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.