The Indianapolis Colts (3-4-1) took a trip up to Foxborough this week for an AFC matchup against the Patriots (4-4). New England came into the game with an all-time series lead of 52-30, and had beaten the Colts 8 of the last 9 games. Entering the game, the Patriots were favored to win by 5 points. 

The Colts lost this one 26-3. Just like every other game this season, the Colts’ offense came out quiet, as did the Patriots’. Each team traded punts, mostly after 3-and-outs, for the entire first quarter. The Patriots finally broke the scoreless tie early in the second quarter after a 6-play drive ended in a 49-yard field goal. After a Colts punt that was returned by New England into Colts territory, a short drive got them another 43-yard field goal. A few plays later, disaster struck, as the Colts’ punt was blocked deep in their own territory and recovered at their 2-yard line. RB Rhamondre Stevenson punched it in on a short catch a few plays later to put the Patriots up 13-0. After a few more punts, the Colts finally got something going, driving 49 yards in 9 plays, but Chase McLaughlin missed a 39-yard field goal, and the Patriots took their shutout lead into the locker room at halftime. 

The Colts’ offense picked up right where they left off at the start of the second half, going 3-and-out on their first drive, but Bobby Okereke was able to force a fumble to give them the ball back. Indianapolis was able to advance 18 yards, and kicked a field goal to make it 13-3. The Patriots responded with a solid drive ending in a field goal of their own. After a few punts, the Colts went for a 4th-and-1 near midfield, but were stuffed at the line. New England added another field goal after a 10-play drive that got them to the 5-yard line. Eventually, once the clock ran under 5 minutes, the Colts entered desperation mode, and Sam Ehlinger threw a pick-six deep in his own territory to Jonathan Jones, giving the Patriots a commanding lead and effectively ending the game. 

Sam Ehlinger had himself a pretty abysmal day, as could be inferred just from the final score. He made a few solid plays, but looked every bit of the 15/29, 103 yard performance he had. He was also the Colts’ leading rusher with 39 yards, but was sacked 9 times. He didn’t have a receiver over 23 yards. The entire offense was inefficient to say the least. For the Patriots, Mac Jones threw 20/30 for 147 yards and a touchdown to Rhamondre Stevenson, who ran 15 times for 60 yards. Matt Judon and Josh Uche both tallied 3 sacks. 

Final: NE 26-3 IND

Analysis

Today’s game was only the latest in a string of embarrassing performances from the boys in blue, and may have been the worst one yet (besides maybe the 24-0 loss to the Jaguars). The offense proved how ineffective it has been this season, most notably the offensive line, giving up nine sacks. Neither the passing game nor the rushing attack could do anything against the Patriots defense, and didn’t give the Colts a chance. The defense played great, holding the Patriots’ offense in check. New England’s only touchdowns came from a blocked punt and a pick-six. Some changes, whether in personnel, staff, or tactics, will undoubtedly be in effect soon if this team wants any chance at a playoff berth. 

Around the Division

In the early slate of Sunday’s action, the Jaguars picked up a win against the Raiders, 27-20, to improve to 3-6. On Thursday, the Texans were defeated by the undefeated Eagles, 29-17, and now sit at 1-6-1. The Colts will hope for the Chiefs to beat the Titans on Sunday Night Football in order to stay within reach of the division lead, as they come into that game at 5-2. 

Looking Ahead

The Colts will look to finally get on track next Sunday as they travel to Las Vegas to face the 2-6 Raiders. The Raiders, coming off of a win in Jacksonville, are favored by 3.5 points to win. The 3-5-1 Colts desperately need a win to keep their hopes of playing in late January alive and realistic.

Image: Billy Weiss/Getty Images