Pats Unconvincingly Down Colts, 34-27

(Oct. 10, 2015 - Source: Mike Stone/Getty Images North America)

Last night, the Patriots were able to down the Indianapolis Colts in what everyone thought would be an epic blowout and grudge match for the aforementioned team's role in Deflategate. To start the game, the Colts were moving the ball pretty well. Andrew Luck was finding open receivers, specifically TY Hilton, and had a solid running game led by newly acquired ex-49ers star Frank Gore. The Patriots secondary was having trouble keeping up with the Colts speedy receivers and could not get any pressure on Andrew Luck, as he had all day to throw the football and go through his progressions.  

Offensively, the first half was up and down for the high-powered New England offense. Tom Brady, as always, was playing at an extremely high level as he was moving around in the pocket to buy a couple extra seconds and find the open receiver. Surprisingly, the Patriots went away from the running game and almost exclusively threw the ball in the first half. Unfortunately, Patriot receivers were dropping balls left and right, which is something that Belichick will have to address before they play an even better defense in the Jets next week. 

Going into the half, the Patriots were down 21-20 and the Colts were getting ready to raise another banner.

Thankfully for the Pats, Matt Patricia drew up a new defensive scheme, which was extremely effective for the rest of the game. Luck was unable to get the ball out quick enough and the Patriots secondary stepped up. A highlight of the game, aside from the infamous botched fake punt, was the play of Jamie Collins. He was dropping back into coverage, blitzing through the A gap like you read about, and leaping over lineman to block PATs. 

However, the game was very unconvincing and a disappointment for those expecting a blowout. The Patriots had trouble moving the ball in the 4th quarter, and it was noticeable how upset Brady was at the end of the game and in his postgame press conference. Since their Week 4 Bye, the Patriots have struggled to move the ball to seal a game, even though they have scored 64 points in the last two games. The Patriots will need to make some changes moving forward, as I am starting to wonder if this team is as good as we all previously thought. 

There is no question in my mind that they will be able to get out of the AFC as currently constructed, but they need to focus on getting healthy and acquiring another defensive back before the trade deadline to take that next step. 

Next stop, Darrell Revis and the Jets. Another emotional game? Don't count on it. 

Notes:

• Pro Bowl special team's gunner Matthew Slater was helped off the field and later carted to the locker room. It was an apparent knee injury and looks to be season-ending. 
• Marcus Cannon hurt his big toe and was held out for the remainder of the game. His injury at the surface doesn't look bad, but the Patriots are already thin on the offensive line. 
• Jabaal Sheard hurt his ankle early and was held out for the remainder of the game. However, after the game Sheard was walking without a limp and no ice/wrap around his ankle. The injury does not look to be serious.
• Brady threw his first interception of the season on a tipped ball from Julian Edelman, who reportedly has a dislocated/broken finger. He had three drops in the game, as the finger looked to be bothering him. 
• Brandon LaFell was practicing prior to this game being played. He looked explosive and ready to go next week. 

Stats:

• Tom Brady: 62.2%, 312 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 104.8 Rating. 
• Danny Amendola: 7 receptions, 105 yards 
• Julian Edelman: 6 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD 
• Chandler Jones: 4 tackles, 2.5 sacks