Colts Dominated by Patriots in AFC Championship, 45-7

On a windy, rainy night the Indianapolis Colts were picked apart on defense and stifled on offense by the New England Patriots. They failed to show up in the biggest game of the new era and were embarrassed 45-7.

The best passing attack in the NFL was held to just 126 yards and the total offense managed just over 200 total yards.

The Patriots never left off the gas, going for kill shot after kill shot to bury the Colts in the second half. Indianapolis was still in the game by halftime, down just 10, but the Pats came out after the break with a touchdown drive to effectively put the game out of reach.

The Colts never found the endzone in the second half and only were in enemy territory on one drive.

Andrew Luck struggled as his receiver failed to get separation and the driving rain made the ball difficult to handle. Luck completed just 12-of-33 passes and a pair of interceptions.

The Colts lone touchdown came from running back Zurlon Tipton on a one yard dive.

The Colts defense was manhandled by the Patriots. In a game plan they have seen multiple times, the Pats ran the ball down the Colts throat for the third straight meeting.

New England rushed for 177 yards and LeGarrette Blount found the endzone three times, nearly repeating his performance from last years Divisional round game.

Tom Brady proceeded to take apart the Colts coverage, completing 23-of-35 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns. The Colts sacked him once, but barely managed to generate any pressure on him all evening.

Brady did throw one interception, the highlight of the Colts defensive effort. He forced a pass to Rob Gronkowski in the red zone that was taken away by D’Qwell Jackson.

The Colts season comes to a disappointing close. While making the AFC Championship game should never be discounted, it is discouraging to go out in such a manner.