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Rookie isn’t testy over possible test
INDIANAPOLIS - Jerraud Powers saw what the Patriots did on their third offensive play of last Sunday’s game against the Dolphins, attacking rookie cornerback Vontae Davis with a deep ball to Randy Moss (which Davis intercepted). So the Colts rookie corner fully expects to be tested - by Moss, Wes Welker, and Tom Brady - when the Patriots come to town for Sunday night’s matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“They’re a great team and have been playing good ball for a number of years,’’ said Powers, a 5-foot-9-inch, 192-pounder from Alabama who has started seven of eight games, including the last six, for a Colts secondary that has been decimated by injuries.
Last Friday, the Colts placed safety Bob Sanders (biceps), cornerback Marlin Jackson (knee), and linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (biceps) on injured reserve. To complicate matters, cornerback Kelvin Hayden (knee) will be out 3-4 weeks.
“Since we started [organized team activities] everybody’s been preaching, ‘Next man up!’ so that’s sort of the philosophy we took to heart,’’ said Powers. “We can’t control injuries, by any means. We pray and hope no one gets hurt, but if we do, then it’s an opportunity for the next guy.’’
So, does he expect he and fellow rookie corner Jacob Lacey to be targeted by the Patriots right away, as Davis was?
“I don’t think they did it just because they were facing rookies,’’ Powers said. “I think they try to scheme teams no matter who the corners are, because they have great receivers and they believe their receivers will make plays.’’
“It is cool,’’ Clark said. “It has never happened to me before, so I’m kind of new to that, but it is pretty cool. A lot of things were involved in it, and it certainly wasn’t an individual award.’’
Asked about the matchup against the Patriots, Clark responded, “It’s awesome. I love it. You love playing against the teams that are really good, and this team, they have always been well-coached, smart, and a good team. They don’t beat themselves, and anything you get, you have to earn. And we are looking forward to the matchup.’’
Apprised that the Patriots held Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez of the Falcons to just one catch in Week 3, Clark said it was surprising, but added, “I’ve been held to no catches before myself.’’
Said Peyton Manning, “You’ve seen the way New England has played us the past couple of years, you can just tell by certain defenses that they’re cognizant of Dallas. Obviously, we have to find ways to get him the ball.’’
Michael Vega can be reached at vega@globe.com. 
