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00:00:00Indianapolis, scene of a key AFC East battle today as New England takes on Indianapolis.
00:00:22Coming into today's game, the Colts atop the AFC East with a record of 5-1, a game ahead
00:00:27of Buffalo and Miami, with New England coming in at 3-3.
00:00:32Hello, everyone, and welcome to Indianapolis.
00:00:34Tom Hammond and Bob Trumpy.
00:00:35Bob, a key game for the Patriots today if they want to stay in the race, and it's a pretty
00:00:39simple equation.
00:00:40When Drew Bledsoe is accurate with his passes, they win.
00:00:43Yeah, the magic number is 60%.
00:00:44When he's 60% or better in completion percentage, they're 3-0.
00:00:48Under 60%, they're 0-3.
00:00:50This is the franchise player.
00:00:52And what Bill Parcells wants out of Drew Bledsoe in big games like this, a smart game from
00:00:57Drew Bledsoe.
00:00:58On the other side, one of the interesting stories of the NFL season so far, the fact
00:01:02that the Colts are 5-1 despite a rash of devastating injuries.
00:01:06As a matter of fact, I think in 1997, they ought to draft a doctor, not a player.
00:01:10Every time somebody gets hurt on the Indianapolis Colts, they seem to be out for several weeks.
00:01:14As you look at the list, Marshall Faulk not playing today, but somehow they continue to
00:01:19win.
00:01:19The one guy they've kept healthy is Captain Comeback, Jim Harbaugh.
00:01:23He's the one they can't afford to lose, and he has taken a beating in recent weeks.
00:01:26Not only sacked, but knocked around by the opposing defenses.
00:01:30But he's like that little pink rabbit.
00:01:31He just keeps going and going.
00:01:33Harbaugh and the Colts, hoping to solidify their hold on first place in the AFC East.
00:01:39Patriots and the Colts will return to Indianapolis for the opening kickoff in just a moment.
00:01:44Welcome back to Indianapolis as Bill Parcells and the Patriots get set to take on the Colts.
00:01:59Parcells upset with his team last week.
00:02:02The loss to the Redskins, a game he thought they should have won.
00:02:05It evened their record at 3-3.
00:02:07And in his first season as the Colts head coach, Lindy Infante, the Colts with that gaudy
00:02:145-1 record.
00:02:17No team in the NFL better to this point of the season.
00:02:20Tom, I talked to Lindy and Infante this morning.
00:02:23You said the biggest problem with us is with all the injuries every Monday, we've got to
00:02:26take inventory as to who's going to be there Sunday, and then they put together a game plan.
00:02:31Patriots will kick off to open the game.
00:02:34Adam Vinteri will kick to Aaron Bailey.
00:02:40And the game underway.
00:02:42Vinteri's kick buried in the end zone.
00:02:44Bailey will down it there.
00:02:47So the Colts will take over at their own 20-yard line after the touchback.
00:02:55Jim Harbaugh, they said earlier this week, he was a walking group in there.
00:03:01It's been a night in the hospital after the game against the Ravens last week.
00:03:05These guys have to do a better job of protecting him.
00:03:07Malum starting at guard in place of Lewenberg today.
00:03:11And along with Harbaugh on the backfield, Lamont Warren replacing the injured Marshall Falk
00:03:16and Cliff Gross for Crockett.
00:03:19And Lamont Warren with the first carry of the game.
00:03:32Gain of two or three yards before he's stopped by Wheeler and the front of the Patriots defense.
00:03:39Here's that front four.
00:03:41Haven't gotten much pressure on the opposing passer, Jones, Wheeler, Wyman, and McGinnis.
00:03:45First, Sangapulateli now making an appearance for the Patriots quickly.
00:03:52Slade, Johnson, Brownlaw, Hitchcock, Ray, and Clay.
00:03:56And Al Grove, the defensive coordinator, looking to put some pressure on Harbaugh.
00:04:00Everyone else has.
00:04:01They expect to as well.
00:04:07Harbaugh's first pass.
00:04:09Can't get it away.
00:04:09He's sacked back at the 16-yard line by Pio, Sangapulateli, and Mike Jones.
00:04:17So that's a continuing theme for this Colts team.
00:04:21A trend that everyone in Indianapolis, all the coaches, would like to stop.
00:04:25This was a simple pattern.
00:04:27Actually, he's got time to throw.
00:04:29The pass protection did not break down as much as there was good coverage downfield.
00:04:33And Fonny also says, too, Jim Harbaugh hangs onto the ball too long.
00:04:38A lot of his bumps and bruises are self-inflicted because he stays with every play just an instant too long.
00:04:45Loss of six, four wides on three and 13, facing seven defensive backs from the gun.
00:04:53Harbaugh in trouble again, finds the open man.
00:04:56Catch is made by Warren out of the backfield, and he takes it to the 25-26-yard line,
00:05:00short of the first down, where he's hit by Willie Clay.
00:05:04Now, if Jim Harbaugh would do this more often, hit that outlet receiver,
00:05:08I think he'd save himself a little bit here.
00:05:10But again, with seven guys back in coverage,
00:05:14excellent coverage by the Patriots, he's got to go to the outlet receiver.
00:05:18Not enough for the first down.
00:05:20So on fourth down, Chris Gardocki is on for his first putt of the day.
00:05:25Colts are three and out on their first possession.
00:05:30Deep for the Patriots is Dave Meggett.
00:05:37Nice booming punt, spiraling by Gardocki.
00:05:41Meggett all the way back to the 16-yard line.
00:05:43Dave Meggett trying to get to the corner.
00:05:46Hit by one man on his feet to the 35-yard line.
00:05:49Nice return by Dave Meggett.
00:05:51McElroy finally got him down, but an 18-yard return of a 57-yard punt.
00:05:56That's an amazing kid, isn't it, Dave Meggett?
00:05:59He has always volunteered for all the special teams duty.
00:06:02Never complained whatsoever.
00:06:05Looked like he belonged with the pee-wee game we had.
00:06:07He was so small we had before the game.
00:06:10Armstrong, Roberts, Wollebaugh, Rucci gets the start today
00:06:13in front of Pratch, who has a banged-up knee.
00:06:17Gledsoe, leading ground gainer.
00:06:18Martin with Gash Jefferson.
00:06:20Glenn, the rookie, has really come on.
00:06:22And the tight end par excellence, Ben Coates.
00:06:28Gledsoe hands to Martin on first down.
00:06:30Flag down as Curtis Martin gets maybe a yard or two.
00:06:38Bernard Whittington made the tackle for the Colts.
00:06:40Let's check the penalty.
00:06:42Today's referee is Mike Carey.
00:06:44Holding on the offense, number 64.
00:06:51Ten-yard penalty, it remains, first down.
00:06:54Dave Wollebaugh, the center, called for the hold
00:06:56on the Patriots' first play from scrimmage,
00:06:59and that will drive a coach crazy.
00:07:01Yeah, that'll have a coach out in the huddle
00:07:04before the next snap.
00:07:05Wollebaugh, the center, he's got his hand on it.
00:07:08Looks like Whittington just drags him to the ground.
00:07:12That's an easy...
00:07:14Houston, 20.
00:07:15Whoops, busted play again.
00:07:16Flags down once more, and the play stopped.
00:07:20Well, this is a great start for New England.
00:07:21Two plays, two penalties.
00:07:23Illegal procedure, the call, is going to be here, I think.
00:07:26Another five-yard step-off, and Parcells,
00:07:29a minute into the game, or so,
00:07:31three minutes into the game, is livid.
00:07:34Nobody wants to get close to him.
00:07:35See that?
00:07:36Well, I don't blame him, because...
00:07:38Poor manager's got to...
00:07:40You're right.
00:07:41Parcells has always been a button pusher.
00:07:42Before the snap, there's a false start on the offense,
00:07:45number 32.
00:07:47Five-yard penalty, still first down.
00:07:49As I was saying, Parcells has always been a button pusher.
00:07:52There are some players he designates on his team
00:07:54as Whipping Boys.
00:07:56And he sends messages to other players on the team.
00:07:59For those guys,
00:08:00you don't want to be one of Bill Parcells' Whipping Boys.
00:08:02Patriots are actually one of the least penalized teams this season.
00:08:05Keith Byers in the game, picked up this week, just in motion.
00:08:09Screen pass, complete to Martin.
00:08:11Martin picking his way forward, slammed down hard.
00:08:14The ball came loose.
00:08:16Let's see if it's ruled a fumble.
00:08:17I see no indication from any of the officials yet.
00:08:20There's finally a signal that I think New England's going to keep the ball.
00:08:26But there is a discussion.
00:08:30New England ball, well.
00:08:33Now they go the same way.
00:08:34Same guy pointed both directions.
00:08:36Let's flip a coin.
00:08:40First down.
00:08:41Wait a minute, all the fans are booing
00:08:44because they only got the first signal,
00:08:46didn't hear the second signal.
00:08:47Jim Harbaugh's even halfway on the field saying,
00:08:49what's the deal?
00:08:50Who's ball?
00:08:50Yeah.
00:08:51Now the cheer from the Colts stands.
00:08:54Indy ball.
00:08:57Indecisive officiating.
00:08:58Let's check it out.
00:08:59This is a screen.
00:09:01Excellent job of everybody getting out there.
00:09:03Actually, I think as forward progress was stopped,
00:09:05that is a generous call
00:09:07for the officials to give the ball to the Colts.
00:09:09I don't think they had a clue.
00:09:11So the first turnover of the game
00:09:17and a break for the Colts.
00:09:18They get the ball at the 19 of New England.
00:09:20How about this?
00:09:21First play, penalty.
00:09:23Second play, penalty.
00:09:24Third play, fumble.
00:09:26Talk about ugly starts.
00:09:32Colts try to take advantage of the turnover.
00:09:35First down run to Lamont War on the tailback.
00:09:37Got a yard.
00:09:39Whacked down hard by Mark Wheeler.
00:09:41Went right away from Monty Brown.
00:09:45This is the first time I have seen the New England Patriots
00:09:48in their new 4-3 configuration.
00:09:50That's a defense I think that Bill Parcells has always favored.
00:09:54Al Groh, his defensive coordinator.
00:09:55But last year, last several years, he thought that they had more talent at linebacker,
00:10:01so get the most talented players on the field.
00:10:03They moved McGinnis to defensive end,
00:10:05and now this Patriots defense is a four-man front.
00:10:09And batting 1,000 in the red zone.
00:10:18Harbaugh swings it to Warren.
00:10:22Warren, one-on-one with the defense, pounds his way to the seven-yard line.
00:10:26First and goal.
00:10:27Willie Clay driven back on his heels by Lamont Warren,
00:10:32who sets up the first and goal for the Colts.
00:10:34But again now, as I said in the first drive,
00:10:36this little swing pass can really save Jim Harbaugh health-wise.
00:10:40This is a difficult completion to make.
00:10:42One of the most difficult passes for a quarterback to throw.
00:10:45But when you have soft zone coverage, you swing it out in the flat,
00:10:49you let the running back get all bruised and beaten.
00:10:52Put him in the whirlpool instead of the quarterback.
00:10:55It was good for 12 yards.
00:10:57First and goal, Colts, at the seven of the Patriots.
00:11:03Cliff Gross with his first carry of the game.
00:11:06Got a couple yards to the five.
00:11:08Stacked up by Willie McGinnis and the front of the pass.
00:11:15Two-tight-in formation for the Colts.
00:11:18They get Dilger and Pollard.
00:11:21And Cliff Gross leaving the game.
00:11:26Second and goal from the five.
00:11:31Ten minutes left in the first quarter.
00:11:33Harbaugh and the Colts trying to take advantage of the Patriots' turnover.
00:11:39Lone setback is Lamont Warren.
00:11:45Harbaugh.
00:11:46Plenty of time.
00:11:49Dilger can't hold on.
00:11:54McGinnis and Slade finally got some pressure on Harbaugh, but he had all day.
00:11:58Yeah, the way the play was designed,
00:12:00they're running a little delay over here to the left.
00:12:03From behind the offense, he's waiting for someone to clear over here on the left.
00:12:07Now they had Dilger just blocking.
00:12:09And he releases out.
00:12:11He's not even a receiver designed on that play, but again, he avoids any kind of contact.
00:12:19Put a positive out of it, but a negative there.
00:12:21Good coverage again by the Patriots.
00:12:23It's third and goal from the five.
00:12:25Four wide receivers on for the Colts.
00:12:30Play clock down to two.
00:12:34Draw play.
00:12:35Warren lost to football.
00:12:36And the Patriots get it back at the five.
00:12:43Beric Colons.
00:12:47Tom, they hit a four-man front.
00:12:49Seven defensive backs.
00:12:51It's a good call to try to run the draw up the middle.
00:12:55And you're going to see it.
00:12:56Let's see if we can see who gets his hand on it.
00:12:58Somebody just sticks their big paw.
00:12:59Colons.
00:12:59Yeah, it is Colons.
00:13:00And then McGinnis recovers it.
00:13:04So, one turnover answered by another.
00:13:08Missed opportunity for the Colts.
00:13:10The NFL on NBC is brought to you by Acura,
00:13:18who invites you to test drive the new flagship of Acura, the RL.
00:13:22By Transamerica, the power of the pyramid is working for you.
00:13:26By Activa, the extraordinary home computer from IBM.
00:13:30And by brewery-fresh Budweiser,
00:13:32who reminds you fresh beer tastes better.
00:13:35Welcome back to Indianapolis.
00:13:40And we'd extend an invitation for you to join us this Saturday,
00:13:441.30 p.m. Eastern time for the Breeders' Cup.
00:13:46Horse racing's championship day.
00:13:48Seven races worth $11 million.
00:13:51I know Bill Parcells will be watching his horse Sunday at 1,
00:13:55a winner at Belmont Park a couple of weeks ago.
00:13:57And he was heavy on the hip, walking with a list for a while.
00:14:00That horse won it 13 to 1.
00:14:02Curtis Martin with a carry, got a yard,
00:14:06or he stopped by Whittington and Johnson.
00:14:08There is Parcells, a horse racing fan and horse owner.
00:14:11What'd you say the name of the horse was?
00:14:12Sunday at 1.
00:14:13Well, his team didn't show up Sunday at 1.
00:14:15I'll say.
00:14:16He has another one, nickel defense.
00:14:19Really?
00:14:20Yep.
00:14:20Well, he's got a dime defense with seven defensive backs.
00:14:23Right.
00:14:25Well, Colins caused the fumble.
00:14:27McGinnis recovered.
00:14:28But now, Patriots trying to drive it out.
00:14:32Just beyond the five on second and nine.
00:14:36Pitch to Martin.
00:14:38Got a couple of blocks and cut back for a first down.
00:14:4225-yard line.
00:14:43Curtis Martin finally tripped up by Tony Bennett.
00:14:46Martin got a couple of key blocks.
00:14:48Cut back and had a big gain.
00:14:4919 yards.
00:14:50You're going to see the tight end, Ben Coates.
00:14:53He flanks out wide, comes in motion.
00:14:55He gets a big crack back block, right?
00:14:58He's already made it.
00:14:58He's on Ellis Johnson.
00:15:00But then this Curtis Martin, what a find.
00:15:02Pitch running back taken in the draft last year.
00:15:05Only played three college football games.
00:15:07He has turned out to be one heck of a running back.
00:15:10Had that ankle injury as the senior at Pitt that kept him out most of the season.
00:15:14Ledsoe wings it.
00:15:15Oh!
00:15:16And the catch, not made by Glenn.
00:15:19Ray Buchanan was matched up.
00:15:21And Buchanan talking some trash to the rookie, Terry Glenn, who's really come on in recent weeks.
00:15:26And, of course, he had a very unfortunate start to his pro career.
00:15:30Pulled his hamstring.
00:15:32And then some comments made by Bill Parcells really made Terry Glenn a story throughout the country.
00:15:37But this is one heck of a receiver.
00:15:40And he, the leading rookie receiver in the league, he's had to overcome a lot.
00:15:44He's a little immature.
00:15:46But physically, what a specimen.
00:15:48And Parcells, who has become a believer, had a little talk with him about Buchanan,
00:15:52said expect the trash talking and the taunting today.
00:15:56Martin slammed down after a gain of four.
00:15:59Stephen Grant first to arrive on the scene.
00:16:03I think, I think in all instances,
00:16:05Curtis Martin is probably the greatest help for Drew Bledsoe on this team.
00:16:09Because prior to Martin, there really was no big running threat.
00:16:13People could just tee off on Drew Bledsoe.
00:16:16Martin's running.
00:16:17If Drew Bledsoe can get a little better at the play action fake,
00:16:22this kid's a keeper.
00:16:23He is going to be a franchise player for a long time, Tom.
00:16:28Third and long.
00:16:28Martin out.
00:16:29Replaced by Dave Meggett.
00:16:30Flag down before the play is underway.
00:16:35It's not a delay penalty because the clock still shows seven seconds.
00:16:38Could be a false start.
00:16:39Let's see.
00:16:40Before the snap, there was a false start on the offense.
00:16:47Number 68.
00:16:48Five-yard penalty still.
00:16:50Four down.
00:16:50Max Lane starting right tackle.
00:16:52And already the third penalty against the Patriots with 7.58 left in the first.
00:16:58Max Lane just rocks out of his stance.
00:17:00Hand up.
00:17:01Actually, I'm not sure that's a penalty.
00:17:02Because as long as the offensive lineman has his hand off the ground,
00:17:06he can move, but he's got to sit for a second before the ball is snapped.
00:17:10But you're right.
00:17:11Another penalty on New England.
00:17:15Max Lane, who played at Navy.
00:17:17Of course, Parcells was coach at both Army and Air Force
00:17:20during his many days in the profession.
00:17:24Bledsoe fires across the middle.
00:17:27Nearly intercepted.
00:17:29David Tate had a shot at it.
00:17:32Couldn't quite pick it off.
00:17:33I don't know how he didn't catch it.
00:17:34Right.
00:17:38Bledsoe hesitates here.
00:17:41Kind of gives a little pump.
00:17:42Second thought.
00:17:43Then throws it up anyway.
00:17:44And I don't know how Tate doesn't catch this one.
00:17:46Right through his hands.
00:17:49Bledsoe is only one of three, Bob.
00:17:51We said he had to hit 60% for them to win.
00:17:53Not even close.
00:17:55I mean, that's taking a chance.
00:17:56Pumping it in, throwing it late down the middle.
00:17:59Low snap to Tupa, but no pressure on him.
00:18:02And he punts it away toward Marvin Harrison.
00:18:04Colts rookie makes the catch at about the 35.
00:18:07Reverses his field.
00:18:08Can't get away.
00:18:10Swamp by white-shirted Patriots special teamers.
00:18:12And Bledsoe and the Patriots off to a sputtering start, but still scoreless in Indy.
00:18:20This is the NFL on NBC.
00:18:26Marshall Falk on the sideline today.
00:18:32Unable to play because of that continuing toe injury.
00:18:36Dislocated it against the Jets up in the Meadowlands.
00:18:39And for him to play, they've had to inject it.
00:18:42And Lindy and Fanny told me this morning, we want him to get well.
00:18:45He can play on Sunday after we inject it.
00:18:48But on Mondays on crutches, Tuesday he can do very little.
00:18:50Wednesday he jogs a little bit.
00:18:52Thursday he can run a little bit.
00:18:53He plays on Sunday after we shoot it.
00:18:55He's right back on crutches.
00:18:56So they want him to get well.
00:18:59And so they're going to give him a week off.
00:19:01And there's Keith Byers over on the New England sideline.
00:19:04A recent edition.
00:19:06Cut by Jimmy Johnson at Miami.
00:19:09And picked up a few days ago by the Patriots.
00:19:19First down play for the Colts after the punt.
00:19:22Sloppy start for both teams.
00:19:25Play action fake.
00:19:26And Harbaugh has Dawkins retreated to try to get some running room.
00:19:32And nearly stopped short of the first down.
00:19:36Ray and Slade finally collapsed him.
00:19:38But it will go.
00:19:39Forward progress.
00:19:4014 yards.
00:19:42And good enough for the Indy first down.
00:19:43Colts will see an awful lot of zone coverage by the Patriots.
00:19:46You can see the cornerbacks kind of dropping off.
00:19:49It was Willie Clay that dropped off him.
00:19:52They need a lot of linebacker help for this zone coverage at the Patriots to work.
00:19:58But Bill Parcells historically outgrow his defensive coordinator.
00:20:01Lots and lots of zone.
00:20:0216th catch of the season for Dawkins.
00:20:05Gives the Colts a first down.
00:20:0647 of New England.
00:20:0920th time.
00:20:10Harbaugh.
00:20:11Wide open.
00:20:13Reception made again by Dawkins.
00:20:15And Ty Law hits him immediately.
00:20:17If you're going to play zone, you've got to put some pressure on the quarterback.
00:20:26Watch the way the defense deploys.
00:20:28It's great drop back by Harbaugh.
00:20:30You're going to see the receiver just settle down in an area.
00:20:33One of the features of Lindy and Fonny's offense is that the receivers run option routes.
00:20:38They can run any one of five different routes on any given play.
00:20:42And these receivers and the quarterback, Jim Harbaugh, tuned in to each other as to what the receiver is going to run, where he's going to be.
00:20:50Dawkins back-to-back receptions for a total of 30 yards.
00:20:53He's wide to the bottom of the screen here on first down.
00:20:59Harbaugh drilled it to Dilger.
00:21:02Dilger with a catch and another first down to the 20.
00:21:06Ty Law finally catches up with Dilger.
00:21:08He took it away from Ted Johnson, the middle linebacker.
00:21:12That Dilger was looking for the ball.
00:21:14Johnson was looking at the receiver.
00:21:17I don't know how in the world Jim Harbaugh has the guts to even attempt this.
00:21:22Linebacker coverage on Dilger.
00:21:25Johnson is looking at the ball.
00:21:26He's looking right back at the ball.
00:21:28Dilger takes it away from him.
00:21:3211-yard gain and give it all to Dilger.
00:21:35Harbaugh drilled it in there and somehow he hung on.
00:21:37You can't cover a tight end much better.
00:21:39Harbaugh so far riddling the 29th-ranked pass defense in the NFL with 5 of 6.
00:21:48There's number 6 completion to Lamont Warren.
00:21:51That's the play they've run already three times today.
00:21:55Willie Clay knocks him out of bounds.
00:21:57Close to another first down just short of a 10.
00:21:59And they're trying to get the middle linebacker to run all the way out.
00:22:04Number 52, Ted Johnson, and cover this swing pass.
00:22:07You're going to see 52 show up right there.
00:22:09You're asking a lot of a middle linebacker to cover half of this football field
00:22:14on a swing pass out in the flat.
00:22:16And the Colts are taking advantage of it.
00:22:18Gain of 9.
00:22:18It'll be 2nd and 1.
00:22:20Dilger and Pollard.
00:22:20Two tight ends in this formation with Gross and Warren.
00:22:27Gross has the first down.
00:22:31Turning his way to about the 7-yard line where the Colts had it their last possession.
00:22:36First and goal and end up fumbling the ball away.
00:22:39It'll be first and goal again.
00:22:40This has got to be the biggest mystery for people who have been long-time admirers of Bill Parcells.
00:22:46Always had a great defense.
00:22:49But do you realize in the last three games his defense has given up 90 points
00:22:53even though they've won two of the last three games?
00:22:56This guy's been defensive since he was born.
00:22:58And he can't seem to get in the ring with defense to stop anybody.
00:23:02Does that mean that Lindy and Ponte has been offensive since he was born?
00:23:06Yes, absolutely, and we'll admit to it.
00:23:08First and goal.
00:23:15Harbaugh swing to the other side.
00:23:17Gross drops the ball.
00:23:20Mike Jones bearing down on Harbaugh.
00:23:22Got a little hit on him.
00:23:23Knocking Harbaugh's pad out of his jersey.
00:23:26Now he's 6 of 8, 71 yards here in the first quarter.
00:23:30Again, when can you see that thing here?
00:23:32Going to that swing pass.
00:23:33Kind of widen the defense.
00:23:34Take some of the pressure off.
00:23:36Cliff Gross, although they activated him from the practice squad last year,
00:23:41it doesn't appear to be a running back with very good hands.
00:23:45That's rare on a Lindy and Ponte offense.
00:23:47All running backs must catch the ball well.
00:23:49Second and goal from the seven.
00:23:57Hand-off to Gross.
00:23:59Inside the five-yard line to the three.
00:24:02It'll be third and goal at that point.
00:24:04Temple made by Willie McGinnis, but not until Gross had a head of steam.
00:24:11Former Aggie from Texas A&M, a free agent signee who came into the game as the third-ranked rusher on this team.
00:24:18And inside the 20.
00:24:20One turnover now after fumbling inside the 20 earlier.
00:24:26They had been, as we said, batting 1,000 before that time.
00:24:31Four wide receivers here facing the dime defense.
00:24:34Seven DBs.
00:24:36Both 0-2 on third down so far.
00:24:38Blitz.
00:24:41Harbaugh had it deflected incomplete.
00:24:43Willie Clay, the free safety coming on the blitz.
00:24:46Deflected the Harbaugh pass.
00:24:48Fourth down, they'll have to settle for a field goal attempt.
00:24:51Patriots four-man front.
00:24:53Seven guys in coverage.
00:24:55And you see Clay untouched comes in there.
00:24:57And Harbaugh has no choice whatsoever but to throw the ball right under the hands of Clay.
00:25:05Good call by the defense.
00:25:06Tipped away.
00:25:08And Corey Blanchard is on to attempt the field goal.
00:25:1421-yard effort for Blanchard who has been spectacular this year.
00:25:19And this one goes right through.
00:25:22So the Colts march down the field, have to settle for a field goal, but they do take the lead.
00:25:282.49 left in the opening quarter.
00:25:303-0 Colts.
00:25:33T.
00:25:33Holds up 3-0 on the Patriots with 2.49 left in the opening period.
00:25:40This Gordaki set to kick it off for Indianapolis.
00:25:48Again, that percentage is good on inside the 20 despite the one turn over there earlier today.
00:25:53Megan and Brown awaiting the Gordaki kickoff.
00:25:57But certainly two missed opportunities for the Colts.
00:26:00I mean, it should be 14-0 right here.
00:26:04It's 3-0.
00:26:05You can't miss opportunities like that.
00:26:09The turnover, you've got to get the ball in the end zone.
00:26:11They fumble it.
00:26:13And then just three points on that very short drive.
00:26:15And Gordaki's kickoff.
00:26:30Dave Meggett.
00:26:33Meggett.
00:26:35The lane to the outside just tripped up.
00:26:37Falls forward to the 30-yard line.
00:26:39Stopped on special teams by Watts after a 28-yard return.
00:26:43Back to Indy in just a moment.
00:26:49Hope you'll stay with us for a full day of football here on NBC.
00:26:52Coming up next on most of these stations,
00:26:55Game 2 of our NFL Doubleheaders.
00:26:56Most of you will see another AFC East showdown as the Jets host the Bills.
00:27:01Some of you will see the Rams take on the Jaguars.
00:27:03Others see the 49ers host the Bengals.
00:27:05Or the Steelers battle the Oilers.
00:27:07Check your local listings for the game in your area.
00:27:10Doubleheader Week here on NBC.
00:27:13Trev Alberts on the field for the Colts, making his first appearance as Curtis Martin gets the call.
00:27:20Bites his way forward to the 36-yard line where Alberts makes the tackle.
00:27:25Well, the Dolphins against Philadelphia today.
00:27:29Let's go to New York.
00:27:30Greg Gumbel, an update.
00:27:30All right, Tom, and so far it's all Philadelphia.
00:27:35Ty Detmer having himself a pretty good afternoon.
00:27:38This is a 38-yard touchdown pass to Irving Friar.
00:27:41He followed it up with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Friar.
00:27:44And in the final minutes of the first quarter, the Eagles are leading the Dolphins 14-0, Tom.
00:27:49All right, Greg, and the former Patriot Irving Friar.
00:27:53Two touchdown receptions from Ty Detmer.
00:27:56Jeff Harrod, the Colts' leading tackler, stopping Curtis Martin in his tracks.
00:28:01Perhaps gained a yard.
00:28:03It'll be third down.
00:28:04And frankly, Tom, I think this is the overshadowed part of this Colt football team.
00:28:10This defense, even with injuries, has played spectacularly.
00:28:15Tobin leaves.
00:28:15Jim Johnson comes in as the defensive coordinator.
00:28:19A little more man-to-man coverage.
00:28:20This is a stout bunch for the Colts up front.
00:28:24Third and three.
00:28:25Meggett in for Martin.
00:28:27Bledsoe hits Meggett, and he has the first down to the 44-yard line.
00:28:33Stopped there by Sammy Burroughs.
00:28:35But the third down specialist, pass-receiving Dave Meggett with the first down.
00:28:40Bledsoe does this very well.
00:28:42Watch him stand in there.
00:28:43Ellis Johnson is going to be right in his face, 62.
00:28:46But Bledsoe, big kid strong.
00:28:48He'll stand in there and take the punishment.
00:28:50Just the half-back circle for the completion of the first down.
00:28:53Jim Johnson on the sideline, the Colts defensive coordinator.
00:28:58Seven-yard gain.
00:29:00That puts the Patriots finally as Bledsoe fumbles the snap.
00:29:03And the Colts have it.
00:29:05Goodness gracious.
00:29:07Tony Saragusa and the cries of Goose, Goose here in the Dome.
00:29:13Yeah, the tuna on the sideline doesn't hear, like you hear the cries of Goose.
00:29:17What's going on here?
00:29:19This is not like it's the first game of the season.
00:29:21Looks like it, doesn't it?
00:29:22Second loss fumbled for the Patriots.
00:29:24This one on the exchange.
00:29:26The center snaps it early.
00:29:27Nobody else on the offensive line moves.
00:29:31So it's on Dave Wallabaugh.
00:29:33You can tell the quarterback is not ready.
00:29:36And the ball is loose.
00:29:37Second turnover.
00:29:40And Tony Saragusa.
00:29:41We saw the feature about him on the NFL on NBC earlier.
00:29:45And he makes a big play here.
00:29:48Second Patriots turnover.
00:29:49Colts unable to take advantage of the first.
00:29:51They fumbled it back themselves.
00:29:53First and goal.
00:29:55Now they'll try to get a touchdown.
00:29:58Second turnover by the Patriots.
00:29:59Colts lead 3-0.
00:30:01Play action fake.
00:30:03Screen pass attempt.
00:30:05That was ugly from the start.
00:30:07And Goose can't hold on.
00:30:10Goose has only got one reception all season.
00:30:12But that ball is thrown right down into the ground.
00:30:14And there was great pressure by the Patriots.
00:30:17It looked like Willie McGinnis was one of them.
00:30:19But how about this field position that the Colts have enjoyed in his first quarter
00:30:25to just have three points on the scoreboard?
00:30:27Very disappointing for Indianapolis.
00:30:30See the other scores, including that Philly lead with Detmer to Friar twice for touchdowns.
00:30:37Second and ten here for the Colts, who lead 3-0 over the Patriots.
00:30:41Final 47 seconds of the first quarter.
00:30:46Just got it off.
00:30:49Harbaugh to Warren again.
00:30:51Does a little dance.
00:30:52Can't get free.
00:30:53He tackled at the 35 by Ty Law.
00:30:57It'll be third down and about three coming up for the Colts.
00:31:00But you see what they're trying to do.
00:31:01Lamont Warren, the running back, make that corner, make the tackle.
00:31:06Normally, offensive coordinators hit coaches on offense say,
00:31:10look, one-on-one, our running back should be able to shake and bake by any corner.
00:31:14This is an excellent job by Ty Law to make the tackle.
00:31:18Seven DBs again on for the Patriots
00:31:20as Harbaugh lines up from the shotgun with four wide receivers.
00:31:24Already, Lamont Warren has four catches in the first quarter.
00:31:30Which again, Harbaugh with a quick drop and a quick strike complete for the Colt first down.
00:31:35Brian Stabline with a first down catch.
00:31:40The final play of the quarter.
00:31:42This sees the Colts lead New England 3-0.
00:31:45Start the second quarter with the Colts leading the Patriots 3-0.
00:31:54Jim Harbaugh, 8 of 12 for 85 yards in that first quarter.
00:31:58As the Colts had 9 minutes and 42 seconds of possession.
00:32:02The 5-18 for the Patriots who twice turned the ball over on fumbles.
00:32:06And you didn't mention the penalties.
00:32:08Yeah, three penalties.
00:32:11Not the kind of start that Coach Parcells had hoped for.
00:32:15And a key game, too, to New England in danger of losing touch with the leaders in the AFC East
00:32:20with a loss today and a tough schedule coming up.
00:32:24Indianapolis first down.
00:32:2828-yard line of the Patriots.
00:32:35Harbaugh, blocked by Dawkins.
00:32:40Clay and Malloy.
00:32:44I've done that.
00:32:46I've done that.
00:32:46You know, the receiver's walking back to the huddle.
00:32:48You try not to look at the quarterback.
00:32:50You try to look at anything else.
00:32:51But he's wide open again.
00:32:53This is zone.
00:32:54He is right in front of Malloy.
00:32:56And watch.
00:32:57He tries to look anywhere but the quarterback.
00:32:58Down at the ground.
00:32:59My shoelaces.
00:33:00My gloves.
00:33:02Oh, I know he's going to look at me.
00:33:04That nuclear stare from the quarterback.
00:33:06That was a problem, of course, with Dawkins, especially earlier in his career.
00:33:09Seemed like he had shaken the drop-itis.
00:33:12Play action fake and a throwback from the screen.
00:33:15Gross drops it.
00:33:17There's something in the water.
00:33:19McGinnis knocked Harbaugh down.
00:33:23And Gross knocked the football down.
00:33:25Yeah, that's a...
00:33:26This is well set up.
00:33:29This is a screen pass that looks beautiful at the outset.
00:33:34Yeah, there is pressure.
00:33:35But look, there's protectors out there in front of Gross.
00:33:39Wyman, number 72 for the Patriots, is there to assist on the tackle.
00:33:42But you've got to catch it first.
00:33:44Hands of stone, Gross has shown us several times today.
00:33:51From the gun.
00:33:55Good protection for Harbaugh.
00:33:57Screen to Warren.
00:33:58Convoy of blockers.
00:33:59Cuts back inside of the 20.
00:34:01And very close to the first down.
00:34:03Tripped up by Lawyer Malloy.
00:34:05Again, they go to the screen.
00:34:07This time to the other side.
00:34:08To Lamont Warren.
00:34:09And it nets him up first down.
00:34:10And, Tom, I think one of the main reasons this is working is look at the deployment.
00:34:14One, two, three, four, five, six, seven DB.
00:34:19So, just a four-man rush.
00:34:21A screen works beautifully because you see, again, they're playing zone.
00:34:25The defensive backs drop back.
00:34:27Good call by Lindy and Fonny.
00:34:28Just get it underneath with a couple of personal protectors for Warren.
00:34:31And he picks up the first down.
00:34:33And Lawyer Malloy, who made the tackle, shaken up a bit.
00:34:37Going over to the sideline under his own power.
00:34:39Well, Lamont Warren has been Harbaugh's favorite target today.
00:34:43The only man that can hold on to the ball, really.
00:34:45Five catches, 48 yards already.
00:34:48And, of course, he's playing the spot that Marshall Falk would normally play.
00:34:51Last year, their leading receiver.
00:34:55Warren had a superb effort against New England a year ago.
00:34:59There's the man he's replacing, Marshall Falk.
00:35:01So, for the Colts, third time in the red zone.
00:35:07First time they fumbled.
00:35:08Second time they got a field goal.
00:35:11On this first down play, two tight ends, Dilger and Pollard.
00:35:16With Warren, the only setback.
00:35:18Harrison and Dawkins, the wideouts.
00:35:20Warren, short game.
00:35:29Chris Slade wrapped him up immediately.
00:35:33I would run just to keep the defense honest, you know.
00:35:36Actually, I think with the way New England, at the outset of this game,
00:35:40is deploying their defense in long-yarding situations,
00:35:42I think the Patriots would, or the Colts would prefer to see that 4-7 alignment.
00:35:50I think they can, they feel like they can do an awful lot against that 4-7 alignment.
00:35:55Now Crow's going to have to come up with something else.
00:35:57Actually, Warren lost a yard on that play.
00:36:03Now four carries for a net two yards.
00:36:07Eighth play of the drive.
00:36:08Harbaugh.
00:36:09Dawkins, the intended receiver, defended by Willie Clay.
00:36:15Fans won the flag, wouldn't expect some contact, but nothing forthcoming.
00:36:20I think this is just good coverage.
00:36:23I'm going to see that both Clay and Dawkins are right there when the ball gets there.
00:36:28Although, you see that left arm around the waist?
00:36:30He had the left arm on him as Dawkins went up.
00:36:34Maybe it was an uncatchable ball, I don't know.
00:36:35But this is where the Colts have just torn apart this defense.
00:36:39Again, now Patriots, seven defensive backs, just a four-man rush.
00:36:43Third down play.
00:36:44Harbaugh directing traffic from the gun.
00:36:53Pressure.
00:36:53Harbaugh scrambles free.
00:36:55He's going to run it.
00:36:56Dives inside the 10.
00:36:57But he'll be short of the first down.
00:36:59Covered by Larry Wiggum.
00:37:01And Willie McGinnis was the man that flushed him out.
00:37:05A tough choice here now for Lindy and Bonnie.
00:37:07Fourth time down here for his football team in the first half.
00:37:12And all they've got to show for it is three points.
00:37:15And they've got their offense down there.
00:37:19They're going to go for it on fourth down.
00:37:20Three tight ends.
00:37:22Dilger, Pollard, and Schlutzker.
00:37:24With fourth down and about a yard and a half to go.
00:37:29Only 10 seconds left on the 42nd clock.
00:37:33So they can't try to fake it here and throw him offside.
00:37:35Six-man front from the pots.
00:37:38Well play.
00:37:39Lamarie Warren.
00:37:41Slammed down short by David Wyman.
00:37:45Lyman the first man there at the bottom of the stack.
00:37:47And the Patriots take over on downs.
00:37:50Holding the Colts on fourth and one.
00:37:52Now finally something for Bill Parcells to celebrate.
00:37:56After the Colts just went down the field easily.
00:38:00So the Patriots hope this stop by the defense
00:38:04will put some spark in their game.
00:38:12Bledsoe first down pass.
00:38:14Almost intercepted.
00:38:17Diedrich Mathis broke on the football perfectly.
00:38:19Made a diving attempt.
00:38:21Terry Glenn, the intended receiver, nearly picked off.
00:38:25I think this was intended for Terry Glenn.
00:38:27I'm not so sure it was intended for Ben Coates to tight end.
00:38:31You're going to watch when he breaks underneath his Ben Coates.
00:38:34Now I don't think that was intended for Terry Glenn.
00:38:36He wasn't even looking at the break.
00:38:37That was very poorly thrown by Brent Bledsoe.
00:38:41Bledsoe is two of five for six yards here in the first half.
00:38:49Sam Gash, the fullback.
00:38:51A couple of yards.
00:38:55Bangs it out to the 12.
00:38:56First carry of the game for Gash.
00:38:58In his fifth year from Penn State.
00:39:00Had carried only five times coming into the game and stopped by Jeff Barad.
00:39:04He's more of Curtis Martin's personal blocker.
00:39:08Most of his time is consumed banging helmets, not carrying the football.
00:39:12And he does a pretty good job of it, as evidenced by Martin's gaudy numbers.
00:39:17And willing to do so.
00:39:19Big third down play.
00:39:21Alberts showed blitz, but then backed out.
00:39:24Bledsoe can run.
00:39:25And does.
00:39:27And about a yard short of the first down.
00:39:30Caught around the ankles by Trev Alberts.
00:39:33Welcome back, Trev.
00:39:37You would hope, even though Drew Bledsoe's been in the league a couple, three, four years,
00:39:42you would hope he would have the sense to know where that third down marker is.
00:39:45One little move and he could have made the first down.
00:39:48He is close enough, Trump, they're going to measure.
00:39:50And the best eyes up here say about a foot and a half short.
00:39:57Look, he's not really looking at the sideline marker,
00:40:00just trying to sense where the 10 yards is.
00:40:02Fred Alberts does make the tackle,
00:40:04but I think if he would allow Dave Mega to make a block there for him,
00:40:08he might have still been running.
00:40:11Chains are out.
00:40:12Big Bruce Armstrong surveying the scene.
00:40:15Making sure everything's on the up and up.
00:40:17And it is indeed a little more than a foot short of the first down.
00:40:22And the punt team comes out for Parcells.
00:40:24And what a start for the Patriots.
00:40:28You mentioned that this is the start of a tough series of games.
00:40:31Yeah, they're going to be in the AFC East here for the next four weeks.
00:40:34Well, you know, neither team has been sparkling here in the first half
00:40:38as Tupa lines up to punt.
00:40:41Last possession, the Colts had it for 10 plays and came away nothing.
00:40:44Stopped on fourth down.
00:40:46Harrison, the fine rookie from Syracuse, awaiting the Tupa punt.
00:40:49First punt by Tupa, covered 45 yards.
00:41:06Another boomer by Tom Tupa.
00:41:08Harrison retreats all the way to this 24-yard line.
00:41:12Got away from the initial rush and then is banged out of bounds.
00:41:15Just across the 30 by Teddy Bruschi.
00:41:20We'll pause for Bruschi after a 58-yard punt was returned at 7 yards.
00:41:29Colts inside the 20 three times today.
00:41:31I said earlier four, three times, three points, a turnover.
00:41:35Not good for the Colts so far in this first half.
00:41:37Luckily for them, they're ineptness matched by the Patriots.
00:41:44There's a five-yard walk-off against the Colts for a false start.
00:41:52What's going on here?
00:41:54You're right.
00:41:55This looks like an opening season game, doesn't it?
00:41:57First start on the offense, number 85.
00:41:59Five-yard penalty, still first down.
00:42:01First Colts penalty as Kandilger called for the false start.
00:42:10These two teams among the least penalized.
00:42:12In fact, the Colts lead that category.
00:42:16And that's their first penalty today,
00:42:17but their overall play has not been sharp.
00:42:24Patriots have been worse.
00:42:25Dillger wide open in the center of the defense.
00:42:35Fumbles the football.
00:42:37And it looks like the Colts got it back.
00:42:43Cliff Gross downfield recovered.
00:42:46Dillger's fumble.
00:42:48Ted Johnson knocked it free for a moment.
00:42:50Takes a long time for Dillger to get by the linebacker.
00:42:53Then he makes the reception beautifully.
00:42:57It is Johnson who strips the ball away.
00:42:59Gross can't catch it, but he can't fall on it.
00:43:11I discovered that Gross can't hold on to that football unless it's against the turf.
00:43:16Maybe that's it.
00:43:1617-yard gain as it turns out.
00:43:21Harbaugh whips it to Dawkins.
00:43:23Complete just short of midfield.
00:43:26Clay and Malloy hit him immediately after the game.
00:43:28Boy, does that take confidence.
00:43:29You see that play-action fake?
00:43:31He turns his back completely to the spot where he's going to throw it.
00:43:34Sets up.
00:43:35One quick look.
00:43:36Throws it.
00:43:37And you think they haven't practiced that play about 12 million times?
00:43:42The hardest thing to teach a quarterback in the NFL is to turn his back to the defense.
00:43:47You've got to have confidence in your offensive line.
00:43:49Harbaugh obviously does.
00:43:51One of the reasons a captain comeback leads the ratings.
00:43:55Draw play Gross.
00:43:56Nice fight forward by Gross.
00:44:01He's going to be just about enough for a first down.
00:44:05Lawyer Malloy tackled him.
00:44:07Let's see the spot of the football.
00:44:08It will be close for Gross.
00:44:11Boy, when you face a Colts offense now with Lindy and Fonny as its head coach and offensive coordinator,
00:44:16you're going to see a lot.
00:44:18I mean, they try just about everything they can think of.
00:44:22And that's one of the things that Lindy's had with him for years when he was an assistant
00:44:27at Cincinnati, a head coach at Green Bay.
00:44:30Comes here as the offensive coordinator.
00:44:35And by the nose of the football, almost halfway, he got the first down.
00:44:41There's the architect of this offense.
00:44:43Last year was an assistant to Ted Marchabroda when he was named head coach.
00:44:46He said it was an easy move for me.
00:44:48My office was right next to Teddy's.
00:44:50He said, I just took my boxes out in the hall, secretary moved them, I set up shop, I'm ready to go.
00:44:54And unlike his earlier unpleasant experience in Green Bay, when he wound up being fired,
00:44:59he said he inherited a much better team.
00:45:01A team, of course, that was one pass completion away from the Super Bowl last year.
00:45:10Reaction fake again.
00:45:11Harbaugh.
00:45:14Kynes, Harrison.
00:45:15Colt, first down.
00:45:21Harrison on the receiving end of the Harbaugh pass in front of Ty Long.
00:45:27First catch today for the talented rookie, Harrison.
00:45:30Tom, sometimes rookies just don't act like rookies, and Harrison is a perfect example here.
00:45:34Not the primary receiver, but what he does is come back for the football.
00:45:39He doesn't just stand there, he moves back towards Jim Harbaugh so he can make the catch.
00:45:45There's Lindy's only complaint about Marvin Harrison is he's not 6'3", 220.
00:45:49He'll take everything else.
00:45:50His 22nd catch of the year, that tops the Colts.
00:45:53It was good for 14 yards.
00:45:54Dawkins, slip one man, banged out of bounds.
00:46:04They do spread it around, don't they?
00:46:08One, two, three steps, a little drift by Jim Harbaugh.
00:46:14Harbaugh has always been a very accurate thrower of the football.
00:46:17And of course, when you've got a quarterback who has an accurate arm with an offense that
00:46:23is a high percentage completion offense, you're going to have a very highly rated quarterback,
00:46:28and Harbaugh is.
00:46:30Four catches for Dawkins, averaging 10 yards a pop.
00:46:34And with eight minutes left until halftime, the Colts driving again.
00:46:38Reverse to Warren.
00:46:39He has a blocker in front.
00:46:41Lamont Warren with a first down.
00:46:42Short of a 20-yard line, finally caught by Ted Johnson.
00:46:46Goodness.
00:46:47Jay Leuenberg leading the way for Lamont Warren.
00:46:51And again, Lindy and Fonny going to his bag of tricks early and often here in the first half.
00:46:56And the thing about this part of the Colts offense, as Lindy and Fonny teaches it,
00:47:02these are not tricks.
00:47:03He wants the defense to defend 55 and a half yards wide.
00:47:07There is no way in the world you can focus in on one player or one part of the field
00:47:12to stop the Colts' offense.
00:47:15First down at the 21.
00:47:17Eighth play of the drive coming up.
00:47:24Again, Mr. Workman, his first carry.
00:47:27Gets three yards before he's knocked down by Dwayne Saab.
00:47:32Here's Lindy and Fonny's playlist.
00:47:34Something that he guards like the gold in Fort Knox.
00:47:40It's always a work in progress.
00:47:42The one thing I noticed about that little plastic sheet, you can write on it.
00:47:45Because at times, you'll make up another play and write it down there and go to it.
00:47:50The equivalent of drawing in the dirt.
00:47:51Absolutely.
00:47:59Two tight ends, Bilger and Pollard on a second down.
00:48:03See the time left.
00:48:04Colts leading it 3-0.
00:48:08Harbaugh setting up a screen.
00:48:10It was intended for Pollard, the tight end.
00:48:16Mark Wheeler was in there to disrupt things and Harbaugh went down again.
00:48:21And you know what?
00:48:22I think Harbaugh had a good look at all the mess over there with that tight end screen.
00:48:27And he was going to make sure that it was not picked up.
00:48:30So he threw it very low.
00:48:34And he's checking his playlist on his arm.
00:48:36There's a close-up of what that looks like.
00:48:38Looks like the Indianapolis phone book, doesn't it?
00:48:41There's a lot on there.
00:48:44There we go with the 7 DBs now for the Patriots.
00:48:47Colts have done a good job against this.
00:48:49Four wide.
00:48:54Pressure.
00:48:55Threw it away.
00:48:57Just before Chris Slade arrived on the scene.
00:49:00And Mike Jones was bearing down on Harbaugh, too.
00:49:03Excellent coverage that time by the Patriots.
00:49:05Took away everyone.
00:49:06And there were absolutely no receivers available.
00:49:10The offensive line tried to, or the Colts tried to cut down the defensive line of the Patriots.
00:49:16And Slade with excellent speed catches Harbaugh.
00:49:20He hasn't been down too much so far today.
00:49:23No, he's not taking the beating he normally takes.
00:49:25But Ben New England has not gotten much pressure on his quarterbacks all season long.
00:49:30Blanchard on fourth down to attempt the field goal.
00:49:34It's 35 yards.
00:49:37And it is good.
00:49:42Blanchard, two for two today.
00:49:45And he gives the Colts a 6-0 lead on the Patriots with 6-12 left till halftime.
00:49:50And speaking of the Breeders' Cup, that is not Julie Crone, and that horse will not be in the Breeders' Cup.
00:50:00Um, actually, that looks like one I bet on occasionally.
00:50:05Yes, they always look like that.
00:50:08First horse, when I bet on them, when they finish, they look like that last horse.
00:50:10Dardocki's kick to Troy Brown.
00:50:16Brown with a hand of steam straight up the field.
00:50:19Cuts it to the outside.
00:50:20Still going across the 30 to the 35-yard line.
00:50:24Just short of the 35 when it's marked.
00:50:286-0 game, but Patriots are in it despite the fact that Indianapolis is dominant in the first half.
00:50:35Isn't that absolutely amazing?
00:50:36Just 6-0, the fourth time now that the Colts have been down in or around the 20, just six points.
00:50:43Time of possession, Colts 17-06.
00:50:47Patriots just 6-42.
00:50:49But look, there's still life for this Patriot football team in this first half.
00:50:53They can salvage this first half with a good drive here.
00:50:56They have only two first downs in the first half.
00:51:01Let's go play action fake on target.
00:51:04Pass complete for a New England first down to Sean Jefferson.
00:51:10Play covered.
00:51:15About 14 yards.
00:51:1915.
00:51:20First catch of the day for Sean.
00:51:22That football is easy.
00:51:23Why can't the Patriots do that well?
00:51:25Look in sync finally, didn't they?
00:51:26Yeah, they don't jump off sides.
00:51:28They'll hold it.
00:51:28They'll be all right.
00:51:2950% completions for Drew.
00:51:30That one a little high.
00:51:33Pulled down by Glenn.
00:51:34Was he inbounds?
00:51:35Yes.
00:51:35Catch by Terry Glenn.
00:51:37And a pretty one in front of Ray Buchanan.
00:51:38This is a whale of an athlete, this Terry Glenn.
00:51:45There is no telling what this kid's going to end up being.
00:51:47This is a big stretch.
00:51:49Watch that second foot go down.
00:51:51Excellent job.
00:51:52You know, straight out of college.
00:51:53Right.
00:51:54You have a lot of young receivers who forget to drag that second foot.
00:51:5714-yard gain on that one.
00:52:00And suddenly the Patriots are driving.
00:52:05Draw play.
00:52:07Martin.
00:52:08Nothing made.
00:52:09Stopped at the line of scrimmage by Bernard Whittington.
00:52:12Terry Glenn, one of several former Buckeyes that have made an immediate impact.
00:52:27That's quite a trio.
00:52:29And when you consider how good they are this year, it's amazing.
00:52:32Ohio State's still undefeated.
00:52:33They lose three first-round draft picks.
00:52:35One of them being a Heisman Trophy winner.
00:52:38Never missed a beat and maybe better than last year.
00:52:41Martin on the sweep.
00:52:45Good defense by Tony Bennett on the coast.
00:52:49That was outstanding.
00:52:51They had Ben Coates come in inside motion, block him.
00:52:54He fights off the block, comes around Ben Coates to assist on the tackle.
00:52:58You're going to see Ben Coates make the contact with Tony Bennett.
00:53:02He fights off the block, stays after the play.
00:53:07That's a whale of a job by Tony Bennett.
00:53:09But also an assist there to Steve Morrison.
00:53:11He made the play come back inside.
00:53:13And it sets up a third and long.
00:53:20Gletsoe, given time, overshoots Glenn incomplete.
00:53:26Pretty good coverage by Diedrich Mathis on Terry Glenn.
00:53:28But Gletsoe's pass was too high.
00:53:30And throughout his professional career, if Drew Gletsoe has had a problem, he gets the ball high.
00:53:37Looks like man coverage here on the receiver when he breaks inside.
00:53:40Now watch this high pass again.
00:53:42I don't know what it is about Drew Gletsoe.
00:53:44Either it's his feet or where he holds the ball.
00:53:47But when he makes a mistake, it's generally overthrowing the receiver.
00:53:54Tupac will punt on fourth down.
00:53:57Marvin Harrison standing at about the 14-yard line.
00:54:03People try to pooch punt, see if they can down it.
00:54:06And he angles it out of bounds.
00:54:10They'll line up the angle and spot it at about the 8-yard line.
00:54:17Good punt by Tupac.
00:54:18Covered 32 yards.
00:54:19There's the number four on the arm of Captain Comeback Jim Harbaugh.
00:54:26And the number four is significant to Jim.
00:54:28He chose that number in honor of his childhood hero, Bobby Orr.
00:54:33The folks in Boston remember him playing for the Bruins,
00:54:35who sort of revolutionized the thinking of the game, didn't he?
00:54:38Absolutely.
00:54:39He was really the first offensive defenseman the National Hockey League ever saw.
00:54:44Of course, that's back when those hockey players played without a helmet,
00:54:47which I've always considered an IQ test.
00:54:50None of them passed.
00:54:52But Bobby Orr revolutionized hockey.
00:54:56And number four here has his team up on the line of scrimmage,
00:54:59leading 6-0.
00:55:003.40 left until halftime.
00:55:02Colts backed up to their own 8-yard line.
00:55:06This gross.
00:55:08Trying to pound out some room.
00:55:10Colts continue to dominate time of possession as Todd Collins makes that tackle.
00:55:1817 minutes to 9 for the Patriots.
00:55:21It's hard to have the ball 17 minutes in one half of football and only score 6 points.
00:55:26That's really hard to do.
00:55:32Second and 5 for Harbaugh.
00:55:34Play action fake.
00:55:44Harbaugh again to the flat.
00:55:46Catch made by Dawkins.
00:55:47That's his fifth reception of the first half.
00:55:50Willie Clay knocks him out of bounds, but the Colts get a first down.
00:55:54You've got a quarterback who's sitting almost 10 yards deep when the ball is snapped.
00:55:58Why not take advantage of that cushion?
00:56:00And one of the things that this Lindy and Fonny offense is able to do is
00:56:04there is seldom a primary receiver when the ball is snapped.
00:56:09I mean, the quarterback must read the coverage.
00:56:12The receiver must read the coverage.
00:56:13And you just take advantage of the softest coverage.
00:56:16Throw it to that guy.
00:56:17Five catches, 50 yards for Sean Dawkins.
00:56:19Two and a half minutes remaining in the second quarter.
00:56:30Just beat the play clock.
00:56:32Harbaugh.
00:56:34Short hop.
00:56:37He mad at himself.
00:56:38He missed a wide open receiver.
00:56:40That should have been an easy completion.
00:56:45Second and 10.
00:56:47Rock stopped with 2.23.
00:56:50Gilder flex now.
00:56:51The tight end in the slot.
00:56:52Bottom of the screen.
00:56:58Draw play.
00:56:59Fumble.
00:57:00Gross.
00:57:01Lost it.
00:57:02Picked up by Willie Clay.
00:57:03Twisted down at about the 7-yard line.
00:57:08This has become a comedy reel on both sides.
00:57:11Willie Clay picks up.
00:57:13Gross' fumble.
00:57:14Jay Leuenberg twisted him down to prevent the touchdown.
00:57:17And that's the second time now that Cliff Gross has put the ball on the ground.
00:57:21This one bounces up perfectly for Willie Clay.
00:57:24Who strips it?
00:57:25Oh, he wasn't hit very hard.
00:57:26No.
00:57:27It bounces right up into his arms.
00:57:30Chris Sullivan, I think, hit him.
00:57:31But he really didn't cause the fumble.
00:57:34That's a good handoff.
00:57:36I don't know what happened there.
00:57:38But this is the situation.
00:57:40Colts have just wasted a great performance in the first half.
00:57:43Now Patriots have a wonderful chance to get right back in the game.
00:57:47Two fumbles lost on each side now.
00:57:52Let's go.
00:57:53Play action fake.
00:57:54And the touchdown.
00:57:56Or is it?
00:57:56Terry Glenn, did he hold on long enough?
00:57:58Yes.
00:57:59Eight-yard touchdown pass.
00:58:02As Glenn beat Ray Buchanan in that matchup.
00:58:06That's unbelievable.
00:58:08Second touchdown catch of the rookie season for Terry Glenn.
00:58:11And in many ways, it has been a gross first half.
00:58:15Absolutely, it's been a gross first half.
00:58:17Just a slant batter run by Terry Glenn.
00:58:21He jumps way inside Ray Buchanan.
00:58:23That's an easy completion for a score.
00:58:25Nothing to that at all.
00:58:28Adam Vinatieri to a try of the extra points.
00:58:33And boots it through.
00:58:35So gross fumbles.
00:58:36He earlier had dropped a couple of passes.
00:58:42And Glenn from Bledsoe to take advantage of the turnover.
00:58:47It's not like they have any other choices either.
00:58:50Gross is the fullback.
00:58:53You've got other people hurt.
00:58:54Here's the slant.
00:58:55You're going to see an excellent pattern run right inside of Ray Buchanan.
00:58:59Good play action fake.
00:59:01Holds the linebacker.
00:59:02Draws the strong safety up.
00:59:04And Glenn with...
00:59:06He has shocking speed.
00:59:08You know, a 4-3 speed in the 40.
00:59:10Quick break.
00:59:11Easy score.
00:59:13Patriots back in it.
00:59:14Taking advantage of the turnover for the first touchdown of the game.
00:59:18Follow the NFL on NBC Online at NBC.com slash sports.
00:59:23This week, Gil Brandt breaks down free agency in the NFL.
00:59:26The winners and the losers.
00:59:28Plus feature stories, game coverage, and our weekly online viewer poll question.
00:59:32And that's all at NBC.com slash sports.
00:59:37Man, what a half.
00:59:38This is one of the strangest halves of football I think I've ever seen.
00:59:42Well, the Colts had so many opportunities, squandered nearly all of them.
00:59:51And sort of a typical New England-Indianapolis game.
00:59:54They've all been close.
00:59:56And they haven't always been things of beauty.
00:59:58Then the Terry's kick to Aaron Bailey.
01:00:06You're down it in the end zone for the touchback.
01:00:10And with 2.05, the Colts will have one play before the clock stops for the two-minute warning.
01:00:16Now, you said that this one has not been very attractive.
01:00:18This half has had warts on it.
01:00:20I mean, this is lesions.
01:00:22This is past ugly.
01:00:24This is grotesque.
01:00:28Well, on that note, we will remind you.
01:00:33That Greg Gumbel, Mike Ditka, Joe Gibbs, Chris Collinsworth are in the studio for the Domino's Pizza Halftime Report.
01:00:39Scores and highlights.
01:00:40And they'll also take a look at the great Jerry Rice.
01:00:43It's coming up at halftime here on NBC.
01:00:50It throws his fumble lead to the Patriots' go-ahead touchdown.
01:00:54And he is on the sideline.
01:00:57Lamont Warren next to Harbaugh in the shotgun.
01:01:10Stade line with a catch from Harbaugh.
01:01:13Short game, only about four yards.
01:01:15Law and Malloy made sure he didn't run for more yardage.
01:01:18This is his second catch of the game.
01:01:20As we stop for the two-minute warning, officially 1.58 left until halftime.
01:01:30Drew Bledsoe with a touchdown pass.
01:01:32The extra point put the Patriots up by one.
01:01:35Eleven different quarterbacks have beaten the Colts.
01:01:38I don't know if that's good or bad.
01:01:39You know?
01:01:40I mean, I know these two have played an awful lot.
01:01:43But that's a lot of quarterbacks.
01:01:45That's a whole bunch of quarterbacks.
01:01:47That's a decent Doug Flutie.
01:01:51They still wanted to keep Doug Flutie there after everybody told him,
01:01:55Look, the kid's not big enough.
01:01:58Tony Saragusa getting an early start on halftime.
01:02:01I don't know, maybe he does a halftime show.
01:02:04He's got to get his headset on for the halftime report.
01:02:08He will say, you know, that first half was ugly.
01:02:11It had warts.
01:02:12Maybe he's a tuba player.
01:02:13I don't think...
01:02:14Harbaugh facing a second down from his own 24-yard line.
01:02:33Quick slant, incomplete.
01:02:35Harbaugh off target intended for Harrison.
01:02:37Yeah, those slants, the key is you've got to throw the ball at the receiver's body.
01:02:42You can't make him stretch out there.
01:02:48So it'll be third down.
01:02:50As you see the other scores,
01:02:53Terry Allen has scored three touchdowns for Washington today.
01:02:56Raymond Smith, a couple for the Cowboys here.
01:03:00The tight game, as you see the other scores.
01:03:03Dolphins have come back on the Eagles.
01:03:07Colts are two of seven on third down conversion.
01:03:13Harbaugh is sacked.
01:03:17Mike Jones, as the Patriots have their second sack of the game.
01:03:21And timeout, New England.
01:03:27As the offense is going to get the ball back,
01:03:29they stop it with 149 left.
01:03:31Patriots only had four guys rushing,
01:03:35seven guys dropping.
01:03:38And from behind the offense,
01:03:42you see Jones is working on Jason Matthews there.
01:03:47Actually, that's tough on an offensive lineman.
01:03:49And when that quarterback steps up,
01:03:51you know, you're trying to protect what's behind you.
01:03:53You don't know when the quarterback steps up
01:03:54and all of a sudden he's vulnerable.
01:03:58It's a familiar position for Harbaugh,
01:04:00flat on his back.
01:04:01And sacks have been few and far between
01:04:04for the New England defense,
01:04:05but they've gotten two here in the first half.
01:04:13Gardocki will punt.
01:04:15Tom, both teams are going to go in here
01:04:16at halftime shaking their heads.
01:04:17Wow, so will the commentators.
01:04:22First punt was a boomer for Gardocki.
01:04:24Megat awaits the second.
01:04:30There he's snapped.
01:04:31Gardocki got it away.
01:04:33Not as long, but high.
01:04:35Megat feels it at the 39.
01:04:37It is off to the races.
01:04:39Megat with a couple of nice blocks.
01:04:41Cuts back.
01:04:41Still on his feet.
01:04:42Bumble the ball.
01:04:44Loose football.
01:04:44Patriots get it back at the 21-yard line.
01:04:47Chris Sullivan falls on the football.
01:04:50Beat Chris Gardocki to it.
01:04:52One little point here.
01:04:53He fumbled it, but inside two minutes,
01:04:55it's got to go back to the spot of the fumble.
01:04:57Spot of the fumble, but the Patriots will hold on.
01:04:59Now, Megat historically, this is one of the reasons that Parcells brought him up to New England.
01:05:07He has always kept himself in shape.
01:05:09He has always been that great special teams return guy and third down guy.
01:05:13Always fighting for an inch.
01:05:15Big hit.
01:05:15But at the spot where he fumbled it is the spot where New England's going to get the ball.
01:05:22Anxious moment for Bill Parcells, but Chris Sullivan recovers the fumble.
01:05:26Third fumble of the half for the Patriots.
01:05:30They've lost two.
01:05:31Colts have lost two fumbles.
01:05:39There's a look at Sullivan, who saved the day for New England on that one.
01:05:48First down, 33-yard line of Indianapolis.
01:05:53Martin with a blocker.
01:05:54Armstrong.
01:05:56Armstrong couldn't get much of a block, and it's only a two-yard game.
01:05:59Bernard Whittington got over there to make the play to have help from Jeff Harrod.
01:06:05Patriots have two timeouts here left.
01:06:08Not really hurrying, which kind of surprises me.
01:06:12Standard offense here.
01:06:14Two wides, tight end.
01:06:15Two running backs.
01:06:17Rather deliberate.
01:06:21Flag will stop that one.
01:06:23It was a completion to Jefferson.
01:06:25And then he is whacked down hard,
01:06:27but the play blown dead before Bledsoe released it.
01:06:40Before the snap, there was a false start on the offense.
01:06:43Number 88.
01:06:44Five yards, 10-0.
01:06:45It's still second down.
01:06:46A little late stopping it.
01:06:47Please set the game clock for one minute and ten seconds.
01:06:50Yeah, you know, any given weekend, you have an opponent.
01:06:53It's usually wearing another uniform.
01:06:55It's tough to play yourself and the opponent.
01:06:58And as the fourth penalty of the half against the Patriots,
01:07:03ourselves have got to be wondering,
01:07:04oh, anyway, what did I tell them that I shouldn't tell them again,
01:07:06or what didn't I tell them that I should tell them again?
01:07:08And yet, they lead 7-6.
01:07:11Have the ball on the 36-yard line of the Colts.
01:07:14That's the problem, man.
01:07:25No?
01:07:26Don't know.
01:07:38Second and long for Bledsoe.
01:07:39Bledsoe.
01:07:45Meggett.
01:07:48Gets it out of bounds.
01:07:49Sword of the first down.
01:07:50Tased out by Sammy Burroughs.
01:07:52Linebacker covering Meggett out of the backfield.
01:07:54And that's the beauty of Dave Meggett.
01:07:57You put him in the backfield in a lot of defenses,
01:07:59they're stuck with a linebacker covering Dave Meggett.
01:08:02Very quick.
01:08:03This is an excellent throw by Bledsoe.
01:08:06Took a little bit off.
01:08:08Put it right there on the spot.
01:08:10Duran's career, Meggett has embarrassed an awful lot of people.
01:08:13That was his second catch.
01:08:14It covered 9 yards, and Indianapolis takes a timeout.
01:08:19So Indy calls time with 1-0-2 left.
01:08:22And a third down upcoming for the Patriots.
01:08:25Why would they want to slow down this mess?
01:08:27Not sure.
01:08:28Unless they didn't have enough people on the field.
01:08:30Or too many.
01:08:31Gives us a chance, though, to remind you that coming up at halftime,
01:08:37the Domino's Pizza halftime report.
01:08:39Greg Gumbel, Mike Ditka, Joe Gibbs, Chris Collinsworth.
01:08:43Scores, highlights, and that feature on Jerry Rice.
01:08:45And we heard about Greg Gumbel sliding into New York.
01:08:49I wonder how Ditka Gibbs and Collinsworth got in there.
01:08:54A train?
01:08:54A train after that.
01:08:57Captain Comeback.
01:08:58Going to need to do his thing again.
01:09:00His team trails.
01:09:01The danger of being further behind before halftime.
01:09:04Yeah, you know, we talked to Jim Harbaugh earlier in the season,
01:09:06and one of the things he said is he got a personal trainer in the offseason.
01:09:09Get him in better shape.
01:09:11It's a darn good thing.
01:09:12As much abuse as he's taken,
01:09:14he needs to be in superb shape to handle this beating.
01:09:18Patriots are only one of four on third down conversions.
01:09:21Keith Myers in the game.
01:09:22And a tight end.
01:09:28Ledzo.
01:09:30Intercepted.
01:09:31By Eugene Daniel.
01:09:32No.
01:09:34Knocked it down.
01:09:34They rule it.
01:09:35No catch.
01:09:37But he's a good actor.
01:09:38He sure is.
01:09:39I thought he had it.
01:09:40Yep.
01:09:41He stuck his one arm in there,
01:09:42and it made it appear that he had come up with the interception.
01:09:46This is good coverage.
01:09:48Sticks that right hand in there, knocks it away.
01:09:51We were seeing it from the backside, of course.
01:09:53That end zone shot shows you exactly what he did,
01:09:55but the veteran Daniel in his 13th season knew just what to do.
01:09:59He gave it a shot.
01:10:00Fourth down, and Bledsoe talking to Parcells.
01:10:07And they've got timeouts.
01:10:12There's no reason to hurry here.
01:10:13Incomplete pass.
01:10:15The clock is still 23 seconds, so they're in good shape.
01:10:21Fourth down and four, and New England will go for it.
01:10:23Passing up a field goal attempt.
01:10:28Nine of 17 on fourth down conversions this season.
01:10:38Bledsoe calls timeout just before the play block expired.
01:10:41Well, it would have been about a 44-yard field goal attempt.
01:10:49Instead, they're going to go for it on fourth now.
01:10:52Now they're sending out the field goal units.
01:10:55I think Drew Bledsoe wanted to try for it.
01:10:58He comes back to the sideline.
01:11:00Come on.
01:11:00Come on.
01:11:00Give us a shot.
01:11:03He's done nothing else right this half.
01:11:04Talking to his backup quarterback, Scott Zolak.
01:11:16So Adam Vinatieri is out to attempt a 44-yard field goal.
01:11:20Almost a 45-yarder.
01:11:28The ball will be set down just inside the 35-yard line.
01:11:35Up and it is good.
01:11:41So the New England Patriots add to their lead.
01:11:44Officially 44 yards for Vinatieri.
01:11:47Bledsoe wanted more, but...
01:11:50They'll go to the locker room.
01:11:53Unlikely leaders in this first half after they saw the Colts march up and down the field,
01:11:58dominating time of possession, getting only two field goals to show for it.
01:12:02Now ten points on turnovers.
01:12:05Now how big are turnovers in the NFL?
01:12:07Time and time again, they certainly increase your odds to win if you take advantage.
01:12:13If you're on the plus side of the give-take or the take-give,
01:12:17you're going to win more than you're going to lose.
01:12:20See the fans here in Indianapolis, and of course, it's been well documented,
01:12:28and some of the players upset about their lack of support, as it were, here in Indianapolis.
01:12:33They rarely sell out.
01:12:34And this game blacked out locally, almost a set-out, but not quite.
01:12:41And there are some loyal fans.
01:12:43Is that thing alive?
01:12:44military's kick
01:12:52bailey muffs it downs it in the end zone 50 seconds left
01:13:01so harbaugh has 50 seconds trailing now by four
01:13:11this full team wins but they'll never make it easy on them so let's do you know
01:13:16last year all the close games they just they can't stand success
01:13:23our boss surveys the defense starting from his own 20
01:13:3950 seconds to work with
01:13:42they have two timeouts
01:13:45Lamont Warren can't get away good open field tackle made by
01:13:52Teddy Bruschi
01:13:53well that was well done
01:13:55there were three blockers out there
01:13:58for Lamont Warren and Bruschi still makes the tackle
01:14:01that was well done
01:14:02Chris Slade bearing down on Harbaugh forced him to throw it short
01:14:06Warren's sixth catch but it amounted to nothing
01:14:11back to loss on the play
01:14:13it'll be second down 17 as we count down from 17 seconds
01:14:18and they are going to have to run one more play
01:14:20draw play
01:14:27Warren
01:14:28and the booze will end the first half
01:14:32so a mistake marred first half on both sides of the football
01:14:38finds the Patriots leading the Colts 10 to 6
01:14:41now for the NFL on NBC halftime show
01:14:44Greg Gumbel in New York
01:14:45this is the Domino's Pizza NFL on NBC halftime report
01:14:51brought to you by Domino's Pizza