Colts Rally Falls Short Against Patriots, 34-27

The Indianapolis Colts managed to keep the game close for much of the evening, but once again the New England Patriots pulled away in the second half. The Colts held a one-point halftime lead, but could only manage a late touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Pats held on for the 34-27 victory.

The Colts had a chance with under two minutes left, but failed to recover an onside kick and the Pats ran down the clock.

The Colts finally got Andrew Luck back under center, and while he played well at times, it was far from the perfect game they needed from their young quarterback. A better game from Luck and the Colts could have pulled off the upset.

Luck completed 30-of-50 attempts for 312 yards and three touchdowns.

T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief were both recipients of Luck touchdowns and finished with six receptions apiece. Hilton led the team in receiving yardage with 74, while Moncrief had 69 yards.

Frank Gore had another solid outing on the ground for the Colts, even with a few big runs called back for holds. Gore finished with 78 yards, a six yard-per-carry average, and a pair of receptions for 16 yards.

Mike Adams had his third career interception off Tom Brady and managed to return it untouched for a touchdown. The pass was bobbled by Julian Edelman, who suffered a finger injury a few plays earlier.

The Colts attempted an onside kick after Adams’ touchdown, and while it appeared that they recovered the ball, it was somehow awarded to New England. A Colts player was clearly on the bottom of the pile and came out with the ball before the referees made their decision. A review did not overturn the call.

The Colts ran a baffling play late in the third quarter that left the Colts defense in a hole. The Colts lined up to punt in an odd formation, with just two players in the middle of the field. It is unclear what was supposed to happen, but the end result was a turnover on downs at the Indianapolis 36.

The Patriots would easily move the ball down the shorty field for the touchdown, giving New England a 13 point lead early in the fourth quarter. While the play made no sense, it wasn’t the game changing play some made it out to be. The Colts still have offensive problems (holding) and can’t cover over the middle of the field on defense.

Up next, the Colts will host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.