The Colts may be winless, but they still have some weapons.
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011.If given a choice, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady would have a different member of the Indianapolis Colts out with an injury this week other than longtime foil Peyton Manning.
"I wish (defensive end Dwight Freeney) was out this week," Brady said. "He's in there again. He's a phenomenal player. If I could be a defensive end, I'd be like him."
Freeney has sacked Brady three times in seven meetings, including one last November.
The thing that impresses Brady the most about Freeney is the ability to strip the ball. He has 99.5 career sacks and 43 forced fumbles.
"Almost half the time he sacks you, he strips the ball from you," Brady said. "He's a great player."
Players of his caliber are why the Patriots are taking the Colts so seriously this week despite their 0-11 record, though Brady does feel some compassion for the season Indianapolis has been forced to endure while Manning is out with a neck injury.
"You never want to see a team have that kind of a season, because you know how miserable we are when we lose two in a row," Brady said. "At the same time, it's our job to go out there and perform as well as we can against them this week. That's what we plan to do. We don't take anything for granted."