Patriots 31, Colts 24: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots Power Past Still Winless Colts

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Patriots 31, Colts 24: Pats Stay Atop AFC As Woeful Colts Fall To 0-12

"That game was a little stupid."

I'll admit that I texted that to my Patriots-fan Mom after the end of the Patriots 31-24 win over the Colts on Sunday afternoon. It was in response to her "WTF????" which I understood and can translate to "This game has been really boring and the least the Patriots could have done was blown the Colts out and padded their stats rather than letting Pierre Garcon finish with 150 yards." I feel you Mom, I feel you.

The score makes it seem like it was ever a one score game, which it was not. The Colts were hopeless and hapless as ever, losing 31-10 until the final 2:18 when Dan Orlovsky threw for two garbage time touchdowns. Unfortunately, Indianapolis had lost the game long before then, when the Pats went up 31-3 with Rob Gronkowski's third touchdown of the day.

In fact, Brady to Gronk may have been the only exciting thing about this normally dynamic and emotional rivalry, as Gronkowski set the records for touchdowns in a season by a tightend. He now has fourteen (thirteen passing) to surpass previous record holders Vernon Davis and Antonio Gates.

Orlovsky's incredibly solid performance is worth mentioning as well. The former UConn standout and fifth round draft pick put Curtis Painter to shame and most likely earned himself the starting spot for the rest of their abysmal season.  Orlovsky had a really impressive first start, going 30/37 for 353 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Granted, the touchdowns were in garbage time; but the fact that he completed 81% of his passes is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, it only served to continue to expose the New England secondary; kind of?

I say that with hesitancy because the Patriots defense wasn't challenged much this week, and therefore I'm not sure they really showed up the way they have done more recently in the Meadowlands and in Philadelphia. Brady and Belichick certainly put on their best faces this week, proclaiming this to be an important game and stating they would not underestimate a team that has been so competitive against them in the past. In reality, not even the most dedicated of teams and coaches can put up the same type of competitive effort against an 0-11 team as they can against a divisional rival. It's just not the way it works.  

Patriots Top Performers

Brady finished the game 29/38 for 293 yards and two touchdowns, extending his games without an interception streak to four. Wes Welker led the team in receiving with 11 catches for 114 yards, and Chad Ochocinco even made an appearance today; one catch for 12 yards. Rookie Stevan Ridley stepped in a fair amount in the second quarter, grabbing 33 yards on 8 carries. Incorporating Ridley and getting him some reps in an easy win was surely just another way to strengthen their rushing offense as they push toward prepping for the postseason.

On defense,  veteran and captain Vince Wilfork lead the team in tackles with 10; including a sack and a tackle for a loss. Rob Ninkovich contributed a sack as well, and Jerod Mayo nabbed the only interception of the game on an athletic catch intended for Garcon.

Looking ahead: The Patriots return to their familiar 4:15pm time slot next week when the travel to Washington to take on the 4-8 Redskins. The Redskins have almost as many quarterback issues as the last two teams the Patriots have faced, as Rex Grossman finished with a 47.5 QB rating in their loss to the New York Jets this week. 

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Patriots Vs. Colts Score Update: Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski Have Pats Up 31-3

The Patriots will enter the fourth quarter of their game against the Colts with a 31-3 lead thanks largely in part to Rob Gronkowski's three touchdowns.

While the pace of the game has kept the Patriots from having too many possessions, they've been able to make the best of them since midway through the second quarter. Starting the half with the ball, Tom Brady stayed exclusively in the air, putting together a perfect drive with seven straight completions topped off by a 21-yard strike to Gronkowski in the end zone. With the score, Rob Gronkowski tied the record for touchdown receptions in the NFL by a tight end.

While the Colts seemed ready to respond and perhaps try and stay in the game with a strong start to their next drive, a big hit by Jerod Mayo and Matthew Slater--taking snaps on defense to make up for the injury-riddled secondary--jarred the ball loose from Delone Carter's arms.

Kyle Arrington grabbed the fumble, and Tom Brady went right back to work. Mixed with some good running from Stevan Ridley, Brady utilized the no-huddle offense to bring the Patriots right back into the red zone where, again, he went to Rob Gronkowski. While the big tight end seemed to have his record-breaking reception on a quick two-yard touchdown coming from behind the line, the pass was deemed a lateral by the scorer, keeping the record off the table for at least a little while longer.

With a 31-3 lead, the Patriots' defense seems to be letting up with the game essentially put away, allowing the Colts to go on a drive as the quarter comes to a close. With just 15 minutes to go and up four scores, however, it seems like that's the sort of lapse that the Patriots can afford.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Patriots Vs. Colts Score Update: Strong Second Quarter Gives Pats 17-3 Lead At Half

The Colts gave the Patriots a bit of a fight for the first quarter, but it was only so long before Tom Brady and the New England offense got their chances.

With the Colts starting the second quarter just one yard from the end zone, the Pats had some work to do to avoid giving Indianapolis their first lead in weeks. But, with a stuff at the line and an incomplete pass from Dan Orlovsky, the Colts found themselves facing a third down. If that wasn't bad enough, they gave up a false start to make their final opportunity that much harder. With Orlovsky being taken down behind the line by Rob Ninkovich, they were forced to settle for just the tying field goal.

The Patriots would come up short on their second drive of the game thanks to an ill-conceived deep pass on 3rd-and-1, but after forcing a 3-and-out things went very differently. Starting at their own 14, Tom Brady and the Patriots picked their way up the field bit-by-bit, picking up six first downs in the process--including on a 3rd-and-15 pass to Wes Welker that brought the team into the red zone. In the end, it was the familiar combination of Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski that put six points up on the board, as the tight end grabbed touchdown number 12 on the season.

With just under three minutes left in the half, the Colts had to either get an offensive drive going, or at least run the clock down. They failed to do either, giving the ball back to the Patriots after just 83 seconds. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Tom Brady completed five straight passes for 63 yards, leading to a quick run into the end zone by BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

The Pats will receive the ball to start the second half, looking to put the nail in Indy's coffin.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Patriots 3, Colts 0, End 1st: Patriots On Top Early, But Colts Not Backing Down

The New England Patriots have a 3-0 lead after the first quarter of action in Foxboro, but are just one yard away from giving the Colts the first lead the team has had in six weeks.

With the Colts winning the coin toss and electing to receive the ball, the Patriots' defense showed no signs of letting the new-look offense under Dan Orlovsky get off to a good start. A holding penalty on the first play from scrimmage backed Indianapolis up 10 yards, and a big sack from Vince Wilfork on 3rd-and-4 ended the opening drive in a hurry.

The Patriots took some more time for their drive. After Brady's scramble let the Patriots convert on 3rd-and-1, a 15-yard strike to Wes Welker and an illegal substitution penalty set the Patriots up deep in enemy territory. For a moment it seemed as though they had wasted the opportunity when Kevin Faulk lost the ball on a second down run, but an aware Bill Belichick tossed the challenge flag and kept his record perfect as replays showed that Faulk was flat on his back before a Colts defender punched the ball out of his arm.

Unfortunately, the drive would still stall at that spot. While Faulk had brought the Patriots within two yards of a first down, the pass protection broke down on the ensuing third down. Flushed out of the pocket, Brady made a poor decision and broke forward, awkwardly sliding to the ground at the line of scrimmage. Now facing fourth down, Stephen Gostkowski put the ball through the uprights to give New England the early lead.

The momentum would quickly switch in Indianapolis' favor, however. Getting a chance to throw the ball, Dan Orlovsky hit the first six passes of the drive and Joseph Addai added some strong running to bring the Colts to the goal line with a chance to take their first lead in a long while. The Patriots will need a goal line stop to avoid being the ones to pick up the dubious honor of allowing it.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Patriots Vs. Colts: RT Sebastian Vollmer Ruled Out For Sunday's Game

The Indianapolis Colts may be one of the worst teams in the NFL currently, but they still have one of the NFL's top pass rushers in Dwight Freeney. The Patriots found out some bad news on Friday that makes blocking the all-pro defensive end even harder.

On Friday, the Patriots were forced to rule right tackle Sebastian Vollmer out for Sunday's game with a right foot injury. Vollmer reportedly sustained the injury last Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Vollmer has battled several injuries this season as he has also severe battled back trouble that caused him to miss time.

In Vollmer's place will be rookie tackle and first-round pick Nate Solder, who will be in charge of blocking a six-time pro bowler in Dwight Freeney. Despite being considered the backup to Vollmer and Matt Light, Solder has managed to play in all 11 games this season, starting in eight of those games. While he's done well to this point, Solder will face one of his biggest challenges in Dwight Freeney on Sunday against the Colts.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Patriots Vs. Colts Injury Update: Brandon Spikes Did Not Practice On Friday

The New England Patriots released their latest injury report for their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts. Linebacker Brandon Spikes (Knee), who is listed as doubtful, and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (Back/Foot) were the only Pats who were held out of practice on Friday. Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco (Hamstring) was not limited in practice today and was listed as probable.

Here's the complete list of Patriots players who were limited on Friday:

S Pat Chung (Foot) 
C Dan Connolly (Groin) 
WR Julian Edelman (Back)
LB Dane Fletcher (Thumb) 
LB Gary Guyton (Shoulder) 
S James Ihedigbo (Shoulder) 
OT Matt Light (Ankle) 
CB Devin McCourty (Shoulder) 
CB Antwaun Molden (Concussion) 
WR Taylor Price (Hamstring)
WR Matthew Slater (Shoulder) 
RB Shane Vereen (Hamstring)
C Ryan Wendell (Calf) 
RB Danny Woodhead (Abdomen)

The Colts also released their injury report today. Quarterback Peyton Manning and tight end Dallas Clark are listed as out. Defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are listed as probable. The following players were listed as questionable and did not practice on Friday: RB Joseph Addai, TE Brody Eldridge, FB Ryan Mahaffey and DT Drake Nevis. Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez was limited in practice. The following players were listed as questionable but were not limited in practice: G Ryan Diem, G Joe Reitz and C Jeff Saturday.

For more New England Patriots-Indianapolis Colts coverage, keep up with our storystream. For more Patriots coverage visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Media Roundup: Patriots Defense, Bill Belichick And Kristine Leahy

The New England Patriots' defense has been the talk of the town (or at least the sports radio hosts in the town), as well as Bill Belichick's snappy response to a question posed to him by local reporter Kristine Leahy about the winless Colts.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

New England Patriots Injury Update: Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead Limited In Practice

The New England Patriots' injury report this week has been lengthy. Fourteen players were limited in practice on Wednesday. On Thursday, running backs Shane Vereen and Danny Woodhead joined the Pats' walking wounded (via WEEI.com).

OL Brian Waters (Knee) was still able to participate fully in practice on Thursday while LB Brandon Spikes (Knee) joined OT Sebastian Vollmer (Back, Foot) on the list of players who did not practice ahead of New England's matchup with the winless Indianapolis Colts.

Here is the complete list of the 16 Patriots who were limited in practice today:

S Pat Chung (Foot)
C Dan Connolly (Groin)
WR Julian Edelman (Back)
LB Dane Fletcher (Thumb)
LB Gary Guyton (Shoulder)
S James Ihedigbo (Shoulder)
OT Matt Light (Ankle)
CB Devin McCourty (Shoulder)
CB Antwaun Molden (Concussion)
WR Chad Ochocinco (Hamstring)
WR Taylor Price (Hamstring)
WR Matthew Slater (Shoulder)
RB Shane Vereen (Hamstring)
LB Brandon Spikes (Knee)
C Ryan Wendell (Calf)
RB Danny Woodhead (Abdomen)   

For more New England Patriots-Indianapolis Colts coverage, keep up with our storystream. For more Patriots coverage visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

VIDEO: Bill Belichick Thinks Colts Provide Good Gauge For Patriots

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

New England Patriots Injury Update: Brandon Spikes, Dane Fletcher, Chad Ochcocinco Limited In Practice

Coming off of a 38-20 win against the Philadelphia Eagles last week, the New England Patriots (8-3) continued preparations on Wednesday for their game against the Indianapolis Colts (0-11). The Patriots had an astonishing 14 players (including Brandon Spikes and Dane Fletcher) limited in practice today, but only one player (OT Sebastian Vollmer [Back, Foot]) missed practice (via WEEI.com). OL Brian Waters (Knee) was not limited in practice.

The following Patriots players were limited in practice:

S Pat Chung (Foot)
C Dan Connolly (Groin)
WR Julian Edelman (Back)
LB Dane Fletcher (Thumb)
LB Gary Guyton (Shoulder)
S James Ihedigbo (Shoulder)
OT Matt Light (Ankle)
CB Devin McCourty (Shoulder)
CB Antwuan Molden (Concussion)
WR Chad Ochocinco (Hamstring)
WR Taylor Price (Hamstring)
WR Matthew Slater (Shoulder)
LB Brandon Spikes (Knee)
C Ryan Wendell (Calf)

The Colts also released their current injury report. TE Dallas Clark (Fibula) and QB Peyton Manning (Neck) are out. G Joe Reitz (Knee) was back to full participation. No players were limited in practice and the following players did not practice: G Ryan Diem (Knee), TE Brody Eldrige (hand), Dwight Freeney (Rest), WR Anthony Gonzalez (Groin), FB Ryan Mahaffey (Concussion), NT Drake Nevis (Lower Back) and C Jeff Saturday (Knee).

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Patriots Vs. Colts: Rivalry Game Dimmed By Colts' Lack Of Success

When the Patriots and Colts get together, it usually makes for can't miss television. But this time around, Tom Brady and the Pats should have no problem beating a winless Indianapolis Colts team that's missing it's star quarterback.