USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs the ball for a 69 yard touchdown during the second half against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Colts won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs the ball for a 69 yard touchdown during the second half against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Colts won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy: Reuters
The New England Patriots fell short of a comeback against the Indianapolis Colts late during Saturday night’s game. The Week 15 matchup proved to be a mere disappointment for the Patriots. They failed to take their winning streak to a new high this season and snapped off against the Colts.
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New England was about to make a huge comeback. However, they got hampered by a dubious fourth-down decision by Bill Belichick. A costly penalty and an inability to slow down Jonathan Taylor on the ground proved to be the main reason why that plan failed.
New England Patriots fell short of a TD for a gigantic comeback
The Patriots had numerous low spots on the evening, including punter Jake Bailey’s punt being blocked and recovered for a touchdown by the Colts’ E.J. Speed. The Patriots were behind 20-0 in the fourth quarter before a spirited comeback attempt fell short.
Mac Jones, the Patriots’ rookie quarterback, battled tremendously in the first half, but he played much better in the second. His fourth-quarter heroics brought the game close before Taylor clinched the victory with a game-winning 67-yard touchdown run.
The Patriots fell to 9-5, while the Colts advanced to 8-6. Here’s a peek at Twitter’s reaction to the final outcome.
FINAL: Jonathan Taylor rushes for 170 yards as the @Colts get a statement win on Saturday night! #ForTheShoe #NEvsIND pic.twitter.com/jRoQEW0ktY
— NFL (@NFL) December 19, 2021
.@colts fans mood right now. pic.twitter.com/NnPmjx6KHM
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 19, 2021
how bout them Colts. 🐎
— Kenny Moore II (@KennyKennyMoe3) December 19, 2021
I’m so happy#ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/EAe2B46noK
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 19, 2021
Perfect form 🙌 pic.twitter.com/QR2pPXfUwz
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 19, 2021
Colts just won a game with Carson Wentz completing 5 passes! pic.twitter.com/r6P2dfzEJ9
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) December 19, 2021
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Jonathan Taylor. A 67-yard dagger to the heart of the AFC No. 1 seed. New @Colts franchise record for touchdowns. Leading the NFL in rushing. Get this guy some MVP votes. Seriously.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) December 19, 2021
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Jonathan Taylor steals the win
It’s not every day that the NFL talks about Jonathan Taylor‘s impressive speed and exceptional abilities as a running back. According to Next Gen Stats, Taylor touched 22.13 mph on the game-winning play, outracing Patriots cornerback J.C. Jacksons into the end zone.
The Patriots had committed a costly fourth-quarter penalty prior to Taylor’s big run. They used a jumbo set, and for a false start, second-year offensive tackle Mike Onwenu got flagged. That forced the team to convert a far more difficult third-down conversion.
After a difficult primetime loss, the Patriots face the Buffalo Bills at home next week in a huge rematch. The running defense has to make amends to their approach. Jones must take better care of the ball, and the special teams cannot repeat their Saturday performance.
Also Read: Rob Gronkowski vs Travis Kelce; Who Is the NFL’s Best Tight End?
