Final: Patriots 26, Colts 3 - Defense dominates as Patriots win again entering bye week

It wasn’t pretty, but the Patriots managed to rise above .500 ahead of their bye week — defeating the Colts, 26-3, on Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.

Once again, the Patriots survived in another ugly contest thanks to a dominant showing from their defense — namely their pass rush. In total, New England recorded nine sacks against Colts QB Sam Ehlinger, the team’s first nine-sack game since Nov. 4, 2001. 

Both Matthew Judon and Josh Uche led the way with three sacks apiece — with Ja'Whaun Bentley (1.0), Raekwon McMillan (1.0), Deatrich Wise (0.5), and Jahlani Tavai (0.5) also getting their hands on Ehlinger. 

A pick-six from Jonathan Jones (who also had a blocked punt in the second quarter) in the closing minutes put the final nail in the coffin for the Colts, who finished with just 121 total net yards of offense in the loss. 

Granted, the Patriots' offense also didn’t inspire much confidence in the win, finishing with just 203 total net yards of offense. 

But once again, Nick Folk built New England’s lead by way of four field goals — while Mac Jones (20-for-30, 147 yards) also hit Rhamondre Stevenson for a three-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

With the win, the Patriots improve to 5-4 on the season. 

Regular-season Game #9: Indianapolis Colts (3-4-1) at Patriots (4-4), 1 p.m.
Location: Gillette Stadium,
TV: WBZ-Ch. 4 (CBS). Greg Gumble(play-by-play), Adam Archuleta (color), AJ Ross (sideline).
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: Live Box | Colts media notes | Patriots media notes | Flipcard
BetOnline.ag Latest Line: Patriots -5, 40 o/u
AccuWeather forecast: Perfect.

LAST WEEK

Commanders 17, Colts 16: Indy lost its second-straight game as it lost a 16-7 lead.  Washington converted a field goal with 4:55 remaining and got the ball back with 2:39 left in the game. Terry McLaurin caught a 33-yard pass, which set up the game-winning one-yard quarterback sneak from Taylor Heinicke with 22 seconds remaining in the game. In his first start, quarterback Sam Ehlinger completed 17-of-23 passes for 201 yards for a 100.1 passer rating. 

Patriots 22, Jets 17: New England rode five Nick Folk field goals, 143 total scrimmage yards from Rhamondre Stevenson and three Zach Wilson interceptions to its 13th-straight win over the Jets.

STATS

FOOTBALLOUTSIDERS.COM BREAKDOWN

ROSTER MOVES

• Marcus Cannon (concussion) was put on IR.
• RB JJ Taylor signed from practice squad.
• WR Lynn Bowden and C/G Kody Russey elevated to roster.

INJURY REPORT

PREGAME READING/LISTENING

NFL Notebook: Confident/worried list as Patriots hit the midway point
Bedard: One of the Patriots' faves, Gus Bradley, is back at it again with Colts
.@athleticgreens Podcast & Video: Bedard Patriots Pod - Confident/Worried midseason list; Colts preview
Completed Q&A: Bedard on Patriots, Colts matchup, NFL 11.04.22
A confident and explosive Jabrill Peppers is bringing the thump on Patriots’ secondary, special teams
Bedard's Breakdown: Mac Jones played a lot better than it appeared vs. Jets

HOW THE PATRIOTS WIN & BEDARD'S GAME PICK