Patriots Gift Wrap Colts Early Christmas Present

In a game that lived up to all the hype the Indianapolis Colts came back from 17 points down in the fourth quarter and beat the New England Patriots 35-34 on Sunday night. The Colts got a little bit of help from Patriots coach Bill Belichick as he decided to go for a fourth down and two play while on their own 28 yard line just before the two minute warning, instead of punting the ball. On the play quarterback Tom Brady completed a pass to Kevin Faulk, but Faulk was stopped short of the first down. The Patriots were unable to challenge the spot of the ball on the play because they had already squandered all three time outs for the half.

After the failed conversion attempt the Colts had all the momentum and quarterback Peyton Manning led them easily to a game winning drive that was capped off by a one yard touchdown catch by Reggie Wayne. Manning finished the night with four touchdown passes and 327 yards. The Patriots did get the ball back, but were unable to do anything other than complete a short pass to Wes Welker over the middle and time expired.

The win puts the Colts record at 9-0 and was their 18th consecutive regular season win. The Colts now hold a two game lead over the Cincinnati Bengals for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Colts and the New Orleans Saints are the only two undefeated teams left in the NFL and since they never play one another this season they could both end the season that way. The Colts will travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens next Sunday.

During the game Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss became the just the 11th man to have 900 receptions in an NFL career. Moss had nine receptions on the night for 179 yards and two touchdowns. While quarterback Tom Bardy had 3 touchdown passes and 375 yards passing. The loss dropped the Patriots to 6-3, but they still lead the AFC East by two games over the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. The Patriots will host the Jets next Sunday.

Stats courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_career.htm