Thoughts after Week 11, Colts vs. Patriots

The Patriots continue to find ways to win against quality AFC opponents (Chargers, Ravens, Steelers) and hang on to win 31-28 in another nail-biter against the Colts.

Offense
Brady was quietly efficient in this game and finished with about 180 yards passing and 2 TDs. He was accurate on most of his throws and continued to make good decisions other than the near INT at the end of the game. He continues to play near mistake-free football and the Pats will remain tough to beat as long as they don't beat themselves.

The rushing game was great for most of this game with 168 yards and a pair of TDs. The Pats offense had a good rhythm and balance to it. The Pats did a reasonably good job of controlling the clock early on to limit Manning's touches.

Speaking of the running game, I can't say enough good things about Danny Woodhead. His 36-yard TD scamper along the right sideline was one of the most exciting plays of the year. It was made possible by great downfield blocking by Branch and then Welker. This play definitely wouldn't have happened if Moss was still here.

The offense did a great for 3 quarters but failed to do much in the 4th quarter to close out the game. The play-calling was predictable so the results were not surprising. 1st down, run for no gain. 2nd down, run again for no gain. 3rd and long, short dump-off. Punt. I wish the Pats would just continue doing what got them the big 4th quarter lead in the first place instead of trying not to lose the game.

On one notable play, Edelman must have heard footsteps as he let a perfect pass zip through his hands in the end-zone. The Pats had to settle for a FG there and those 4 points could have been costly.

And for the 2nd straight week, Hernandez was the 3rd TE in the game-plan. Well, at least he made the most of limited opportunities catching and running in for a TD.

Defense
The Pats played great run defense for most of the game. It forced Manning to have to throw more often and they were able to capitalize when he made mistakes.

Even though the defense gave up 4 TDs and nearly 400 yards through the air, they were able to come down with 3 INTs. The first INT was an overthrow which fell into Meriweather's hands. McCourty came down with an INT along the sideline on a disguised Cover-4 scheme. And finally, Sanders made a great leaping play to grab the last INT to seal the game as Manning's throw was altered.

The lack of a pass rush continues to really hurt this team though. Manning was not sacked all game and he was able to pick apart the defense for most of the game. It felt like deja vu watching the game slip away. Good thing Manning got greedy at the end and threw that costly INT.

Special Teams
It was a solid effort across the board with no negative plays standing out.

Other Thoughts
I almost had an ulcer watching this game but I'm glad the Pats came out on top. Peyton Manning is an amazing player and he is basically his own offensive coordinator. He is the ONLY player in the league that makes me feel like no lead is safe. I've watched him on too many occasions march his team down the field in seconds and score TDs to win the game. He makes you do the craziest things like going for it on 4th-and-2 from your own 20!