[Colofornian]

A first quarter example of where the deflated ball probably helped Brady was his 30-yard pass to Vereen to the deep left part of the field. That was THE key play of New England's second TD march.

And the deflated balls helped the Pats' receivers in yet another way -- Amendola's punt return which spurred New England's field goal drive in the second quarter.

Just as passes were easier to grab and run -- so was his punt return of 30 yards.

If the game had been tied at half 7-7, Indianapolis' play selection would have been quite distinct early in the second half. What did we see the Colts do in the 3rd quarter? Only one run (for 2 yards). Down 17-7, the Colts were forced to go almost exclusively to the air ... 3 of 10 (one pick) in the 3rd quarter. A more balanced offense would have had greater success.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Written by someone who understands game management, and thus, the game. Great post.

[freebilly]

Amendola’s punt return was from the Colt’s allotment of balls, not a deflated ball....

[freebilly]

C’mon— the Colts were the #1 passing team in the NFL and the number #22 rushing team (out of 32 teams).

The Pats are the 9th ranked defense in the league against the run and only the 17th ranked defense against the pass.

The game plan, for the Colts to win, is pass, pass, pass....

[Mad Dawgg]

"Just as passes were easier to grab and run -- so was his punt return of 30 yards."

Balls for the kicking game are different than the balls for regular play.

Do you have info that the kicking balls were deflated as well or are you just assuming such?