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Mann-handled: Pats hold off Peyton, Colts – Metro US

Mann-handled: Pats hold off Peyton, Colts

Patriots 31, Colts 28

What went right …

1 Sealed with a pick — The Patriots had seen this scenario play out before. Peyton Manning, trailing by three, with the ball late in the game. Only this time, the Patriots’ defense made a stand. The Colts’ All-Pro quarterback rallied his team for two fourth-quarter touchdowns and was driving deep in New England territory with less than a minute left. Manning was looking for Pierre Garcon on a first-and-10 from the 24, but his pass sailed and was picked by James Sanders to clinch a win for the Pats, who kept pace with the Jets in the AFC East.

2 Third time’s a charm — The Patriots converted on more third down attempts against the Colts than they did against the Steelers and Browns combined. One of their seven conversions came from the Indy 8-yard line early in the second quarter. Tom Brady, who threw for completed 19 of 25 passes for 186 yards, hit rookie Aaron Hernandez for a 14-0 lead.

3 Woody — Once again, the smallest man on the field came through with the biggest play. With the Pats holding on to a 21-14 lead, Danny Woodhead sprinted for a 36-yard TD run. The sparkplug finished with 90 total yards.

What went wrong …

1 Too many chances – While the Pats were very successful on third down, the Colts were even better. On too many third-down occasions, 10 out of 13 to be exact, the Colt marched forward. In fact, when the Pats scored on third-and-goal, the Colts answered on their next drive with a third-and-goal TD of their own.

2 Making it a game – Up 31-14 in the fourth, the Patriots’ defense completely relaxed. Petyon Manning carved them up for two touchdowns to Blair White and had the Colts in perfect position to send it to overtime.