National Football League

Colts still seeking solutions for Patriots' ground game

Published Oct. 16, 2015 1:54 p.m. ET

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Colts defense knows all about the ugly numbers.

Indianapolis has faced New England four times in the past three years. Each time, the Colts' defense was run over. Each time, Indianapolis read the stats, endured the film sessions and searched for answers. On Sunday night, the Colts get another chance.

''We've got to play physical,'' defensive coordinator Greg Manusky said. ''We've got to play strong up front to stop the run, you've got to strike some individuals and get them off you.''

It's not merely a philosophical change. It's a necessary one.

After watching the Patriots gash Indy for 722 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground in those four games, coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson committed themselves to finding a better run defense. They signed free agent defensive end Kendall Langford. They drafted Stanford defensive linemen Henry Anderson and David Parry. After former starting end Cory Redding left in free agency and putting defensive tackle Art Jones on injured reserve in September, they cut defensive tackles Josh Chapman and Montori Hughes.

Now, using an entirely new starting defensive line, the Colts (3-2) are making progress.

Last week, they held Arian Foster, an old nemesis, in check. Their last four opponents - the Jets, Titans, Jaguars and Texans - have averaged just 3.8 yards per carry.

''I love the direction they're going, the way they've played, the numbers the last couple weeks,'' coach Chuck Pagano said. ''They've done a nice job. Under 100 yards, all that stuff. They're doing well.''

Next up is the biggest test of all - stopping the Patriots (4-0), who have run roughshod over Indianapolis.

LeGarrette Blount rushed for 166 yards and a franchise playoff record four TDs in January 2014 then piled up another 138 yards and three more TDs in January's AFC championship game. Jonas Gray finished with a career high 201 yards and set a regular season franchise record with four more TD runs last November.

The one time Indy didn't allow a 100-yard rusher during that span, Tom Brady threw three TD passes and New England returned a punt and two interceptions for touchdowns.

This year, the Colts will have to contend with Blount again and Dion Lewis, a former Indy running back.

Why should anyone think this time will be different?

For starters, the Patriots (4-0) will be missing left tackle Nate Solder after he was placed on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday with a left arm injury.

''It's a tough loss,'' receiver Julian Edelman said. ''Nate is a big part of our team, great locker room guy, a guy who's just a true professional. All that means is that other guys are going to have to come in and step up and be prepared to do their job.''

And though Indy's players don't expect Solder's absence to change much, an emerging defensive front might. Langford and Parry have been solid against the run this season, combining for 26 tackles, while Anderson looks like a third-round gem. He's fifth on the team with 29 tackles.

''I think those guys (Anderson and Parry), even though they're rookies, they understand the concepts we're trying to get across from stopping the run and who's, from the blocking schemes, going to attack them certain ways,'' Manusky said.

The talk sounds good. What the Colts must do Sunday is prove they've finally found a solution.

''Any team that runs the ball for as many yards as they have, it's a combination of not doing the right thing, not being physical enough,'' Manusky said. ''Even from a coaching standpoint, putting them in the right call, putting them in the right front. During practice the same thing, so we've got to stop them.''

Notes: Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was listed as questionable Friday for the game. He has missed the last two games with a sore right shoulder. Matt Hasselbeck has led the Colts to wins over Houston and Jacksonville.

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