6 worst Patriots playoff losses under Bill Belichick

5. Peyton Manning pulls off the incredible comeback vs Patriots

Game: 2006 AFC Championship Game

Score: 38-34

Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, and the Indianapolis Colts have always given Belichick headaches. Their postseason showdowns were legendary, but, more times than not, they’ve gone Belichick’s way.

During the 2006 AFC Championship Game, it was believed that the New England Patriots were simply going to waltz into the Super Bowl and compete for another Lombardi trophy.

Following a 21-6 lead at halftime, fans at the RCA Dome began grabbing their belongings and heading for the door. Tom Brady was unstoppable and Belichick knew exactly what defensive scheme would give Manning the most issues.

But just when fans began warming up their cars and heading home, Manning and company were making their move. The Colts would go on to cut the deficit to seven but there was still a ton of work to do going into the fourth.

It may have seemed like an insurmountable mountain to climb, but the Colts managed to score 17 points in the fourth to win the game by four points. When it comes down to it, this was simply a game of two halves. Belichick had his defense humming in the first two quarters, allowing only six points. Things fell completely apart in the next two quarters though, as they gave up 32 points.