Projo Pats Blog

BY DANIEL BARBARISI
Journal Sports Writer

FOXBORO -- The Patriots will visit their old foes the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, but Peyton Manning and crew have relocated to some new digs since the last time the Patriots came to town. The Colts left the RCA Dome and moved into Lucas Oil Stadium at the start of this season, and now call the new $720 million, retractable roof facility home.

Still, Patriots coach Bill Belichick does not expect to see a slower style of play now that the Colts are only occasionally a dome-home team.

"I know it's a new stadium and all that, but I'm sure it'll be a lot of the same elements we've seen before in that dome. That'll be a big challenge for us," Belichick said.

In the past, the Patriots have struggled to contain Manning's high-octane offense, and the RCA Dome was the site of several Manning-Tom Brady duels, including last year's memorable 24-20 Patriots victory, capped by two late Brady touchdown drives and a game-clinching Manning interception.

While the Patriots do not have Brady this weekend, Manning is also hobbled from a knee injury, and his 2008 statistics look pedestrian compared to his normal numbers. Not that Belichick is preparing for a weakened Manning.

"We're on to Indy, and we know what kind of a battle that'll be up there," Belichick said, adding later, "We've got a lot to get ready for."

 Tags  Bill Belichick Dan Barbarisi Peyton Manning Tom Brady

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