The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts are set to face in Week 6 of the 2015 NFL season. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Week 6 matchup between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts is being dubbed as the "Deflategate rematch". And while fans and media alike are hyping up the controversial game, the Colts will be heading into it with their players downplaying the meeting and with the possibility of not having their starting quarterback Andrew Luck.
This is the first time these two teams will meet again after last season's AFC Championship game in January, which the Patriots handily won, 45-7, thanks to an alleged deflating of game day footballs by Tom Brady and his crew.
New England went on to win Super Bowl XLIX in February and then Brady and the Patriots became involved in a globally followed legal feud with the NFL regarding what is now famously called "Deflategate."
ESPN reported that "the players and coaches of the 4-0 New England Patriots insist it will be just another football game on Sunday night at Lucas Oil Stadium".
But the report also said that "sullied" quarterback Brady and team owner Robert Kraft can finally get back on the "instigators of Deflategate", as it was the Colts' general manager Ryan Grigson who sought the attention of the NFL to check the footballs during that fateful AFC Championship day.
USA Today said Indianapolis players are mum about the rematch. Tight end Dwayne Allen remarked that it is just another game with "nameless, faceless opponents" while head coach Chuck Pagano said that this is a new contest for both teams and the past has nothing to do with it.
One thing to note, however, is the potential absence of the injured Colts signal caller, Luck. The 26-year-old is still recuperating from a right shoulder injury and is uncertain to participate in the game against the Patriots on Sunday.
The Colts have won their last two games without Luck, but could they survive the incoming Patriots onslaught without him?
