The Indianapolis Colts got off to a hot start in the first half against the New England Patriots.
Leading up to Saturday’s game the Indianapolis Colts were very open about how big of a matchup this is against the New England Patriots. Every statement and practice throughout the week carried a different energy, a motivated one.
That’s exactly how the Colts opened the first half against New England, motivated. So far, every unit has been clicking for Indianapolis and it enters the half leading 17-0 over the team who’s riding a seven-game winning streak.
To the displeasure of many fans, Indy started the game with three-straight passes and failed to pick up a first down, but that was the only unsuccessful sequence of the first half.
The Colts defense has been flying around, forcing a first-half shutout, the offense eventually established the run game, and the special teams unit provided the biggest play of the first half.
COLTS BLOCKED PUNT TD 😱@NFL | #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/3wytIUOlVz
— FanSided (@FanSided) December 19, 2021
Colts off to fast start against Patriots
As great as the hot start was for Indianapolis, it could have been even better. Indy had a few missed opportunities that could have made this half time lead even larger.
Carson Wentz slightly over threw an open Michael Pittman Jr., the defense had a couple chances to record strip sacks against Mac Jones, and the offense had to settle for a field goal inside the 10-yard line.
These missed opportunities almost led to the Patriots cutting the lead right before half, but Darius Leonard and the defense did what they’ve been doing all season, take the ball away.
With New England driving the field, Leonard fooled the rookie quarterback, intercepted a pass, then delivered a viscous stiff arm.
DARIUS LEONARD WITH THE PICK AND THE STIFF ARM 💪💪@NFL | #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/XXG713vcGD
— FanSided (@FanSided) December 19, 2021
As great as this first half has been, this game is far from over. The Patriots surely aren’t going to go easy so Indianapolis must come out in the second half with the same intensity to finish this game off.
If the Colts can finish this game they will put the NFL on notice and be respected as one of the most dangerous teams as the playoffs near.
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