Both teams started the game with a three-and-out on their opening drives, but the Patriots took over from there, scoring on their next two possessions to take a 17-7 lead into halftime. The second half only made things worse as New England scored three straight touchdowns to start the third quarter and turned this one into a rout.
Turning Point:
Indianapolis was still in the game after halftime, but the Patriots got the ball first and went on a long 87-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to offensive lineman Nate Solder. That play not only broke the game open, it seemed to energize New England and totally deflated the Colts.
Patriots MVP:
Running back LaGarrette Blount torched the Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoffs last year, and did the same thing to them tonight. Blount, who returned to the Patriots as a mid-season signing after getting cut by the Steelers, ran for 148 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries.
Stat of the Day:
Indianapolis' offense was never able to get going, and their inefficiency on third down was the biggest reason why. They converted on just three of 11 attempts on the night, showing their inability to stay on the field and extend drives.
Historical Stat of the Day:
Tom Brady will be going to the Super Bowl for the sixth time as a starting quarterback, the most in NFL history. He will be gunning for his fourth championship, which would tie him with Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana for most all-time. He also passed Peyton Manning today for the most passing yards in postseason history with 7,017.
What’s Next?
The Patriots will face the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on February 1st, while the Colts will have to go back to the drawing board for next year.
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