New England Patriots (2-8) – Indianapolis Colts (5-5): 6-10
For this second match in Frankfurt, the clash between the Colts and the Patriots in a white-hot Deutsche Bank Park (50,144 spectators, most of them for the Patriots) did not keep its promises. The Colts won this match thanks to defense, including a stellar Dayo Odeyingbo (3 sacks) and two interceptions at the end of the match.
First of all, that of Julian Blackmon. The safety managed to intercept the ball from Mac Jones (15/20, 170 yards, 1 interception) 1 yard from the end zone in the last five minutes.
Running out of solutions, Bill Belichick even tried to throw Bailey Zappe for the very last drive of the game. Same result: interception. Enough to preserve a not really exciting victory. Because Gardner Minshew and his teammates were not much better. Jonathan Taylor (23 races, 69 yards, 1 touchdown) scored the only touchdown of the game on the first Indianapolis offense. Afterwards ? Five punts, a missed field goal, an interception and a successful field goal. Not glorious.
The Patriots on the ground… for nothing
The two New England quarterbacks were unable to take advantage of the support of the running game, which nevertheless gained 167 yards. Offensive intentions on the ground manifested from the first possession, with several effective runs. But the Patriots stalled and were content to open the scoring with their feet.
Indianapolis responds with an impeccable offensive: 14 actions, 75 yards, more than 7 minutes and the touchdown for Taylor. 7 to 3 after two possessions, the match seems to be underway. Except that the attacks have obviously already given everything. The score does not change until the break, notably after seven consecutive punts!
Mac Jones is precise with ten passes completed out of eleven attempts, but he suffers 5 sacks including 4 on third attempt. Each team’s defenses take precedence over attacks.
Mac Jones scuttles the attack
Myles Bryant sparks a revolt for the Patriots after returning from the locker room by intercepting Gardner Minshew. Despite this great opportunity, New England does not score and Chad Ryland misses the field goal… The special teams dear to Bill Belichick are no longer up to par.
Rhamondre Stevenson (20 carries, 88 yards), Demario Douglas (6 receptions, 84 yards) and Ezekiel Elliott (13 carries, 54 yards) are trying to be the detonators for the Patriots. The rookie is the only receiver who brings explosiveness to the attack, the two running backs bring their power to the ground. Unfortunately, Mac Jones scuttled everything with a very nasty interception four minutes from the end of the game. He throws directly into the hands of Julian Blackmon. Bailey Zappe will therefore not do better, with another ball returned to the defense.
Without being good, the Colts were at least more consistent, with a good offensive line and a solid Michael Pittman (8 receptions, 84 yards) on reception. The front seven put the protection of the New England quarterback to torture. It was ultimately logical that Indianapolis won the match. Sometimes flamboyant, sometimes on the limit, Gardner Minshew (18/28, 194 yards, 1 INT) was able to pull off some spectacular actions, but without ever finding an effective rhythm in the long term.
The Colts are back in balance, and can still aim for the playoffs.
For the Patriots, the Top 5 draft is getting closer.
