The Colts started things off with a three and out, then on defense, allowed the Patriots to march 89 yards, mostly on the ground, for the first touchdown of the game. It bore an eerie resemblance to their playoff matchup a few months ago.
There were glimmers of hope here and there – and the game was mostly close until the fourth quarter, but overall, the defense was punch-less, struggled to generate pressure, and the offense couldn’t keep up with the Patriots, who rolled up 245 yards on the ground – 501 total – and barely even shrugged at third downs. On their final drive, the boos rang down from the stands as the Colts, down 42-20 and out of the running, handed off to Trent Richardson.
Time and time again, Indy gained momentum through the air only to kill it with a running play, even when it was clear that they couldn’t run the ball on this particular night. To their credit, New England didn’t exactly boast a formidable run defense coming into the game.
Ahmad Bradshaw ran 7 times for 4 yards and went out with an injury in the fourth quarter, while Trent Richardson had a sadly 2013 Trent Richardson-like night with 7 carries for 0 yards.
Indianapolis answered the Patriots 89-yard touchdown drive with a field goal after a promising drive, highlighted by a 46-yard pass to Reggie Wayne, fizzled out (a run for -1 yard set up a third and long).
Safety Mike Adams grabbed the first of his two interceptions, but the Colts couldn’t capitalize, and New England eventually made it 14-3 with another run heavy drive and another Jonas Gray TD run.
Adams picked Brady off again near the half just when it looked like the rout was on, and Luck hit Hakeem Nicks on the fade route for a touchdown to make it 14-10 at the half.
You know the rest of the story. The defense just couldn’t get the stops they needed. New England was 9 of 12 on third down, often doing much more than just moving the chains. The Patriots went 80 yards right out of the gate in the third quarter for a 21-10 lead. Indianapolis countered by settling for a field goal.
They came back to life again in the fourth quarter and looked as though they were one defensive stop from tying the game. Luck hit Coby Fleener on passes of 45 and 22 yards, while a few handoffs (including one on which Bradshaw fumbled) nearly killed the drive and hit left tackle Anthony Castonzo for a wide-open touchdown from a yard out (followed by Castonzo’s awesome and hilarious celebration dance). A pass to a starting left tackle who reported eligible on the weak side was a sweet play call, the outcome of the game notwithstanding.
The Patriots would pull away, however, with another Jonas Gray TD run and a 26-yard catch and rumble by Rob Gronkowski after a turnover on downs from the Indy offense. Insult to injury.
This is a good team, a playoff team, but they don’t look as though they’ll be challenging the Patriots or Broncos in the AFC playoffs just yet. (Bear in mind, opinions in the NFL are pretty fluid. Things could change quickly heading into January).
Chuck Pagano has had his team very well prepared on several occasions this season. This wasn’t one of them. Too many mistakes to overcome against such a talented team.
The remainder of the Colts’ schedule looks a little friendlier: Jaguars, Washington, @ Browns, Texans, @ Cowboys, @ Titans. The Jaguars are a division rival who will bring everything they have, but they still should be just what the doctor ordered after tonight’s embarrassment.