FINAL: Colts 27, Patriots 17 - New England miscues doom them to end win streak

The Patriots played like absolute crap in all three phases to fall behind 20-0, which cost them the top seed in the AFC.

The bright side? They still had a chance to win this game or force overtime before Jonathan Taylor trotted 67 yards for the game-clinching TD with 2:01 left.

The Patriots lost this game themselves. The Colts were definitely good, but the Patriots shot themselves in the foot. Red zone INT by Mac Jones (he threw two). Blocked punt for TD. Some terrible penalties that cost the team points (Brandon King, Mike Onwenu).

Mac Jones rebounded and showed some things bringing the team back. The defense stiffened. Carson Wentz still looks like a choker.

If there's a rematch, I'm sure the Patriots would feel pretty confident they won't be that bad again.

_______________________

Regular Season Game #14: Patriots (9-4) at Indianapolis Colts (7-6), 8:15 p.m.
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis.
TV: NFL Network/WBZ-4. Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), Greg Olsen (color), Pam Oliver and Kristina Pink (sidelines)
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: BSJ Live Box | Colts media notes | Patriots media notes | Flipcard
Latest Line: Colts-2.5, 45o/u.
Weather forecast: Indoors.

HEADLINES

• Patriots are eyeing their eight-straight win of the season.
• The Patriots enter this week’s game with a 9-4 record and will be aiming for their 27th 10-win season. Since the 1970 merger, the Patriots, Steelers and Cowboys are tied with 26 10-win seasons.
• The Patriots will look to improve to a 7-0 road record. The Patriots have finished undefeated on the road twice in franchise history (2007 and 2016).
• The Patriots have scored at least 30 points in nine straight games against the Colts, including the postseason, to tie an NFL record for the most consecutive games scoring 30 points against an opponent. Kansas City also accomplished the feat in nine straight games from 1964 through 1968 against the Denver Broncos.
• Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is 16-6 against the Colts as head coach of the Patriots and 18-8 against Indianapolis as a head coach overall.

ROSTER MOVES

Patriots downgraded RB Damien Harris and OT Yodny Cajuste to out.

Colts DT Grover Stewart will play. Starting C Ryan Kelly is out. Backup Danny Pinter played well starting in place of Kelly vs. Texans.

INACTIVES

Released 90 minutes before game time.

INJURY REPORT

BEDARD'S KEYS TO THE GAME

• Run fits have to be perfect against this line and RB Jonathan Taylor.
• Take away Carson Wentz's first read and he panics and starts to force the ball. Make him think as long as possible.
• Game will come down to which QB plays better. The game will be put into both player's hands.
• Run to the edges of the Colts offense.
• Look for bigger pass plays in the seams against Colts' backup safety. Target SS Andrew Sendejo in coverage.
• Hit Nelson Aghlor on a high/low concept shot play from midfield or after turnover.