The Indianapolis Colts will face the New England Patriots in Week 13 on the road in a must-win scenario. The Colts are on the outside looking into the playoff picture and will need to go on a winning streak to keep their playoff hopes alive. The interesting thing about this matchup is the history surrounding the Colts and Patriots rivalry. Some might pin the term “rivalry” as a stretch now that both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have retired. However, even though that stint has subsided, a new era of rivalry between the Colts and Patriots might blossom on Sunday as Anthony Richardson will face off against Drake Maye.
Both quarterbacks will face each other for the first time. Also, both teams will face each other with different leadership than in years past. Shane Steichen is entering his second season as the Colts head coach, and Jerod Mayo is in his first season as the Patriots head coach. Drake Maye is a rookie with the Patriots and will be making his eighth start, while Anthony Richardson is in his second season but only making his 13th start.
How the New Look Colts and New Look Patriots Could Start a New Conference Rivalry
The History of the Colts vs Patriots Rivalry
These two teams do not play in the same division, but the league considers this matchup a rivalry based on history. Since the year 2000, the Colts have faced the Patriots a total of 20 times which, aside from their division opponents, is the most meetings against one team during that span. Starting in 2003, these two teams faced off in ten straight seasons, and the Patriots won six of those matchups. The Colts are 7-13 all-time since 2000 against the Patriots, and this does not include their matchups in the playoffs.
It appears that the NFL is looking to rekindle this new-look rivalry, as this matchup on Sunday will be their fourth straight meeting. Both teams look completely different now, and with their experience and leadership, this rivalry could be another tenured matchup.
The Importance of Two Young Quarterbacks
The main reason why the new-look Colts and new-look Patriots will have the potential for a new-look rivalry is because of the young quarterbacks. As mentioned already, both teams have young and inexperienced quarterbacks leading their teams. Thus, these quarterbacks will grow and develop together as they face each other moving forward.
This will be similar to how the Manning vs Brady rivalry got started. They both were two young quarterbacks who had success early and began playing each other often and seeing each other in the playoffs. Thus creating an intense rivalry that was always one for prime television. Anthony Richardson and Drake Maye are not quite ready for that yet. However, within the next few years, playoff meetings and prime-time games will come.
The Impact on the AFC
The AFC is the strongest conference in the NFL, as it is surrounded by many young and successful quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson is only 27 years old and already has two league MVPs. Patrick Mahomes is 29 years old and already has three Super Bowl rings. Joe Burrow and Josh Allen are both extremely talented quarterbacks as well as Justin Herbert and CJ Stroud. Richardson and Maye have their work cut out for them as they navigate the next decade in the NFL. Nonetheless, the intrigue of having more young playmakers lead their teams will bode well for the AFC and the league as a whole.
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
