INDIANAPOLIS -- A look at New England Patriots players who were “up” and those who were “down” in the team's 34-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday:
UP
Brandon Bolden & punt return unit: A bizarre fake punt attempt at the end of the third quarter by the Colts, in which they lined up illegally, was expertly adjusted to by the punt return unit. Bolden made the tackle for a loss of 1 yard, and the Patriots quickly turned it into points.
LeGarrette Blount: The numbers weren’t off the charts, like we saw in 2014, but Blount made the most of his playing time by rushing 38 yards for a touchdown and then catching an 11-yard pass for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. When Blount gets a head of steam, he is tough to stop, as the Colts know well.
Logan Ryan: Stepping into more of a full-time role at cornerback after veteran Tarell Brown was placed on season-ending injured reserve Saturday, Ryan showed up with strong ball skills and sound tackling. Ditto for fellow cornerback Malcolm Butler.
DOWN
Jonathan Freeny: The linebacker looked like he struggled in coverage at times early in the game, as he got the initial nod over Jerod Mayo in the 4-2-5 nickel.
Devin McCourty: The starting safety was penalized for a block in the back on special teams and later for defensive pass interference. He also had a chance at a would-be interception on a Duron Harmon tip in the fourth quarter.
Mayo: The linebacker caught our eye in the second quarter when he struggled to get off a block on a Frank Gore run up the middle, and his lack of early snaps in the 4-2-5 nickel – with Freeny playing over him – served as a reminder of how Mayo’s role has changed this year.