The New England Patriots lead the Indianapolis Colts, 24-17, at halftime at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
The Colts and rookie quarterback Andrew Luck struck first in the game when running back Delone Carter scored from one yard out to cap a 7-play, 80-yard opening drive. The Patriots answered with a Rob Gronkowski four-yard touchdown reception. The teams traded touchdowns again around the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter.
New acquisition Aqib Talib picked off an Luck pass and took it back 59 yards for the touchdown to give the Patriots a 21-14 lead with 11:17 to play in the half. Former Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri cut into the New England lead with a field goal with 5:51 to play in the half. However, the Pats answered back with a Stephen Gostkowski field goal with 1:58 to play to push their lead back to seven points. Vinatieri had a chance at a 58-yard field goal, but missed wide left as the half came to a close.
Tom Brady was very sharp in the first half, finishing 13-of-20 for 181 yards passing and a touchdown. Luck was 10-of-19 for 114 yards passing, one touchdown and an interception. Colts' running back Vick Ballard led all rushers with 56 yards on 11 carries. Rob Gronkowski led all receivers in the first half with 71 yards and one touchdown on four receptions.