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Pats Lose on Belichick Stunner

Colts capitalize on fourth-down screw-up

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 16, 2009 5:33 AM CST

(Newser) – Bill Belichick’s vaunted genius got the better of him last night, when a gutsy fourth-down gamble cost the Patriots a win in Indianapolis. Up by six with 2:08 left on the clock, New England decided to go for it on fourth-and-two from its own 28. Kevin Faulk made the catch, but fell short of the first-down marker. Peyton Manning capitalized on the short field, tossing the game-winning touchdown for the Colts a few plays later.

“We thought we could win the game on that play,” Belichick said repeatedly afterward. “That was a yard I was confident we could get.” Let the second-guessing begin. “This was the worst coaching decision I have ever seen Bill Belichick make,” said ex-Patriots great Rodney Harrison. Dwight Freeney opined that even in a video game, that would be a bad call. The game carries big implications—Indy will almost certainly have home field advantage if the teams meet again in the playoffs.

[Images (2)]

[Videos (1)]

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne makes a touchdown catch after the Patriots turned over the ball on downs last night. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

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Pats Lose on Belichick Stunner