BSJ Game Report: Patriots 26, Colts 3 - Defense, special teams lift struggling offense

Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ win over the Colts in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

BOX SCORE

HEADLINES

Judon, defense dominates: It was one thing for Colts second-year QB Sam Ehlinger to make his first career start against the Commanders behind a bad offensive line with RBs Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines — it was quite another thing for him to come into Gillette against a good Patriots defense without those backs ... and the results were predictable. In the first half, the Colts ran 30 plays 64 yards — 49 coming up on the final drive that resulted in a missed 39-yard field goal. At that point, the game was over as the Colts were 0 for 7 on third down. Matthew Judon and Josh Uche each had two of the Patriots' five sacks in the first half alone. Uche got another one on the opening drive of the second half.

For the game, the Patriots had nine sacks — which tied a team record — and Patriots forced the Jaguars into eight three-and-outs (five straight at one point in the first half), and the Colts averaged 2.0 yards per play. That's ridiculous.

From ESPN Stats & Info: This is the 2nd time in team history that multiple players (Uche, Judon) have 3+ sacks in the same game. Andre Tippett and Don Blackmon did it in 1985 vs. Packers

Special teams step up: Outside of another Jake Bailey shank early and late, the Patriots' special teams completely dominated the unit of Bubba Ventrone — who got a big punt block to beat the Patriots last year — highlighted by New England's own punt block by Jonathan Jones.

It was interesting earlier that the Patriots went for a block deep in Colts territory instead of setting up a return (they got one of those as well, 23 yards for Marcus Jones with great blocking) — the Patriots must have seen something on film and likely felt they were going to need a big special teams play in this one to boost a struggling offense.

Nick Folk also made all four of his field goals, a week after making five.

Offense still a work in progress: The Patriots' offensive line, which started Yodny Cajuste at RT, continued to struggle in this one with several short-yardage runs, three first-half sacks of Mac Jones (an additional three hits as well). Cole Strange got off to another rough start, including a holding penalty, and was quickly benched for Isaiah Wynn. The Patriots moved the ball a total of 21 yards and made one first down to score their final 10 points in taking a 13-0 halftime lead (touchdown came after the blocked punt to the 3-yard line). The Patriots had just 91 yards on 31 plays in the first half and were 2 of 8 on third down. Jones was again decidedly uncomfortable in this one as he started 8 of 13 for 62 yards. The hope? A 30-yard strike to Hunter Henry open in zone coverage is the kind of stuff they need more of.

For the game, the Patriots were 6 of 17 on third down, totaled 203 yards and averaged 3.3 yards per play. They averaged just 2.5 yards on 28 rushing attempts.

Yikes.

Patriots finally get over .500: Third time was the charm. After losing games at 1-1 and 3-3, the Patriots finally got over the hump and are one game out of the AFC playoffs.

TURNING POINT

The blocked punt to the 3-yard line. At least from there, you felt the Patriots had a pretty good shot at scoring a touchdown, which they did. And a two-score lead against this Colts offense and Ehlinger felt like five scores. 

SECOND GUESS

Don't really have one, but when your first-round guard gets benched for the second-straight game and before the midway point of the season, that is going to be fair game.

For the record, I think Cole Strange is doing fine for a rookie starter on the line. And the Jets and Colts are pretty damn good on the interior defensive line. I don't expect him to be great in those games.

FOUR UP

Matthew Judon: You knew this wasn't going to be a fair fight entering this game and that's the way it felt, with Judon just wreaking havoc with three sacks to give him 11.5 in nine games, another QB hit, and a key fourth-down stop.

Jonathan Jones: Huge punt block that was really the difference in this game, and then added a pick-six late to make this a no-doubter.

Josh Uche: Had three sacks in this one as he continues to look better and better. Wouldn't overreact to this quite yet. Let's see how he does against better lines. A situational pass rusher is easier work than what Judon is doing.

Nick Folk: Another four field goals after making five against the Jets. Automatic.

FOUR DOWN

Cole Strange: Struggled run blocking early, got a holding penalty and was benched.

James Ferentz: Will have to look at the tape, but felt like he had a tough time in this game.

Jake Bailey: Had punts of 31-yards and ... checks notes ... 7 yards.

Matt Patricia: He's the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator ... the line is scuffling and he can't figure out how to get his QB back to playing with confidence. Time will come very soon when the offense needs to do more. It's on Patricia and Belichick to figure this out.

TOP PLAYS

INJURIES

None announced. Jonnu Smith had to get his left ankle retaped at one point.

TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER

The bye week has to be spent on the offense: Hope Matt Patricia and Joe Judge don't have any vacation plans for the bye week, because they need to report to One Patriot Place immediately to start to figure out how to fix a broken offense — and it is broken. If you want to continue to be fooled by the fallacy that was the wins over the Lions and the Browns, go nuts. But it ain't going to help the Patriots compete in the final eight games after the bye week. Whatever they envisioned for this offense and the line in particular, it's gone up in smoke. They need to start over and they have to start with the line. That unit now can't run block. 

Patriots are right back in it: With the Jets beating the Bills, the Patriots are now tied with the Bengals at 5-4 one game out of the final spot in the AFC. It's going to be dogfight between the Jets, Chargers, Patriots and Bengals for the final two spots when all is said and done. Patriots have the Jets — right out of the bye — and the Bengals down the stretch. Patriots need to use their bye week wisely.