Colts Stun Patriots to Remain Unbeaten

Professional football is a game of inches. As the New England Patriots were in the process of squandering a 17-point 4th quarter lead, they gambled on a fourth-and-two from their own 28-yard line—and lost by an inch. A Tom Brady to Kevin Faulk completion was ruled just short of a first down and the Indianapolis Colts proceeded to turn it into a 29-yard yard touchdown drive to come from behind and shock the New England Patriots 35-34.

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts / Photo: Newscom

The Pats couldn’t challenge the controversial decision because they wasted two timeouts on their final drive and had nothing left to possibly overturn that ruling. As I saw it, Kevin had the first down when he caught the ball. But because he briefly bobbled it, he was not awarded forward progress that would’ve essentially ended the game in New England’s favor.

I don’t really blame Pats head coach Bill Belichick for going for it. After all, his success rate on 4th down is over 70%. But when you’re on your own 28-yard line with the game on the line, this is a very puzzling decision. It’s having supreme confidence in your team’s ability to convert, but it’s certainly going against the percentages. And it cost the Patriots the game.

As far as the Colts are concerned, this is an amazing comeback. After Peyton Manning threw his second interception of the game with just over seven minutes to play, I felt the game was over. But with their resolve and New England’s questionable decision-making, the door was opened for their victory. And the Colts merely walked through that door.

Source: NFL.com