Patriots 31, Colts 28
What went right …
1
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.