The Patriots will strongly dispute that their offseason overhaul was to replicate the Colts, but there is no denying they are a dramatically different team from the one that couldn't hold a 21-6 halftime lead in last year's conference title game and endured one of the most painful defeats in franchise history, 38-34.
The Patriots should have four new starters on offense Sunday when they visit the Colts again. Running back Laurence Maroney and receivers Randy Moss, Donté Stallworth, and Wes Welker are in. Running back Corey Dillon, receivers Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney, and tight end Daniel Graham are out.
Defensively, the changes come with Adalius Thomas over Eric Alexander at inside linebacker, and Rodney Harrison healthy again and lining up where Artrell Hawkins did last year.
Each replacement appears to be an upgrade, specifically in the speed department. And when it comes to playing the Colts, matching their quickness is imperative.
Coach Bill Belichick acknowledged that speed has long been a consideration when forming the roster, and now that the Patriots are playing on FieldTurf at Gillette Stadium, that speed has a chance to shine more than ever.
It will also come in handy on a fast track like the RCA Dome.
"We're a lot faster team than we were four years ago - faster at running back, faster at receiver, faster at pass rusher," said Belichick. "Our linemen are more athletic, to get out and run screen plays and outside plays and stuff like that.
"If you're a fast team, you're better off playing on a fast surface. If you're a slow team, you can't slow down too much. You're already slow.
"Take a look at a team like Indianapolis; they might be seen as undersized at a lot of positions, but they're fast and more fast and quick than most players at their position. That speed plays to their conditions. I think our team has evolved through the years. You always try to get faster - no one wants to get slower - and it's become a faster team than, let's say, '03, '04."
Cowher sees the speed shining through on offense, where he's detected a shift in philosophy.
