Let the Colts-Patriots hype begin

The Colts have today off before they gear up for another week of pregame buildup and hype for their trip to New England. The Patriots' convincing win over the Vikings on Monday Night Football sets up another classic Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady showdown.

One of the game's subplots, of course, will be the return of kicker Adam Vinatieri, the Patriots' former Super Bowl hero now with the Colts. In my story today, Vinatieri said he expects to hear some cheers and some boos when he returns to Foxboro, Mass. Vinatieri played 10 years with the Patriots.

“It’s one game in 16 games, but I’ll be interested to see (the reaction),” he said. “A few people might give me a high-five type of thing, but when the game starts, it is what it is. I expect them to be loud and crazy and yelling against me.”

After losing some key players from last season, the Patriots (6-1) have shown that Brady and coach Bill Belichick remain one of the most dangerous duos in the NFL today.