Four Takeaways From The New England Patriots’ 42-20 Win Over The Indianapolis Colts

Nov 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gestures at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. New England defeated Indianapolis 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. Pats Win When Brady Plays Awful First Half

Tom Brady is the closest thing the modern world has seen to a God.

But even the great Brady can’t be perfect all the time, and the Patriots showed they can win even when Brady isn’t playing up to par. Brady struggled mightily in the first half, as he only completed 10 of 19 passes for 84 yards and two awful interceptions. His decision to float that pass up to Gronk at the end of the half was one of the worst decisions I have ever seen Brady make.

However the Patriots held strong, and managed to overcome their quarterback’s early struggles, and came away with the big win. Jonas Gray carried them on the ground, the defense shut down Luck and company, and Rob Gronkowski continues to prove why he is not only the best tight end in the game today, but the best tight end of all time. (Of course it helped that Brady came back and played a flawless second half).

The Patriots now are 8-2, one game clear of the Broncos and Chiefs, and two games clear of the Colts. New England also owns the tie-breaker over Denver and Indy, which will make it tough for the AFC playoffs to go anywhere other than through Foxboro.