Patriots Pick Off Colts’ Perfection, Eye Jets Spoiler Shot

Foxboro, MA — The New England Patriots leaned on turnover‑fueled defense and a composed finish Sunday afternoon to hand the previously undefeated Indianapolis Colts their first loss of the season, 34–24. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense intercepted Peyton Manning twice and sealed the win with a late fourth‑quarter stand. Now at 3‑3, the Patriots suddenly look poised to play spoiler again — and their next target is the unbeaten New York Jets.

The Match-Up:
Indianapolis came into Week 6 as one of the AI Maddeness’ last remaining undefeated teams, leaning on MVP‑caliber play from Manning and a dynamic combo with Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James. New England, meanwhile, was clawing back from a slow 1–3 start, and had found rhythm in Week 5. With a chance to even their record and derail a divisional power, the Patriots delivered a balanced, mistake‑free performance that showed their growth.

Game Story / Turning Points:

• 1st Quarter: A clean opening drive gave New England early control as Kevin Faulk punched in a short touchdown. Manning answered by hitting Harrison and setting up Edgerrin James for the Colts’ reply. The two‑point attempt failed, keeping it 7–6 Patriots.

• 2nd Quarter: The turning point came as Lawyer Milloy picked off Manning and returned it deep into Colts’ territory. Bledsoe found Terry Glenn for six just two plays later. Indy tied it again at 14–14 with a long James run and a Harrison score — but New England’s composure showed. A late half drive capped by Faulk’s second TD sent the Pats into halftime up 21–14.

• 3rd Quarter: Indianapolis chipped away with a field goal but failed to break New England’s red zone resistance. The Patriots extended the lead with an Adam Vinatieri field goal (24–17). Then Ty Law snatched a Manning pass and returned it to the 15. Bledsoe cashed it in with another Glenn TD, stretching the margin to 31–17.

• 4th Quarter: The Colts made it interesting — Harrison added his second score and cut it to 31–24. But the Patriots’ offense executed a clock‑draining drive, ending with a 42‑yard Vinatieri kick. Down 10 with under 4 minutes, the Colts’ last chance died on a 4th‑down sack by Willie McGinest.

What Made the Difference:

• Turnovers: New England forced three — two INTs and a late fumble recovery — and scored 17 points off those takeaways.

• Finishing drives: The Patriots went 3‑for‑4 in the red zone. The Colts, just 2‑for‑4.

• Clock control: The Patriots played keep‑away late, dominating possession in the 4th quarter and leaving no room for a comeback.

Key Stat Lines:

• Drew Bledsoe (NE): 18/27, 265 yds, 3 TDs, 0 INT; 6 rushes, 12 yds

• Kevin Faulk (NE): 17 carries, 89 yds, 2 TDs; 4 catches, 32 yds

• Terry Glenn (NE): 5 catches, 102 yds, 2 TDs

• Peyton Manning (IND): 24/36, 298 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

• Marvin Harrison (IND): 7 catches, 126 yds, 2 TDs

• Edgerrin James (IND): 21 carries, 76 yds, 1 TD

• Lawyer Milloy (NE): 9 tackles, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble

• Ty Law (NE): 6 tackles, 1 INT return to the 15

• Tedy Bruschi (NE): 7 tackles, 1 fumble recovery

Looking Ahead:
The Patriots, now 3–3, are suddenly playing their best football and will look to embrace the spoiler role again next week when they face the undefeated New York Jets. As for the Colts, the first blemish on their record comes with a warning: turnovers and red‑zone inefficiency won’t cut it against well‑coached teams in the AI Maddeness gauntlet.