The Indianapolis Colts narrowly defeated the New England Patriots, 25-24, in a dramatic contest Dec. 1 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson led Indianapolis with two passing touchdowns and a rushing score, including a decisive 3-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce with just 12 seconds left in the contest.
Richardson ran in the ensuing two-point conversion, giving the Colts their one-point lead and ultimately the victory. The final drive spanned 80 yards over 19 plays, displaying the Colts’ resilience under pressure.
The Patriots began strong with kicker Joey Slye converting three field goals in the first half. New England’s offense, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, found momentum late in the second quarter. Maye connected with tight end Austin Hooper for a 16-yard touchdown, giving the Patriots a 16-14 halftime advantage.
The Colts answered with a systematic third-quarter drive capped by a Matt Gay field goal to reclaim a 17-16 lead.
In the final frame, New England recovered the advantage when Antonio Gibson scored an 11-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to Kadarius Boutte.
The Colts’ defense, however, hardened in the final moments, as Julian Blackmon’s third-quarter interception in the end zone prevented a potential Patriots score.
Running back Jonathan Taylor was instrumental in the Colts’ ground attack, rushing for 96 yards on 25 carries, while Richardson added 48 yards on the ground.
New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson tallied 73 yards, but penalties and missed opportunities hampered the Patriots’ offense, including a missed 25-yard field goal in the first half.
The victory improves Indianapolis’ record to 6-7, keeping them in the AFC playoff hunt. Meanwhile, the Patriots fell to 3-10, with their postseason hopes virtually shut.
The Colts take on the Broncos Dec. 15 in Denver.
As the Colts celebrate this hard-fought victory, they’ll look to carry the momentum into the season’s final stretch.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more sports coverage, click here.
