The Patriots blew out the Colts on Thursday Night Football in New England, 38-24. The Colts drop to 1-4. The circumstances in this game were impossible; the Colts only had 44 guys to start this game and lost a few more in the process. Down 24-3 in the first half, the Colts clawed their way back to 24-17 off of some incredible Luck. However, a Zach Pascal drop leading to a pick and a Sony Michel touchdown ended this game. This game was sloppy; penalties, missed field goals, and turnovers killed any slim chance that the Colts had.
Andrew Luck struggled in the first half of this game but bounced back in the second. He fought as hard as he could but his team did him absolutely no favors. Luck finished this game throwing the ball 59 times for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He did a great job driving the ball downfield in the second half but his receivers failed him. By my count, the Colts’ receivers dropped eight passes, one leading to a pick.
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The run game was non-existent once again, combining for 84 yards on 21 carries. Aside from the drops, Eric Ebron had a very solid game, catching nine passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Erik Swoope added a touchdown as well. The offensive line only allowed one sack and six hits but Luck was under pressure all night.
The defense couldn’t stop Tom Brady all night. Every stop they got was due to pure luck. Brady had whatever he wanted all night, throwing for 341 yards and three touchdowns. Sony Michel dominated on the ground, toting the rock 18 times for 98 yards and a touchdown. Josh Gordon caught a touchdown over two defenders and James White caught 10 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Nobody on the defense played particularly well but Matthias Farley recorded six tackles, two passes defended, and a pick. Kemoko Turay only recorded one QB hit but routinely pressured Tom Brady.
The Colts weren’t ever going to win this game. Even if they were 80% healthy it would be a major struggle. The Colts aren’t a playoff team and this game just further proved that. Still, there are positives to take away from this game. The Colts fought in this second hand. Undermanned and outmatched, this team showed great heart. Down 24-3 at the half, the Colts could have thrown in the towel. Still, they competed to the very end.
The Colts will look for their second win of the season next Sunday in New York against the Jets. Their schedule has been brutal thus far but will have a chance to gain some momentum against the Jets, Bills, and Raiders.
Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_, @FPC_NBA and @FPC_Colts.
