New England Patriots defeat the Indianapolis Colts to remain on top in the AFC
In a battle between two AFC heavyweights, the New England Patriots came away with a 31-28 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
How it happened
In what was dubbed the "Battle of 1812" (referring to the jerseys worn by the respective quarterbacks – Peyton Manning and Tom Brady) it was the Patriots who effectively shifted their gameplan to come
up with a winning formula against the Colts. The Patriots, who had been barely averaging over 100 yards per game rushing and were ranked in the bottom half of the NFL, came up with a huge day along the ground running for 168 yards.
The Patriots' ability to run the ball took the pressure off their quarterback, Brady, who completed 19-of-25 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions. It helped the Patriots take a 28-14 lead going
into the fourth quarter.
The Indianapolis Colts did nothing little to change their gameplan against the Patriots, and the fact that they were playing from behind for most of the game, meant that they were targeting most of their
offence through the air. Peyton Manning threw the ball 52 times – the third time this season he's had more than 50 pass attempts in a game – and although he threw for almost 400 yards and four touchdown passes, he was also intercepted three times including
on the Colts' final possesion as they were driving down the field looking to tie the game.
What they are saying
It was the unlikely source of Danny Woodhead who inspired the Patriots with his mazy 36-yard run for a touchdown in the third quarter to put the Patriots up 28-14. The diminutive backup running back followed
up his impressive run with a great special teams tackle on the ensuing kickoff which drew more cheers from the New England faithful. "I do everything to make the play, whether I'm a runner, a receiver or on a kickoff," the 5ft 8in Woodhead told the media after
the game. I'm not too worried what everybody thinks about my size, weight or height. My worry is about doing my job, whatever that might be."
Manning, who's always been the inspirational leader for the Colts, was upset about throwing his third interception late in the game and not giving his kicker, Adam Vinatieri, a chance to tie things up.
"We were in an uptempo mode the last seven minutes," he said. "We almost scored three touchdowns. But you're playing against the clock. I feel sick about it," he said. "About not extending the game, not
executing to give Vinatieri a chance for a field goal. It was a bad throw."
What it all means
The Patriots remain tied atop the the AFC with the New York Jets after improving their record to 8-2. They next play in Detroit against the Lions on Thursday 25 November.
The Colts fell to 6-4 on the season and are now tied for first in the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars. They get set to take on the San Diego Chargers at home next Sunday 28 November.
Tags: