.
“He’s been influenced by a number of different coaches I would say. His playing experience … in various organizations, he’s got a lot of experience. He’s seen a lot. He’s done a good job. Like I said, this is one of the best units we’ll see. Very aggressive, very tough. They have a good mixture of size and speed and physicality.”
Solid special teams play may be the key to another New England victory on Sunday afternoon.
Special teams loomed large for the Patriots in the win over the New York Jets last Sunday. New England will need to be ready, both in terms of preparing their unit and for whatever Indianapolis brings to the table.
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