I had no illusions when the Patriots were up 21–3 at the half. I knew that the Colts could score points in a hurry.
I tried to keep the faith when they scored 18 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter — but I knew that the Colt fans were now in the game and the Pats were feeling it. Everything that had gone the Patriot’s way in the first half — close referee calls, a fumble recovery in the end zone, an interception of Manning for a touchdown — all seemed to be clicking now for the Colts.
Whether it was all the flu that had decimated the Patriot defense, the heat that was wilting them, the recovery from last weeks thriller in San Diego, or simply the fabulous play of Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts offense, Indianapolis was not to be denied.
Face it, any time a team torches you for 35 points in just two quarters, that team deserves to win. Finally, Manning can shed that “can’t-get-it-done-in-the-playoffs” rap and live up to everyone’s expectations.
Manning and the Colts played like champions. Down in the first half, they believed in themselves and kept scoring at every opportunity. They didn’t lead the game until only 1:00 was left on the clock. But as the Patriots know so well from their earlier game against the Chargers, the only score that matters in the final one.
Although I dearly wanted the Pats to win and spent a sleepless night with the game running through my head again and again, I have to hand it to Indianapolis. They played with poise and made some huge plays down the stretch.
Good luck in the Super Bowl.
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