Colts Eyes on the AFC

by CBeastwood | 7 years ago | 3 Comments

This year has had its trials and tribulations.  There has been positive aspects, there has been some negative aspects.  The AFC is full of talent, it is in every division, and it manifests itself in multiple ways.  Much like has been discussed, there are a myriad of ways to look at each team, and break down what they do well, what they need to work on and the Colts try and keep it in the organization to maintain the levels of success that will lead them to the next step.

The Colts have a tendency to lose to teams that they shouldn't, as well as beat teams that many deem above them.  The Colts organization don't put stock into all of that, each game manifests its own way.  They know the work is cut out for them, they know what they must do, and they know what their gameplan is going into every game.

Other teams feel they have the blueprint to beat the Colts, and that is fine with them, as they feel they have the depth to perform at the highest level, each week.  Over the past 3 seasons, the Colts have beat all of the top teams in the league, and they will continue to grow as a group, learning more as they go.  

The Colts owner has a list of his own, based on who he feels are the most dynamic teams, as well as the most one trick teams around.

Most talented AFC teams - Bills, Browns, and Texans.

Bills - LB is by far the best user at changing up his offense and defense on the fly, reacting to what is happening in the game, leading him to be the scariest owner in the AFC.

Browns - B can throw the ball, even after mistakes, he is not going to let him, he is going to find his moments, and he is going to strike.  If you can't score, you won't beat B.

Texans - Chan has a basic idea on offense, but it works.  Everyone can say what they want, but he isn't stopped regularly, and his ability to user the defense is top 3 yearly.  Chan reacts better than most users, and can make you pay quickly for any mistake you make, which is why he is dangerous.

Teams that have good records that aren't as impressive.  Pats, Jets, and Raiders.

The other top teams in the AFC aren't trash, they have their skills, but they aren't nearly on the level of the top teams.

Pats - We all know what Austin will fall back on, when he is backed against the wall, but can it be stopped, that is the key question.  He runs almost 100% suggestion offense and defense, which leads to a much less open playbook, keeping what could be a much more potent team held back.

Jets - Though we have only played once, I have seen stats and gameplay footage.  He does a basic Chan offense, with much less willingness to take the gamble.  He has to have skill to continue being a good team in the league, but has it cut out for him having to play consistently with LB.

Raiders - To be fair, Mike came out of no where this Madden.  He still relies on the one button quite a bit, but it isn't as much as last Madden.  He has opened up his playbook more, but it still isn't where it should be to consistently beat the top level teams.  His defense is greatly improved, and honestly, he is the most improved owner in the whole league over the span of last year to this year, I don't think that is even a question.

These are the consistent owners in the playoffs, along with the Colts, and it most likely, won't change this season, or even this Madden.  There will be some spurts of success from other teams, but these teams are clawing their way to the playoffs week by week.