This Week
The AFC East Champion New England Patriots host the AFC South Champion Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Sunday January 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the AFC Championship Game.
| The Colts | The Patriots | |||
| Season | 13-5 | Season | 13-4 | |
| Road Record | 6-3 | Home Record | 8-1 | |
| Playoff Teams | 4-4 | Playoff teams | 5-1 | |
| AFC Conf | 11-3 | AFC Conf | 10-3 | |
Walt Anderson is the referee for the game.
The Line/Prediction
As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 6.5. The over/under is 53.5.
My Prediction is Patriots 38, Colts, 28. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 10-7 against the spread and 8 of 17 on calling the over/under in 2014.
Tickets
The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 228th consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.
Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.
After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.
Getting to the Game
If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.
Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.
Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Gillette Stadium seating chart.
Tailgating
Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.
You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.
And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.
Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
CBS is televising the game nationally Jim Nantz will do play by play while Phil Simms will provide the game analysis and Tracy Wolfson will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.
Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.
Radio
The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 3:30 P.M. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.
The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.
The Colts Radio Network will carry the game with Bob Lamey calling the play-by-play and former Colts QB Jim Sorgi doing the analysis from their flagship stations, WFNI-AM 1070 and WLHK-FM 107.5.
Their call is available on Sirius Channel 93; XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 813.
Westwood One will carry the game to a national audience with Kevin Kugler, James Lofton and Tony Boselli calling the game.
Their call is available on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.
Patriots All Access
Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.
- Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
- Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
- Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
- Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
- Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
- Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
- Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.
You can also watch it anytime on the team website in the media section.
Last Week
The Patriots twice over came 14 point deficits to rally and beat the Ravens, 35-31 at Gillette Stadium. The Colts went on the road and outplayed the Broncos, 24-13.
History
- This is the 79th meeting between the clubs the 1970 merger including playoffs.
- Patriots hold a 46-28 series advantage in the regular season and 3-1 in the playoffs for an overall series record of 49-29.
- They met Week 11 at Indianapolis the Patriots won, 42-20.
- The last post season game was in the 2013 post season and the Patriots won 43-22 at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots Team Notes
Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
2014 Patriots Schedule/Results
Franchise notes:
- The Patriots overall franchise record is 450-377-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 26-18 in the post season.
- Prior to this season they last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.
Patriots in the Post Season:
- They are now 1-0 in the 2014 post season after beating Baltimore in the AFC Division Game, 35-31.
- The Patriots are now the defending six-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 12 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.
- Overall the Patriots have had 22 playoff seasons, won their division 17 times and the conference 7 times.
- They have been AFC Champions seven times (1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2011).
- Patriots are the first team since the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles to advance to four consecutive conference championship games. Only the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles; 1990-93 Buffalo Bills (4); 1970-73 and 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys (4) and 1973-77 Oakland Raiders (5) are the only other teams with 4 or more consecutive conference championship game appearances.
- Only Green Bay and New England have made the NFL Playoffs every season since 2009.
- New England is 11-1 in playoff games when the temperature is 30 degree or less.
- Patriots are 7-3 in the Conference Championship Game. They are 4-1 as the home team.
Date Opponent W/L Score
01/12/86 at Miami W 31-14
01/12/97 Jacksonville W 20-6
01/27/02 at Pittsburgh W 24-17
01/18/04 Indianapolis W 24-14
01/23/05 at Pittsburgh W 41-27
01/21/07 at Indianapolis L 34-38
01/20/08 San Diego W 21-12
01/22/12 Baltimore W 23-20
01/20/13 Baltimore L 13-28
01/19/14 at Denver L 16-26
Most Appearances in Conference Championship Game
- Pittsburgh 15
- San Francisco 15
- Dallas 14
- New England 11
- Oakland 11
- Louis Rams 9
- Denver 9
- New England is first team to have earned 10 first round byes and first AFC team with five consecutive byes in the playoffs since this playoff format was established in 1990.
- They are 12-3 in playoff games at Gillette Stadium they are 16-4 at home overall.
- They have a home winning percentage in the postseason of .800 (16-4) that is second best behind Seattle’s .833 (10-2) among teams with at least 10 home playoff games.
- Since the 1970 merger the Patriots are tied for 3rd all time (Miami) with 29 winning seasons behind Dallas (30) and Pittsburgh (32).
- New England is tied with the Oakland Raiders for the 5th most playoff wins in NFL history with 26. Only Green Bay (31), San Francisco (31), Pittsburgh (33) and Dallas (34) have more.
- The Patriots have 8 players who have never played in the postseason.
The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):
This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:
- Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
- Have the most regular season wins, 229.
- Have the most wins including playoffs, 251.
- Tied with Halas family for fastest owners to 250 wins (358 games).
- Are tied for the most conference titles, 6.
- Have the most division titles, 14.
- Have the most playoff wins, 22
- Have played the most playoff games, 34.
- Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 16.
- The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
- Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.
The 22 playoff wins under their ownership is the 4th most in NFL history. Only the Rooney family (Pittsburgh, 33), the Green Bay Packers (public ownership, 31), and the Mara Family (New York Giants, 24) have more.
In the Belichick Era (2000-present):
- The Patriots are the top seed in the AFC for the fifth time since 2003. They were also the #1 seed in 2007, 2010 and 2011.
- In Belichick’s 15 seasons Patriots are 95-25 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 FOUR times.
- Since 2001 the Patriots are 84-22 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL.
- Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 150-42.
- New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons. Green Bay is 2nd with 6 seasons and then Cincinnati with 3 seasons in a row.
- Have had 9 seasons under Belichick in which the defense has allowed 20 points per game or less (2001, 2003-04, 2006-10, 2014).
- Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.
- Have had 9 first round byes under Belichick since 2001 including 5 in a row.
Against the Colts:
Past playoff battles:
- 2013 AFC Division Game Jan 11 2014 at Gillette: Patriots win 43-22
- 2006 AFC Championship Game Jan 21 2007 at RCA Dome: Colts win 38-34
- 2004 AFC Division Game Jan 16 2005 at Gillette: Patriots win 20-3
- 2003 AFC Championship Game Jan 18 2004 at Gillette: Patriots win 24-14
- New England had a 2-0 record in 2014 against common opponents (Cincinnati – W, Denver W).
- Patriots are 28-12 at home vs. Colts including playoffs.
Last Game vs. the Ravens:
- It was the largest playoff comeback in team history topping the 11-point comeback at San Diego in the 2006 AFC Divisional Game to win 24-21.
- The win was the 100th at Gillette Stadium combining regular season and playoffs (100-19).
- Tom Brady set franchise record for passing yards in a postseason game (367) and tied the franchise record for most postseason rushing TD’s (5) with Curtis Martin.
- Brady set NFL record for most career post season TD’s (46) and passing yards (6,791). The passing yardage record was surpassed the next day by Peyton Manning (6,800).
- Julian Edelman completed his first NFL pass for a 51 TD to Danny Amendola.
- The Edelman TD pass was the first non-QB TD pass for the Pats since 2004 when Adam Vinatieri threw on a fake FGA Week 9 at St. Louis. David Patten was the last WR to throw a TD pass to Troy Brown at Indianapolis Week 6 – 2001.
- K Stephen Gostkowski reached 100 career postseason points joining Vinatieri (227) as the only active NFL players at that mark.
- Amendola had 5 catches for 81 yards and 2 TD’s. The 2 TD catches were his first two in postseason and set a career high for most in a single game.
- Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon each had their first career postseason INT.
- The three ineligible receiver plays on the second drive of the 3rd quarter were shear coaching genius and all led to successful pass completions. First play was for 16 yards Brady to TE Mike Hoomanawanui, 2nd was for 11 yards Brady to Edelman and 3rd was for 14 yards Brady to Hoomanawanui. Vereen was declared as ineligible on all three plays and after each play he was required by rule to come out for a play. The 3 plays were run in a 6 play span and netted 41 yards.
- New England had 422 total yards to Baltimore’s 428.
- Patriots had 7 penalties vs. the Ravens for 60 yards.
- Nine of the Ravens top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 22 yards (Joe Flacco to Torey Smith). Their longest rush against the defense was 19 yards by Justin Forsett.
- All of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 51-yard TD pass by Julian Edelman to Danny Amendola. The longest run play was a 6-yard rush by Shane Vereen.
In the 2014 Season:
- Patriots opponents for 2015 are: Home – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington. Road – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Denver, Indianapolis, Houston, Dallas and NY Giants.
- They were 7-2 against opponents with a .500 or better record.
- Scored 52 TD’s fifth most in team history and 468 points also fifth most in team history.
- Lead NFL with most red zone points (338) having converted on 61 of 67 red zone opportunities (39 TD’s; 22 FG).
- Longest Patriots drive by play was 17 plays (twice Week 14 at San Diego; Week 8 vs. Chicago), longest by time was 7:56 (Week 14 at San Diego).
- First downs by Patriots offense in a game, most (33) Week 11 at Indianapolis, fewest (13) Week 4 at Kansas City.
- Third down efficiency 98/221 (44.3%); 4th down efficiency 7/13 (53.8%).
- They had 5848 yards, ran 1073 plays of which 438 were rush attempts and averaged 5.5 yards per play.
- The offensive line allowed 26 sacks for 170 lost yards and had 9 INT’s.
- They had 34 passing TD’s and 13 rushing TD’s. They also had 2 fumble recovery TD’s, a punt returned for a TD and 2 blocked kicks returned for TD’s.
- They did not allow a kick of any form to blocked this year.
- They fumbled 13 times (Brady, 6) and only lost 4 (Brady, 3) this season.
- Their average time of possession was 29:37.
- First downs allowed by the Patriots defense in a game, most (28) Week 6 vs. NY Jets and the fewest, (13) Week 14 at San Diego.
- 3rd down conversions allowed 84/209 (40.2%), 4th down conversions allowed 8/23 (34.8%).
- They allowed 3,837 total yards, and had 1,033 plays run against them of which 419 were rushing attempts and allowed 5.3 yards per play.
- They had 40 sacks on the season for 282 yards and had 16 INT’s.
- They allowed 24 passing TD’s, 6 rushing TD’s, 1 INT return TD and 1 fumble return TD.
- They forced 19 fumbles and recovered 9.
- They had 5 blocked kicks four of them were FGA’s and 1 punt.
- Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.
- In last five games the Patriots have outscored their opponent 67-12 in the second half.
- The last second half TD allowed by the defense was Week 11 at Indianapolis.
- They have scored 40 or more points five times this season tying the franchise record set in 2012.
- New England had 120 penalties this season and was penalized 1,080 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards.
- New England is PLUS 12 in turnover differential they are 2nd in the NFL. They have 16 INT and have recovered 9 fumbles while they have thrown 9 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.
- They scored 112 points off of takeaways and gave up 51 points on giveaways for PLUS 61 points.
- The Patriots were 4th in points scored averaging 29.3 points per game and 8th in points allowed with 19.6 points per game.
- Had QB Tom Brady, TE Rob Gronkowski, K Stephen Gostkowski, CB Darrelle Revis and ST Matthew Slater named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.
- Revis and Gronkowski were also selected as First Team All-Pro’s. Gronk’s selection was unanimous as he had all 50 votes. Gostkowski was selected as a Second Team All-Pro.
Patriots Staff Notes
This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Ravens.
Bill Belichick notes:
- Bill Belichick is 15-8 vs. the Colts. He is 13-6 with New England and 2-2 with Cleveland including playoffs.
- Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 211-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 20-9 in the playoffs, 19-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 231-117.
- Belichick’s 20 postseason wins tie him for 1st all-time with Tom Landry.
- Belichick’s 231 wins are good for 4th all-time. Passed Curly Lambeau (229) for 4th all-time Week 16 at NYJets with a 17-16 win.
- Is tied with Curly Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.
- He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.
- This is his 9th conference championship game second only to Tom Landry (10).
- No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).
- He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.
- Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).
- Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.
- He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.
- No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).
- With 12 Division Titles has the most of any head coach since the merger.
- He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.
- Has twelve 11-win seasons (11 with New England) in his career, only Don Shula (13) has more.
- Has nine 12-win seasons in his career.
- He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.
Other staff/personnel notes:
Josh McDaniels is in his 3rd season as offensive coordinator in his second time in the position. McDaniels has been the offensive coordinator for New England (2012-present; 2006-2008) and St.Louis (2011). He was also the head coach for Denver (2009-10) and the quarterbacks coach in New England (2004-05).
Matt Patricia is in his 3rd season as the defensive coordinator (2012-present). He has been with New England since 2004 serving as assistant offensive line coach (2004-05), linebackers coach (2006-10) and safeties coach (2011).
Patriots Possible Starters
Offense:
- LT: Solder
- LG: Connolly
- C: Wendell
- RG: Kline
- RT: Vollmer
- TE: Gronkowski
- WR: Amendola
- WR: LaFell
- WR: Edelman
- QB: Brady
- RB: Blount
Defense:
- DE: Ninkovich
- DT: Wilfork
- DT: Siliga
- DE: Cha. Jones
- LB: Collins
- LB: Hightower
- DB: Arrington
- LCB: Revis
- RCB: Browner
- S: Chung
- S: McCourty
Patriots Players Notes
Tom Brady Notes:
- This is his 15th NFL season he is 12-4 vs. the Colts in his career including the playoffs. He is 13-3 at home in the postseason.
- In his last game against the Colts he was 19 of 30 for 257 yards 2 TD’s and 2 INT’s.
- In 16 career games including playoffs vs. Indianapolis Brady is 338 of 509 (66.4%) for 3,911 yards with 29 TD’s and 14 INT’s.
- Is making his 28th career playoff start most in NFL history for a quarterback.
- Overall he is 160-47 as a starting QB and is 19-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 179-56. He is a 10 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
- Has won 12 Division Titles the most of any quarterback.
- Has 8 comeback wins in the post season including three in Super Bowls. Two of those Super Bowl comebacks were completed with 1:21 or less left on the clock.
- His 19 post season wins are the most by any quarterback.
- His three Super Bowl wins ties him with Troy Aikman for second behind Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana who have four each.
- Along with Bart Starr, Eli Manning and Bradshaw, his two Super Bowl MVP awards are second only to Joe Montana who has three.
- Has second most 300-yard games in the postseason with 7. Peyton Manning has the most, 9.
- All-time NFL leader in post season TD passes (46), completions (623) and passing attempts (1,000) and is 2nd in passing yards (6,791) behind Peyton Manning (6,800).
- Shares the record for most TD passes in a playoff game (6) with Steve Young and Daryle Lamonica.
- Will set NFL record for most conference championship games started by a player (9). He is currently tied with S Charlie Waters (Dallas) and LB/DE Jack Reynolds (LA Rams, San Francisco) with 8 starts.
Rob Gronkowski notes:
- Missed the 2013 post season with an injury, will play in his 7th career playoff game.
- Had 7 catches for 108 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
- Leads team in TD’s with 12 and receiving yards with 1,124 on 82 catches (2nd on team).
- Has caught a pass in 65 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.
- He is the 9th tight end in NFL history to have at least two seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.
- Led NFL tight ends in receiving yards (1,124), receiving yards per game (74.9), TD catches (12), 1st down receptions (60) and receptions of 25 or more yards (10).
- Became 9th Patriots player with 300 or more career receptions.
- First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14. He was equaled by San Diego TE Antonio Gates Week 15 vs. Denver.
- Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.
- Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.
- Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.
Julian Edelman notes:
- Will play in his 9th career playoff game.
- Had 8 catches for 74 yards and threw his 1st NFL TD pass vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
- Leads team in receiving with 92 catches and is 2nd with 972 receiving yards.
- In franchise history he is 1st in punt return average (12.2), 3rd in punt return yardage (1,616) and 4th in total returns (132).
- He is 5th all-time in the NFL in punt return average for players with at least 75 returns and is second among active players trailing only Devin Hester (12.3).
- Is third in NFL in catches last two seasons with 197.
- Inactive Week 16 at NYJets due to a concussion and Week 17 as a maintenance week.
- Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.
- Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.
- Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).
- Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.
- Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).
- Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).
Jonas Gray notes:
- This will be his 1st career playoff game held out vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game with an ankle injury.
- Leads team in rushing TD’s (5) and rushing yards (412).
- In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.
- Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.
- Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).
Tim Wright notes:
- This will be his 2nd career playoff game.
- Had 6 TD catches this season a new career high.
- Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.
- Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
- Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.
Brandon LaFell notes:
- This will be his 3rd career playoff game.
- Had 5 catches for 62 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
- Has career high’s in receptions (74), yards (953) and TD’s (7).
- Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.
- Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.
- Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
- Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.
Shane Vereen notes:
- Will play in his 6th career playoff game.
- Set new career high for catches (52) receiving yards with 447 receiving yards this season.
- Has 391 rushing yards for the season, second on the team.
- Caught his 48th pass of the season to set a new career high vs. Miami Week 15.
- Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.
- Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
LeGarrette Blount notes:
- Will play in his 4th career NFL playoff game.
- Since returning to Foxboro has 60 carries for 281 yards and 3 TD’s.
- Inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a shoulder injury.
- Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.
- Set franchise record for most rushing TD’s in a game with 4 vs. Indianapolis in 2013 AFC Division game.
- Tied franchise record with 166-yards rushing in a playoff game, 2013 AFC Division Game vs. Indianapolis.
- Became first NFL running back to have over 125-yards rushing and 4 TD’s in a playoff game, 2013 AFC Division Game vs. Indianapolis.
Stephen Gostkowski notes:
- Will play in his 16th career playoff game.
- Became 11th kicker to reach 100 career postseason points vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
- Holds franchise record for most points (1,179). He set the record previously held by Adam Vinatieri on a 35-yard 3rd quarter field goal Week 15 vs. Miami.
- Set team record for field goal percentage (.946) by making 35 of 37 field goals.
- Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.
- Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.
- Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.
- Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.
- Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.
- Has led the NFL in points the last three seasons (2012-14).
- Led NFL in made field goals (35).
Vince Wilfork notes:
- Missed the 2013 post season with an injury. This will be his 20th career playoff game.
- Had 4 tackles (2 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
- Had 9 tackles (4 solo) and blocked a field goal attempt Week 16 at NYJets.
- Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.
- Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.
- Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.
Darrelle Revis notes:
- Will play in his 8th career playoff game.
- Shares team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty, Jamie Collins and Logan Ryan.
- Leads team with 14 passes defensed.
- Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.
- Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.
- Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
- In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.
- Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.
Rob Ninkovich notes:
- Will play in his 10th playoff game.
- Had 6 tackles (2 solo) and 1 QB hit vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
- Leads team with 8 sacks and has 56 tackles (45 solo) for 5th on the team.
- Week 15 vs. Miami recorded his 8th sack of the season for the third year in a row. He’s first Patriots player do that since Hall of Famer Andre Tippett did it 1985-87.
- Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.
- Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.
- The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.
- Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.
- Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.
Dont’a Hightower notes:
- Will play in his 6th career playoff game.
- Had 8 tackles (4 solo) and 2 tackles for loss vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
- Second on team in tackles with 92 (69 solo) and tied for second with 6 sacks.
- Had 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 16 at NYJets.
- Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.
- Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.
- Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.
- Missed 3 games this season due to injuries: Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo and Week 14 at San Diego and a 4th for rest Week 17 vs. Buffalo.
- His 5 sacks is a new career high.
- Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.
- Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.
Chandler Jones notes:
- Will play in his 6th playoff game.
- His older brother Arthur plays for the Colts.
- Had 4 tackles (3 solo) and 2 QB hits vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
- Recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD Week 16 – 2013 at Baltimore.
- Second on team with 6 sacks.
- Returned Week 15 vs. Miami from a hip injury suffered Week 7 vs. NY Jets. He had 7 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits and 1 forced fumble.
- Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).
- Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.
- Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.
- Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.
Jamie Collins notes:
- Will play in his 4th career playoff game.
- Led team with 11 tackles (8 solo) also had 1 QB hit and 2 passes defensed vs. Baltimore in the AFC Division Game.
- Leads team with 109 tackles (74 solo), forced fumbles (4), fumble recoveries (2) and is tied in INT’s (2). Also had 4 passes defensed.
- Had 5 tackles (1 solo),a sack, a QB hit, a forced fumble and fumble recovery Week 17 vs. Buffalo.
- Had 11 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 INT and 1 pass defensed Week 16 at NYJets.
- Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.
- Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).
- Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.
- Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.
- Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.
- Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.
Akeem Ayers notes:
- Will play in his 2nd career playoff game.
- Had a big INT Week 14 at San Diego. It was the lone Chargers turnover.
- Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.
- Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.
- Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.
Kyle Arrington notes:
- Will play in his 11th career playoff game.
- Had 6 tackles (4 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
- Was inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a hamstring injury.
- Had his second career blocked field goal return for a TD Week 15 vs. Miami.
- Had his 4th career TD (2 on blocked FGA, 2 on INT’s) Week 15 vs. Miami.
- Has a sack, 4 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles this season.
General Team news:
Roster moves/transactions this week:
Patriots team captains for 2014:
- QB Tom Brady
- G/C Dan Connolly
- WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
- DT Vince Wilfork
- LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
- S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)
Former Colts on the Patriots:
- none
Players with New England roots:
- none
Players with Indiana roots:
- DT Chris Jones – Brownsburg IN
Players from New England based colleges and universities:
- RB James Develin – Brown
Players from Indiana based colleges and universities:
- LB Rob Ninkovich – Purdue
- WR Greg Orton (IR) – Purdue
- RB Jonas Gray – Notre Dame
- LB Darius Flemming (practice squad) – Notre Dame
The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:
- 20 – Gino Cappelletti
- 40 – Mike Haynes
- 73 – John Hannah
- 78 – Bruce Armstrong
- 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
- 89 – Bob Dee
Colts Team Notes
Here is the Colts roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
Franchise notes:
- Indianapolis’ all-time record is 486-425-7 they are 22-22 in the post season with their last post season appearance prior to this season coming in 2013 when they beat Kansas City 45-44 in the AFC Wild Card game and lost to New England in the AFC Divisional game.
- They last played in a Super Bowl in 2009 when they lost to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17. They have won 2 Super Bowl titles (IV, XLI) in four appearances.
- As the Baltimore Colts they also won three NFL Championships in 1958, 1959 and 1968.
- The 2014 season is the Colts 31st season in Indianapolis. Since moving for the 1984 season they are 259-228 while having 18 winning seasons, 17 playoff appearances and 14 10-win seasons.
- Since 2002 the Colts have won 9 AFC South division titles and have third best home record in NFL at 75-25.
- Since 2001 they have the second best record in the NFL within their division at 63-23.
- Colts have the third best road record in the NFL since 2002 at 73-47.
- Indianapolis has 12 seasons with 9 wins or more since 2001.
In the Playoffs:
- They are 2-0 in the 2014 playoffs having beaten Cincinnati 26-10 in the AFC Wild Card Game at home, then beat Denver 24-13 on the road in the AFC Division Game.
- RB Daniel Herron has 18 catches in 2 playoff games this season. The 18 catches are second highest single postseason total in Colts history.
- CB Vontae Davis had 5 passes defensed at Denver in the AFC Division Game. It’s the third most in a playoff game in the NFL since 1994.
- Overall in the playoffs they are 22-22. They are 12-6 at home and 10-16 on the road. They were 10-10 in the post season when the team was located in Baltimore (5-1 at home and 5-9 on the road) and 12-12 since moving to Indianapolis (7-5 at home and 5-7 on the road).
- Colts are 4-3 in the Conference Championship Game. They are 1-3 as the road team.
Date Opponent W/L Score
12/29/68 at Cleveland* W 34-0
1/3/71 Oakland* W 27-17
1/2/72 at Miami* L 0-21
1/14/96 at Pittsburgh L 16-20
1/18/04 at New England L 14-24
1/21/07 New England W 38-34
1/24/10 New York Jets W 30-17
*game played as the Baltimore Colts
Irsay Family Era (1972-present):
- The Irsay Family is the 11th most senior team ownership group in the NFL.
- Robert Irsay became owner of the Baltimore Colts on July 13, 1972 after acquiring the Los Angeles Rams from the estate of Dan Reeves and then swapping franchises with Carroll Rosenbloom.
- Irsay out bid Hugh Culverhouse for the Rams. Culverhouse was later awarded an expansion franchise in Tampa Bay.
- On March 28, 1984 in the early morning hours he moved the team to Indianapolis.
- Irsay’s son Jim became GM of the Colts in 1984. In 1995 when the elder Irsay suffered a stroke he became CEO/Vice President of the Colts. When his father passed on January 17, 1997 he assumed ownership of the Colts despite a legal battle with his stepmother.
- Jim Irsay owns 100% of the team and was the youngest NFL owner at age 37.
- Earlier this year he was arrested for suspicion of DUI and drug possession. He pleaded guilty to OWI, earned a years probation and was suspended by the NFL for six games (Week 1-6, 2014).
In the Chuck Pagano era (2012-present):
- Won 11 games for third consecutive season.
- Won the AFC South for second consecutive season.
- Have been in the playoffs all three seasons under Pagano.
- They are 19-4 in one-possession games under Pagano.
Against the Patriots:
Past playoff battles:
- 2013 AFC Division Game Jan 11 2014 at Gillette: Patriots win 43-22
- 2006 AFC Championship Game Jan 21 2007 at RCA Dome: Colts win 38-34
- 2004 AFC Division Game Jan 16 2005 at Gillette: Patriots win 20-3
- 2003 AFC Championship Game Jan 18 2004 at Gillette: Patriots win 24-14
- Indianapolis had a 1-1 record in 2014 against common opponents (Cincinnati – W, Denver L).
- 16th meeting between the teams since 2003.
- Indianapolis is 12-28 vs. New England on the road including playoffs.
- The Colts are 2-7 all-time at Gillette Stadium.
- After winning five of six against the Patriots, the Colts have lost the last five meetings between the teams.
- The largest margin of victory for the Colts in the series is 31 points, which occurred in Week 11 of the 1972 season when they shut out the Patriots 31-0 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore.
- Most points scored by Colts in the series (40) done in 2005.
- Colts have been shutout in the series two times, last time was in 1993.
In 2014:
- They were 4-2 in one possession games in 2014.
- Colts converted 3 onside kicks in 2014 Jacksonville was the only other team to convert this season.
- Indianapolis had 105 penalties and were penalized 848 yards.
- Indianapolis was MINUS 5 in turnover differential good for 22nd in the NFL. They have 12 INT’s and have recovered 14 fumbles while they have thrown 16 INT’s and lost 15 fumbles.
- The Colts was 6th in points scored averaging 28.6 points per game and 26th in fewest points allowed with 23.0 points per game.
- Had 5 players named to the Pro Bowl QB Andrew Luck, K Adam Vinatieri, CB Vontae Davis, P Pat McAfee and WR T.Y. Hilton.
Colts Staff Notes
Hear what Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano had to say to the New England media about the match up.
Chuck Pagano notes:
- Chuck Pagano is in his 3rd year as head coach of the Colts and he has a record of 33-15 in the regular season and he is 3-2 in the post season for an overall record of 36-17.
- Pagano is 0-3 vs. New England in his career including the playoffs.
- Pagano missed 12 weeks of the 2012 season due to a leukemia diagnosis. Then Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians took over in his absence and led the team to a 9-3 record in Pagano’s absence. Elias Sports Bureau credits the teams record to Pagano and not Arians, who has since become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
- Before taking over as the Indianapolis head coach Pagano had been the defensive coordinator (2011) and secondary coach (2008-10) in Baltimore. In 2007 he was the defensive coordinator at the University of Carolina and he was secondary coach for Oakland (2005-06) and Cleveland (2001-04).
- First head coach in team history to have back to back 11 wins seasons in his first three years.
Other Staff/Personnel notes:
- Pep Hamilton is the Colts offensive coordinator a position he has held since 2013 when he replaced Bruce Arians who became the head coach in Arizona. Previously he was offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (2011-12) and wide receivers coach (2010) for Stanford University. He was also quarterbacks coach for Chicago (2007-09), San Francisco (2006) and the NY Jets (2005).
- The defensive coordinator is Greg Manusky who came on board with Pagano in 2012. Prior to that he was the defensive coordinator for San Diego (2011) and San Francisco (2007-10).
- Defensive Line Coach Gary Emanuel is a native of New London CT and earned his bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State in Plymouth NH and coached at UMass from 1989-90.
- Quarterbacks Coach Clyde Christensen spent two seasons as a position coach and offensive coordinator at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester from 1989-90.
- Offensive Line Coach Joe Gilbert held assistant coaching positions at Northeastern University for three seasons (1991-93) and the University of Maine for six seasons (1994-99).
- Linebackers coach Jeff Fitzgerald began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the UConn in 1985.
- Offensive quality control coach Frank Giufre coached the offensive line at Sacred Heart University from 2004-06 before serving as the run game coordinator/offensive line/tight ends coach at Maine from 2007-11.
- Strength and conditioning coach Roger Marandino was graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach at UConn (1993-95) and was the director of strength and conditioning at Brown (1995-2011).
Colts Possible Starters
Offense:
- LT: Costanzo
- LG: Mewhort
- C: Holmes
- RG: Louis
- RT: Reitz
- TE: Fleenor
- WR: Moncrief
- WR: Wayne
- WR: Hilton
- QB: Luck
- RB: Herron
Defense:
- DE: Redding
- NT: Chapman
- DT: A. Jones
- LB: Walden
- LB: D. Jackson
- LB: Freeman
- LB: Werner
- LCB: Toler
- RCB: Butler
- S: Adams
- S: Landry
Colts Players Notes
Andrew Luck notes:
- Is 33-15 in his 3rd NFL season he is 3-2 in the playoffs for an overall record of 36-17. Has been selected to the three Pro Bowls.
- He was the first overall pick in the first round out of Stanford University in the 2012 NFL Draft.
- He is 0-3 vs. New England in his career including playoffs.
- In three games against the Patriots (1 in the post season) he is 70 of 130 for 968 yards, 6 TD’s and 8 INT’s.
- Set career high with 40 TD passes to lead the NFL.
- Has 11 game winning drives in three seasons (10 in regular season, 1 post season).
- His 33 wins are most in franchise history for a quarterback in his first three seasons.
- His 1,703 passing yards in the postseason is the highest total ever in QB’s first five games.
- Second in Colts history in postseason 300-yard games (3), passing yards (1,703), TD’s (9), completions (135) and attempts (227).
T.Y. Hilton notes:
- In his first 5 postseason games has 568 receiving yards, 4th most in NFL history.
- Has three 100-yard games in his postseason career.
- Has back-to-back 1,000 yards receiving seasons.
- Was the fastest receiver to record a 200-yard game in both the regular and post season (40 games).
- Has most yards and 100-yard games in Colts history for first three seasons, is second in catches.
- Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 2 TD’s vs. New England Week 11 2012.
- Had 4 catches for 103 yards vs. New England in 2013 AFC Divisional Game.
Reggie Wayne notes:
- In the postseason he is second all-time in catches (93), 4th in receiving yards (1,254) and tied for 6th in TD’s (9).
- Selected to 6 time Pro Bowl and 1 All-Pro team.
- Played in his 200th career game Week 4 vs. Tennessee, just 3rd Colt to do so joining Peyton Manning (208) and Johnny Unitas (206).
- Returned Week 9 at NY Giants after missing Week 8 at Pittsburgh with an elbow injury.
- In 15 games vs. New England (12 regular season, 3 playoffs) he has 79 catches for 1,046 yards and 5 TD’s.
Colby Fleenor notes:
- Had 7 catches for 144 yards Week 11 vs. New England.
- In two games vs. Patriots has 13 catches for 218 yards.
- Had two 100-yard games (Week 11 vs. New England and Week 13 at Washington) in 2014 and has three in his career.
Daniel Herron notes:
- Has 18 catches in 2 playoff games this season.
- The 18 catches are second highest single postseason total in Colts history.
- Is tied for 2nd for most consecutive playoff games with 8 or more catches (20 with Julian Edelman and 12 others.
- Has two postseason rushing TD’s in 2 games.
- Tied franchise record for most catches by a running back in a playoff game (10) vs. Cincinnati in the AFC Wild Card Game.
Adam Vinatieri notes:
- With an appearance Sunday he will play in his 30th postseason game most in NFL history.
- He is tied for most consecutive postseason games in NFL history scoring a field goal (13), he is first in most consecutive games scoring a point (29), post season points (233), field goals (56), field goal attempts (67) and PAT’s (65).
- Oldest player currently active in the NFL (42) and playing in his 19th season (10 with New England and 9 with Indianapolis).
- Has played for 4 Super Bowl champions, provided the game winning points in two Super Bowls with last drive field goals. One with no time remaining and the other with 4 seconds left.
- Three-time Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2004, 2014) and two-time All Pro (2002 and 2004 with New England).
- Only kicker in NFL history with field goals in four Super Bowls and only kicker to play in five Super Bowls.
- His 2,146 career points are 4th all-time in NFL history and the active leader.
- Only player in NFL history with 900 points for 2 different teams.
Bjoern Werner notes:
- Played high school football in CT was born in Germany.
- Colts 2013 1st round draft pick out of Florida State.
- Leads team in sacks with 4 in 2014. Had 2.5 as a rookie in 2013.
- Had first career multi-sack game Week 5 at Baltimore.
- Leads team with 6 tackles for loss.
Darius Butler notes:
- Played college ball at UConn drafted by Patriots in 2nd round of 2009 NFL Draft.
- Played for New England from 2009-2010 also played for Carolina in 2011.
- In the post season has 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 tackle for loss and 1 pass defensed.
- In three career games vs. the Patriots has 12 tackles (7 solo), 1 forced fumble and 1 pass defensed.
- Has played in 7 postseason games, this will be his first conference championship game.
- Dressed for 14 games, started 4 and had 2 inactives.
- Had 47 tackles (41 solo), 1 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit, 8 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery this year.
General Team notes:
Colts team captains for 2014 are:
- WR Reggie Wayne
- QB Andrew Luck
- DE Cory Redding
- LB Robert Mathis (IR)
- P Pat McAfee
- K Adam Vinatieri
Players who attended New England based universities or colleges:
- G Donald Thomas (IR) – UConn
- CB Darius Butler – UConn
- LB Shawn Loiseau (IR) – Merrimack
- QB Matt Hasselbeck – Boston College
- T Gosder Cherilus (IR) – Boston College
- OL Anthony Castonzo – Boston College
Players with New England roots:
- G Donald Thomas (IR) – West Haven CT
- LB Bjoern Werner – Salisbury CT
- QB Matt Hasselbeck – Westwood MA
- LB Shawn Loiseau (IR) – Shrewsbury MA
- T Gosder Cherilus (IR) – Somerville MA
Former Patriots with the Colts:
- K Adam Vinatieri
- CB Darius Butler
- G Donald Thomas (IR)
- S Sergio Brown
- DT Kelcey Quarles
The Colts have 8 retired numbers:
- 18 – Peyton Manning
- 19 – Johnny Unitas
- 22 – Buddy Young
- 24 – Lenny Moore
- 70 – Art Donovan
- 77 – Jim Parker
- 82 – Raymond Berry
- 89 – Gino Marchetti
Next Game
Up next: Seattle
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale AZ
Date/Time: Sunday February 1 at 6:30 p.m.
TV Network: NBC
Here is the Ravens 
Up next: With a win either Denver or Indianapolis in AFC Championship Game
Up next: AFC Divisional Game vs. TBD
Here is the Jets 
Here is the Chargers 
Up next: Miami Dolphins – AFC East
Here is the Packers 
Up next: Detroit Lions – NFC North