New England Patriots defense dominates: 3 keys to victory over Colts

The New England Patriots justified the prediction by beating the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium 26-3.

The win brings the Pats’ record to 5-4 going into the bye week and keeps positive momentum after the team beat the Jets last week. The Colts fell to 3-5-1.

The Patriots needed offensive additions at the trade deadline, (there were none) to better their offensive production. They have two major deficiencies. First, the offensive line which needs a tackle continues to get Mac Jones pressured, battered, bruised, and sacked too often.

In addition, another suggestion, to secure a game-breaking player to the wide receiver corps was ignored and remains a void. Yet, they had enough to beat the Colts, and here are three keys to that win.

New England Patriots edge players lead the way to nine sacks

The New England Patriots defense led by Matt Judon and operating against a depleted Colts offense without their great running back Jonathan Taylor who was out injured, was a key to the win as it dominated the Colts’ offense. It had a monstrous nine sacks.

With X-factor Christian Barmore out again injured, Judon as usual led the defense in creating mayhem in the Colts’ backfield. He had another three sacks bringing his season’s total to 12. Judon is making a case for an All-Pro designation in addition to a Pro Bowl berth, which is a given if he keeps up this level of play and remains healthy.

It was also nice to see some life and speed from the right edge as Josh Uche had a breakout game racking up three sacks of his own along with a nice play to force Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger out of bounds. Hopefully, this presages good future production by Uche who’s largely been a disappointment as a former second-round pick.

This type of performance on the right will further allow Judon to wreak havoc on the opposite side. Without Barmore, there’s not as much push inside so the outside pressure has to do until he’s ready to return.

New England Patriots ran the ball

Mac Jones again was OK but less than spectacular completing 20 of 30 but for only a paltry 147 yards and a touchdown. He missed an open Rhamondre Stevenson in the second quarter for a possible touchdown.

But in all fairness, Jones doesn’t have much time to pass. But neither has he shown great escapability in the pocket, nor has he thrown a bunch of TD passes. He needs to improve both.

This again begs the question, why is Jones under center so often if he needs more time to throw? It’s a coaching decision that doesn’t make sense. Use the shotgun, more deception, and mix up the play-calling. They haven’t and it continues to hurt them.

Clearly, the lack of a top either offensive right tackle (ORT) or guard (Michael Onwenu can man either very nicely) continues to dog the Pats weekly. Onwenu to ORT is a must.

In addition, the lack of a big playmaker on offense once again necessitated the use of the always-accurate performer Nick Folk to kick too many field goals to get points. Jones has had big-time trouble getting the Patriots into the end zone. He needs improvement. It’s not very evident thus far.

No one other than the constantly improving Rhamondre Stevenson seems capable of making any big-time plays. Stevenson ran with reckless abandon as usual. Midway through the second quarter, Stevenson also had a great one-handed grab for a TD on a short Jones pass.

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This eventuated after a blocked punt by Jonathan Jones gave the Patriots the ball on the Colts three-yard line. Stevenson is emerging as the Patriots offensive MVP. If the Patriots use more deception in their play-calling, his effectiveness should be even further enhanced.

The New England Patriots defense held the Colts to three points

A win is a win even against an inferior foe like the Colts. Giving up only three points is a key to any game and to any win.

The New England Patriots will have two weeks to try to get better but absent additions at the trade deadline, major improvements aren’t likely. They need to score more touchdowns if they are to compete for an AFC wild-card berth.

The Patriots next game is against the Jets at Gillette on November 20. That crucial division game will be followed four days later on Thanksgiving Day away against the Minnesota Vikings.

Two wins there will bring the New England Patriots record to a respectable 7-4 and may allow them to determine their own playoff destiny as the schedule gets tougher.