New England Patriots (3-10) – Indianapolis Colts (6-7): 24-25
In football as elsewhere, the important thing is to conclude. That's the hard lesson the New England Patriots learned tonight. Unable to widen the gap in a match that was nevertheless dominated, they saw Anthony Richardson's Colts win at the wire, on a two-point conversion at the end of the match.
Anthony Richardson (12/24, 109 yards, 48 yards rushing, 3 TD, 2 INT) was not perfect, far from it, but he was able to be decisive when necessary. Drake Maye (24/30, 238 yards, 59 yards rushing, 1 TD, 1 INT) for his part will be able to rehash the many misses in the red zone, including an interception following a big error by his receiver.
With this victory, the Colts remain in the race for the playoffs, which is no small feat following a difficult start to the season. For the Patriots, the season is already over but the group seems to be building for the following seasons.
Missed opportunities for the Patriots
On the first three drives of the game, the Patriots found themselves in a favorable position. But three times, the offensives ended with a field goal. In another register, the Colts alternate hot and cold, achieving two touchdowns but also an interception.
The game plan is clear for the Colts: the ground above all, by Jonathan Taylor (96 yards) or by Anthony Richardson. It is also these two players who, respectively, score the two touchdowns (9-14).
However Drake Maye does not give up, as always, and finds Austin Hooper to take the lead before the break (16-14).
Anthony Richardson loves big moments
Like 15 days ago, the Colts are in difficulty. Like 15 days ago, Anthony Richardson releases them at the end. In a sad second act, Drake Maye thinks he can make a difference with his legs and his arm. Antonio Gibson concludes on the ground (24-17).
But although clumsy at times, and author of a new interception, Richardson remobilizes his troops. On the fourth attempt, he found Mo Allie-Cow to extend his hope. Still on fourth attempt then, he wins the first attempt on the ground before scoring the touchdown for Alec Pierce.
The icing on the cake, he scores the two-point conversion on the ground, a symbol of victory. Immortal, the quarterback may well be the future of the franchise.
